Oct 2017
Elliot Quest is an enticing blend of retro aesthetics and modern gameplay sensibilities crafted by Ansimuz Games. Imagine a charming platformer that feels like it rolled out of a classic 90s cabinet but packs enough modern twists to keep you glued to your Switch. If you've ever fancied yourself an adventurer, now's your chance to take up arrows and quest across this whimsical world!
At the core of Elliot Quest lies the classic 'Metroidvania' structure: explore, gain abilities, and return to previously inaccessible areas. You play as Elliot, a hero cursed by a demon named Satar (seriously, that's like the worst day at work). Your mission? Save your soul from being demonized into a pile of pixelated ash. Throughout Elliot's journey, you'll engage in side-scrolling action, fitting neatly into an intricate world filled with puzzles and areas ripe for exploration. The gameplay starts simply; you begin with the ability to run, jump, and shoot feeble arrows. But as you progress and acquire snazzy abilities like double jumping and enemy-bouncing (yes, it's as fun as it sounds), the world opens up like a can of soda shaken up too much. NPCs inhabit charming little towns, offering cryptic nuggets of wisdom-kind of like your grandma's old advice but without the embarrassing family stories. It's a delightful mix of combat, platforming, and occasional brain-bending puzzles, but don't expect to outsmart Professor X; some of them just require an extra dash of patience. Overall, the gameplay is smooth enough to make your grandma think you actually learned a useful skill from video games.
Visually, Elliot Quest shines with its charming pixel art style. It's a love letter to the retro aesthetic, capturing the nostalgic vibe of the 8-bit and 16-bit eras without leaning too heavily into pretentiousness. Each location is vibrant and brimming with character-just like a bottle of pop that somehow fell into magical paint! The color palettes are appealing, with environments ranging from sunny fields to dimly lit dungeons, keeping your peepers engaged. While it may not compare to the graphical fidelity of modern AAA titles, the art style captures the spirit of yesteryear perfectly, proving that you don't need photorealistic graphics to keep players engaged. It's as though someone dropped a palette into a history book and said, 'Make it retro!' and they did, in the best way possible.
Elliot Quest brings nostalgia and charm wrapped in some seriously enjoyable gameplay. With its Metroidvania-style exploration and whimsical pixelart, it's perfect for those looking to relive 90s glory while still enjoying a fresh experience. Sure, there are moments where Elliot might not make the smartest moves (I mean, he is cursed), but those missteps only make your victories feel all the sweeter. It's a delightful trip that rewards persistence and creativity. Ultimately, Elliot Quest proves that sometimes, it's good to chase down demons-even if they'll turn you into a creature of the night. If you're searching for a solid platformer with an adventure spirit, don't let Elliot fly under your radar; get it and take a stab at saving Elliot's soul (and your gaming sanity)!
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