Although 3D platformers dominated consoles in the mid-to-late 90s, the genre faded, with only icons like Mario and Ratchet still flying the flag. Duskfade aims to recapture the magic of the era with its whimsical adventure that revives the classic formula. Does this throwback manage to blend nostalgia and modern expectations to establish a new beginning for the genre, or will it remain trapped in the shadow of the classics that inspired it?
You play as Zirian, a peppy young workshop apprentice. With your sister trapped in the mysterious Clock Tower and the world spiralling into darkness, you set out to rescue Allira while uncovering the secrets of the Master Clockmakers. Along the way, you’re joined by Cuckoo, a mechanical bird who accompanies you through a series of wonderfully distinct and charming locations, each containing a chain which you must break to open the tower. While whimsy defines the world, a deeply personal story of grief lies at the heart of the adventure, creating a touching and heartfelt tale.
Movement is central to any platformer, and Duskfade embraces this at every turn. Each environment offers an array of traversal opportunities, allowing you to freely explore and gather the numerous collectables buried within. With the ability to double-jump, air-dash, grapple and more, it’s a joy to wander and discover. The world is constructed around this notion, where out-of-reach ledges suddenly become available when travelling a different path and combining your traversal skills. Although it relies on tropes of the genre such as rails, etc, each aspect is embedded within the world, creating environments that constantly reward curiosity.
Levels vary from large, open areas to tightly designed, linear ventures. These allow Weird Beluga to take advantage of the responsive movement, creating lines that allow you to chain together exhilarating platforming sequences. From air-dashing across wide open gaps to a last-second grapple before plummeting to certain death, the game presents an array of impressive platforming segments that demand you employ all of your abilities to overcome. Each area encourages exploration through clever level design. Even with the absent map, it’s easy to navigate, beckoning you to explore while guiding you towards your objective.
Enemies aim to stifle your progress, surrounding you in arena-type segments. Luckily, you have several tools to deal with these pests so that you can quickly dispatch foes and return to your quest. Options develop over time, but soon you’ll be able to combine light and heavy attacks to deliver a flurry of vicious strikes and smack projectiles back from whence they came. Successive hits build a meter which allows you to unleash a special attack. You can quickly switch these with a click of your D-Pad, choosing what works for the scenario.
Combat is adequate, similar to titles of its ilk. Attacks lack impact, and fights against minions can feel a little messy. Dodging is important as enemies can roll towards you, drop explosives and much more. Rolling out of the way of these at the last second rewards you with a momentary slowdown so that you can take advantage of their position. This is particularly effective when facing bosses. These encounters tend to combine traversal and combat into one sequence, helping to make them a standout feature. You must read and counter attacks before launching into a race against time through a platforming sequence, then jump back into the fight. It’s a tense and exhilarating encounter that demands quick thinking and precise execution.
The influence of Kingdom Hearts is immediately apparent with its cute art direction. From his cheeky grin to his attire, Zirian shares a clear resemblance to Sora. Even their weapons, the Minutero and Keyblade, are very similar; however, this doesn’t take away from the overall visuals. Each area looks wonderful, blending magical and fairytale aesthetics which enhance the experience. This is further accentuated by its stellar score, which successfully flips between epic melodies and comical adventure, perfectly capturing the tone.
Duskfade is a confident reminder of why 3D platformers once reigned supreme. Packed with character and charm, it’s a great adventure which places movement and traversal at the forefront. While the game’s influences are evident and it doesn’t add much to the formula, it’s a well-crafted adventure that reminds us why the genre remains so beloved. Although it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it does prove there’s still plenty of life left in classic 3D platforming.
***A Steam key was provided by the publisher***
