Duskfade is a 3D action platformer that does not reinvent the wheel, but its dazzling landscapes, heartfelt narrative, and lively platforming make for a memorable journey.
3D action platformers came to define the PlayStation 2 era. Jak and Daxter, Ratchet & Clank, Sly Cooper, to name a few. Their likable characters, far-out settings, and tricky platforming made younger generations attach to these cartoony adventures. Over the years, Nintendo seemed to take over the platforming scene, with bigger studios more interested in higher graphical fidelity. Lately, they seem to be making a comeback in the form of independent studios paying homage to the games they grew up with. Duskfade is a fitting example of this trend.
Taking a page from The Legend of Zelda, Duskfade is a fantastical journey through the lens of time. This construct that we all take for granted is manipulated by “Master Clockmakers” who build magical clocks that have the power to control time. The way the game tells this story using phrases such as “you don’t have that much time” helps tell a cohesive narrative. Those themes also allow for a surprisingly heartfelt story that helps its starry-eyed protagonist grow into a decent young man.
Turn Back Time
Duskfade begins with a gorgeous cutscene of the main character, Zirian, running up and down Tick Town. This village inhabited by Cloudies—cloud-based beings—is one that captures the eye quickly. Everything looks vibrant and colorful to the point of saturation. In fact, all the landscapes are so breathtaking. While its gameplay is firmly looking the past, the game’s art style is as cutting edge as can be. Overlooking glittery skies, it is common to take a step back and simply stare in awe at how beautiful each picture-worthy vista is in front of players.
Zirian arrives at his house hurriedly as his sister Allira has not left her room in weeks. She needs to create a perfect clock that turns back time for personal reasons. Suddenly, house undergoes a transcendental explosion as soon as he knocks on the door. Our feisty young man wakes up in a homey inn surrounded by Cloudies who worry for his health. It turns out Allira is within a sealed Clock Tower that quite literally froze time. Meeting a mechanical bird by the name of Cuckoo, they both embark on a clearly defined journey to break four chains that hold the door to his sister locked.
Unexpected Friendships
The relationship between Zirian and Cuckoo is actually what carries the narrative. Before heading knee-deep into one of the four main levels, Zirian can take the time to reminisce about her sister. What she liked, what she would do if she were in the place he currently is, and their relationship at large. As childish as our protagonist is, these little moments and interactions with the mechanical bird show signs of growth the more you play. The goal to save her no matter the cost is crystal clear.
All four biomes are varied enough. A volcano, an Olympus similar to the Disney Hercules movie, and a beach are some item-riddled places Zirian will explore. Equal parts a collect-a-thon and a platformer, there is an abundance of items to find throughout each level. It is apparent that not every area is reachable from the start. It’s obvious that the game asks for plenty of backtracking as soon as you unlock new abilities. Especially as when fast traveling, the items you might miss are on display. This is one of the criticisms that I would have against the game’s overall design.
Not Everything That Shines
Armed with a sword that looks like a clock hand, or a key (wink), Zirian’s moveset is quite limited the first few hours. His three-swing combo is the only attack available. A new heavy attack is available, but by the time it does, it is much needed to add some variation. The blob enemies themselves are rather by-the-numbers as well. The option to lower the difficulty to a story mode aids in friction, but even the perfect dodge and combat improvements that can be bought in the town store feel too little too late. The same goes for the platforming.
Duskfade has directly cited Kingdom Hearts as one of its major inspirations in its marketing. Much like the hero of Destiny Islands, Zirian’s movement is airy. Counting with a double jump and a dash to start with, there is plenty of platforming and wall jumping to reach every nook and cranny in this world. But this becomes monotonous not long after. Earning a grappling hook, a glider, and more late into a 20-hour journey feels like an oversight in design. While they are applied well in the platforming design where they were obtained, it seems like it is made to rerun every level all over again to leave no stone unturned.
Grappling Hooks Make Adventure Games Better
Something strange in the level design is that there is a bell to ring in case you get lost. Duskfade is a pretty linear game. Outside of going a bit out of your way to find hidden items to satisfy your completionist brain, it is rather straightforward. This makes the adventure extremely predictable, but also fun to go through the motions. Sort of like comfort food. You know what to expect, and the callbacks to previous games from your childhood are here, but that does not mean it is not enjoyable.
The boss fights themselves are notable, mainly because of how they develop. As mentioned, once you earn a new ability such as the grappling hook, Duskfade takes the time to hone in on it. Boss fights are divided into five stages. As you keep chipping away at its life, at some point they will become invincible or fly away. This is where the suspiciously large circular stage changes in some way to make for a platforming section. Going through hoops (eventually quite literally) is what defines each of these encounters. It’s a nice change of pace from just swinging a sword ad nauseam.
Verdict – Duskfade
Nothing that you play here is new. But it does not have to be. Airy platforming that reminds you of better times. Active combat that makes you fight faceless enemies. A heartfelt cautionary tale that sneaks up on you. And the secret ingredient, an absolutely gorgeous art style that will often stop you in your tracks. Duskfade has it all. Sometimes, that is what you need to remind you of what is important in life.
Reviewed on PlayStation 5. Also available on Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series S|X and PC via Steam.
A key was provided for the purposes of this review.
Developer: Weird Beluga
Publisher: Fireshine Games
Release Date: Out now
Pros:
- Heartfelt narrative about fleeting life
- Authentic old-school 3D platformer feel
-Gorgeous landscapes straight out of a fairy tale
- Platforming sections require a fair amount of skill
- New abilities freshen up the usual gameplay mechanics
Cons:
- New abilities feel a little too late too arrive
- No accessibility features for the extensive platforming
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Great
