This game is a combination of elements from multiple genres and they fit together like a puzzle – seemingly disparate pieces fitting together to make a wonderful work of art. Dust: An Elysian Tail has fun combat, incredibly cheesy dialogue, and a story that seems to be rote but actually has a few gratifying twists. I loved every second of playing, and I think anyone who likes metroidvania type games will too.
GAMEPLAY – Excellent
the melee combat and magic system are fun. The craft system actually produces items that are useful instead meaningless like most games. The side quests are fun to go on too – not just for completionists. The combat can get tiring at times… lots of using the same combo unless the enemy is specifically different to force you to switch it up.
All in all through incredibly awesome.
VISUALS – Exceptional
The creator is a trained artist first. All the characters and backgrounds are bright and vibrant, and they all move together creating a beautiful scene to play in.
STORYLINE – Excellent
The story is funny, the characters are endearing. The writing is incredibly INCREDIBLY cheesy, but it fits in with the rest of the story. It makes overwrought work.
MUSIC/SOUND – Exceptional
Hyperduck is freaking awesome. I love the soundtrack.
SOCIABILITY – N/A
It’s a single player game – no social portion at all.
Which I really enjoy. Too many games have social parts forced in.
ENTERTAINMENT – Exceptional
This is a game I’d play over and over. Like a book you come back to every couple years after you’ve forgotten most of the plot and can read it semi-fresh again.
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I really liked this game. Combat has a great flow to it. It was generally pretty easy on the difficulty setting I used (which, admittedly, may have been entitled “easy”), but there were still times when I really had to figure out the boss pattern and use it.
I definitely agree with you on the visuals and the sidequests.