Gigasword Review – Is That A Gigasword In Your Pocket?

It is astounding to me that in the year 2025 we have some of the best games inspired by classic 8-bit adventures that continue to build upon the foundations set that long ago. Indies like Crow Country with its PSX look, Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo straight up feeling like a new Game Boy Advance entry, and the upcoming Mina The Hollower taking it a step even further with a Game Boy homage are but a few. But today’s review of Gigasword, a hilarious premise from the title alone, does an excellent job of feeling like an unearthed NES game, with all the pros and cons that come with it.

Telling the tried and true story of a chosen one in a fantasy setting, Gigasword surprises with its emotional, pixelated cutscenes talking about the worldbuilding and backstory of our orphan main character, Ezra. Longer than expected, the writing brims with passion for the genre while still hitting the expected story beats of a coming-of-age narrative. Set in a world where humans have been pitted against anthropomorphic Owl creatures for as long as time itself, Ezra is fighting for scraps every day on the sidelines until he meets one of these creatures.

Benevolent to the core, this knight Owl known as Omari teaches Ezra that this fabricated conflict to separate what could otherwise be all species living in peace. Naturally, the egotistical authoritarians in power launch an assault against the Owls in an imposing tower not too far from their realm. Plunging their world to the verge of destruction, Ezra hurries to his only friend in hopes of saving his life from such danger. Carefully crafted pixel images abound throughout the course of the game, exposing the care put into every line and cutscene.

Once set in the disruptive tower that poisons everyone around it and finally with the eponymous Gigasword in your hands, it’s time to climb to the top to save the kindgom. As a 2D metroidvania, the movement itself feels exactly like those classics of yesteryear, with jumping just a little bit off the edge to reach the next platform a common move. The main gimmick, so to speak, revolves around the massive sword itself. Although our protagonist can wield it and do a three-move combo, it slows him down and reduces the length and height of his jump. The many puzzles the game throws at you are based around this platforming mechanic.

Sticking the Gigasword into the ground to move more freely, this is the only way to move forward sometimes. Some ledges are only accessible by leaving it behind, while underwater sections require a quicker touch to avoid serpent-like creatures. It is an inventive way to introduce an outside-the-box type of thinking instead of the mostly predictable style of unlocking a power-up to unlock new areas as it is a staple of the genre. One of the downsides of this is that the longer you go, the slower the movement of the sword weighs in.

What metroidvania fans will undoubtedly love here is the scavenger hunt in every biome. Each of the levels has five hidden feathers, among other things, that will allow you to increase your health. In that same vein, the gargantuan sword itself has skills that can be unlocked with the currency given by defeating enemies. Some giving a mere few points, others can quickly open up your new abilities in a matter of minutes if you are willing to grind.

The music is a fundamental part of the package, with publisher Akupara Games hyping it up nearing release, and it is easy to hear why. Taking cues from iconic sounds of the time, each boss fight, level and cutscene has a unique tune that will transport you to its fantasy setting and your childhood equally. New games with an older aesthetic are not as recognized as those pushing the envelope, but the way a game like Gigasword emulates those smaller games is no small feat.

I found myself reminiscing of Super Metroid or Megaman when playing, both in it’s not too fluid gameplay mechanics, but with its soundtrack and 8-bit art style. To its detriment, it is so deeply engrained into what it wants to be that there seems to be no space at all for new ideas. With virtually no accessibility setting to speak of at all, hardcore gamers might applaud this as a win, but I truly hope the sole developer considers adding a couple of user-friendly gameplay features such as longer jumps, reduced damage or button mapping from newer eras to cast a bigger tent.

Verdict

A retro inspired triumph, the politically charged story laid out will move even the most jaded of players. With well-thought-out level design, imposing boss battles and clever puzzles, there’s a lot to love here. Gigasword, in its proud 8-bit NES design, is not for everyone, but it doesn’t need to be. Seasoned players who have found themselves rejecting modern sensibilities will find a home here. One for legendary heroes whose time has yet to pass.

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