Record of Lodoss War-Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth- Reviews

[u][b]Record of Lodoss War-Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth-[/b][/u] is a 2D side-scrolling action adventure game (or "Metroidvania") which has a phenomenal production value and smooth and innovative gameplay that takes considerable inspiration from [i]Castlevania: Symphony of the Night[/i] and [u][url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/253750/Ikaruga/]Ikaruga[/url][/u]. Overall, I recommend it but with a caveat: the game is quite short and can easily be finished in 7-9 hours while the replay value is quite low due to the rigid linearity of the narrative-driven progression, both of which might not warrant the game's full price of 20$ USD. Otherwise, the dual-element mechanic that it borrows from [i]Ikaruga[/i] is executed incredibly well and adds a welcome layer of depth to the genre, the visuals and audio are simply excellent, and it will most certainly evoke feelings of nostalgia from you if you grew up playing [i]Castlevania: Symphony of the Night[/i]. Note: this review is current as of Update 1.2.1.0 released on 5 January 2022 which is the latest update. [hr][/hr] [quote][b]S U M M A R Y[/b][/quote] - The gameplay uses a unique dual-element mechanic which allows you to freely switch between two elements to deal damage and absorb projectiles of your active element; - The replay value is non-existent because the game is completely linear due to its narrative-driven progression and you will see everything that the game has to offer in one playthrough; - The graphics use stunning pixel art which is pristinely animated; - The soundtrack is amazing and its epic symphonic tone really underscores the mood of each area or scene, particularly the inquisitive nature of exploration and the rush of combat; and - The story is murky without having some prior knowledge about the main characters in the [i]Record of Lodoss War[/i] world but begins to piece itself together after an hour or two and can be enjoyed without having any experience with the source material. If you're interested, you can find my review of the soundtrack [u][url=https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561197976187948/recommended/1567820/]here[/url][/u]. [hr][/hr] [quote][b]A C H I E V E M E N T S[/b][/quote] The game has 25 achievements, most of which will be acquired throughout casual gameplay while a few will require you to farm enemies who drop certain weapons and should take 7-9 hours. [hr][/hr] [quote][b]R E V I E W[/b][/quote] [h3]Gameplay[/h3] The gameplay has a novel dual-element mechanic which is heavily inspired from the polarity mechanic in [i]Ikaruga[/i] and allows you to switch your active element to deal damage and absorb projectiles of that element, making you immune to the active element but weak to your inactive element. Unfortunately, the game doesn't take full advantage of this system as you only ever have access to two elements that you can switch between while enemies have resistances, weaknesses, and immunities to many others which you can't interact with except by equipping certain weapons or casting elemental spells that you don't even gain access to until much later (if at all in the case of weapons dropped by enemies or spells that you don't collect). Furthermore, the enemies rarely fire projectiles of your two elements which means that the system is only fully utilized by the bosses. The bosses are fast-paced, challenging, and very fun because of the extra layer of strategy that the dual-element mechanic adds to the combat: most bosses fire multiple waves of unavoidable projectiles which alternate in element and require you to switch to the proper element at the right time in order to be immune to the attack and maneuver through the arena. This results in somewhat hectic and a pseudo bullet hell style of combat especially as you are first learning the boss' patterns and must rapidly adapt to them which is quite enjoyable and gratifying. The controls are responsive and tight, which results in the movement feeling extremely smooth, but some of the mechanics are awkward to get used to at first such as the ability to hover, especially when you are trying to use them in a fast-paced boss battle. There are a huge variety of weapons which are grouped into daggers, swords, two-handed swords, spears, and thrown weapons, each of which have their own speed and range, thus allowing you to choose your playstyle to some degree; however, the weapons become progressively stronger and overshadow one another regardless of their class which makes it difficult to stick to one class without sacrificing damage output and there is no system to upgrade a weapon so you can keep using it because you prefer that class or playstyle. The exploration is wholly linear because the game forces you to go in a set direction until you fulfill a specific requirement which allows you to advance to the next intended area and progress through the narrative-driven story. Sadly, the replay value is non-existent because of this high degree of linearity as well as the lack of secrets and lore to uncover, the existence of only one ending, and the exceedingly short length of the game. The game is also quite easy because combat with most regular enemies isn't very engaging due to their docile nature or predictable attack patterns and even the bosses aren't much of a threat once you learn their patterns. [h3]Graphics[/h3] The graphics use absolutely beautiful, vibrant, and detailed pixel art which is gorgeously animated. The way the main character moves and attacks (especially turning around) is almost exactly how Alucard does so in [i]Castlevania: Symphony of the Night[/i] and I felt a distinct wave of nostalgia wash over me when I started the game and assumed control of her. [h3]Sound[/h3] The soundtrack is fantastic and is made up of energizing symphonic adventure songs which really fit the theme and setting of the game, are a sheer pleasure to listen to, and are reminiscent of modern-era [i]Castlevania[/i] games as well as the [i]Valkyrie Profile[/i] series. More often than not, I found myself manually travelling through areas whose music I liked (which was most of them) rather than using the fast-travel system to get around. In fact, I enjoyed the soundtrack so much that I immediately purchased it after beating the game. [h3]Story[/h3] The story is slightly confusing because it expects you to have some background knowledge about the main characters in the [i]Record of Lodoss War[/i] world. If you don't know anything about the series like I did then you will be somewhat puzzled by who is supposed to be your friend or foe until about an hour or two into the game when the characters appear enough for you to start building a clear picture of the plot for yourself. That being said, it is a completely self-contained side-story that can be enjoyed without needing to be familiar with the source material but I think that it could have been executed better by including a bit more exposition at the beginning to help set the stage for the game. [h3]Conclusion[/h3] Overall, I recommend it but would be remiss if I didn't mention the fact that it's a very short game which has no replay value. That being said, it does everything else really well (except the execution of the story, arguably) and implementing the dual-element mechanic from [i]Ikaruga[/i] is a terrific idea which works surprisingly well in the genre because it adds another layer of depth to the combat. If the game had a few more areas and was a few hours longer then it would easily be worth its full price of 20$ USD and I would recommend it without any hesitation whatsoever; however, as it currently stands, it might be worth waiting for it to go on sale for [u][url=https://steamdb.info/app/1203630/]50% off at 10$ USD[/url][/u] which it regularly does but this ultimately depends on how much playtime you feel like you should get out of a game compared to its price.

Short and sweet. Great element switching mechanics. Only issue with the game is it is a bit too easy. For anyone looking to scratch a metroidvania itch without committing to a giant, bloated game, its a great pickup that only takes a few hours to get to the end. I'd guess if I wanted to 100% it it would only take a couple more hours. I've not seen the anime so I can't speak to the story or characters, but it didn't hinder my enjoyment. I may give the show a watch now, though.

althought the story wasnt that impressive for me, the game makes it up by having extremely fun gameplay, amazing design and quite good exploration and combat mechanic. The boss fights have a good level of difficulty and there's really funny combos you can pull off with the magic spells, they did an excelent job representing what a battle-mage should actually be. If you are looking for a short but fun metroidvania and also has a thing for elf ladies then this game is perfect

Love to see Record of Lodoss War still going strong. The anime continues to be one of my favourite since childhood and this game brought back a lot of those core memories for me. Very much would recommend this game for those who enjoy Metroidvania's and cute elf girls kicking booty.

I had a blast playing this game. It's not all that difficult and it's easy to learn as you play. You may struggle at first but you will learn from your mistakes and get better. There are some annoying things in the game like jumping and other things. But I recommend getting this game when it's discounted.

It's great. + The motion is very dynamic, considerably better than older Metroidvanias, dodges jumps etc The spirit systems adds a pleasant dynamic to the game with vulnerabilities and strengths for enemies and for you Enemies are very varied, bosses are varied as well The map is well fleshed out The game includes a variety of weapons with their corresponding effects The puzzles are not deeply complex, but fun - The game leaves you wanting more. Boss rush mode is a thing, but not enough. Lorewise it adds nothing to the Recrod of Lodoss War story It leaves you wondering if Pirotess was also wondering the labyrinth at the same time or if she was merely an illusion. 8/10

A very good "short" metroidvania and a good epilogue to the Lodoss War saga, I highly recommend it

With a good controller this game is AWESOME! Playing it feels like a close friend who grew up with you and played Catslevania: SOTN and watch Record of Lodoss War and is also great at programming made a game just for you! It's like being transported to your couch back in the 90's. Have a good controller though, nigh unplayable on keyboard

A fast paced metroidvania with some intense boss battles. The main element system is like the one from the DMC reboot, where you swap between elements to deal more damage, absorb projectiles, and recover health over time. Some mechanics can be a little frustrating (bow timing for rotating gears) or off screen projectiles. I know nothing of the backstory, but then again most metroidvanias don't have much. 9/10 would recommend

Very fun metroidvania! The art-style and gameplay are tight, map exploration is fun, and the secrets aren't tedious to find or do. One minor complaint is that the boss fights aren't the best, I just found myself spamming the healing item and the wind spirit and i could shred the bosses relatively easily. 9/10 experience highly recommended!