Developer: Embers S.A.S, Embers
Publisher: Embers S.A.S., Embers
Release date: April 25, 2023
Available on: PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC, Nintendo Switch
Strayed Lights is an action-adventure game from developer Embers and music by Austin Wintory (Journey) with a beautiful world to explore and combat that relies heavily on parrying. While the concept makes for a fine debut for Embers, it does stumble a bit with certain design choices and inconsistent gameplay.
PROS
Beautiful world to explore
Excellent music
Interesting combat
Short 6-8 hour experience
CONS
Inconsistent parrying window
No guidance on where to go next
Color swapping mechanic rendered more or less unnecessary
No way to heal except by parrying
Platforming can be clumsy in spots
Leveling up costs too much
Cheap deaths
In all, Strayed Lights has a lot of interesting concepts. The world is bright and colorful, and there is plenty to explore. Gameplay does stumble, however, with aimless direction and inconsistent combat that heavily relies on parrying. Matching the color scheme of the demons is ultimately unnecessary (you can parry in either color), and the dodging technique, while effective when it works, can fail at the worst times. The fact that you can only regain health by parrying can lead to cheap deaths due to the inconsistent window puts another mark against what could have been very interesting combat. There’s a kernel of a good game here, and those more skilled with parrying and dodging may find a lot here to enjoy. Those less skilled are apt to get more frustrated. One can only hope that Embers learns from its mistakes here for their next game.
6/10 stars
You must be logged in to post a comment.