The Forbidden Arts Switch Review
Release date: August 7th, 2019
Developer: Stingbot Games
Platforms: XBL, Steam, and Switch(Reviewed)
Price: $14.99
This action-packed, 2D platformer seems to have a lot to offer on the surface. The graphics are colorful and the gameplay seems fun. The plot, along with a few other elements, falls a little on the weak side, but let’s see if there is enough there to make it worth a play for the price.
The game stars a young adventurer named Phoenix. The over world is pseudo-3D and the levels or dungeons are 2D with colorful backgrounds. The overworld lacks much substance and I feel like it's just a distraction. There are NPCs but they don't have much to offer or say which doesn't help me in figuring out the story. The plot is very thin as best.
The heart of Forbidden Arts is a 2D platformer with lots of running and jumping. Players will have to navigate obstacles and puzzles. Some of the traps are frustrating and repetitive. Phoenix doesn't seem to be agile enough for some of the jumps and for many of the pits it's hard to tell which ones are fatal. I feel like the controls are sluggish for this type of game.
There is a mini map in the corner of the screen but it does little to guide you. Phoenix has his sword and magic he can use against enemies. The combat wasn't terrible, just simple and repetitive. While you are traversing the levels keep an eye out for gold bars which serves as a collectible; it also allows players to increase their health and magic.
There is voice acting in the cut scene and it's not half bad. The sound effects could use some work and while the music is lute-like, it gets repetitive quickly. Some of the graphics of the levels and the enemies seem a little off. One of the best things about this game is the generous auto save and that players come back pretty close to where they died.
But for $15 gamers could do a lot worse than this game. If you are a fan of this type of game it could be fun but I have a feeling in a few weeks this is going to get buried in the e-shop.
Big thanks to the publisher for letting us review this game.
Final Score
Pros:
Interesting Concept
Nice 2D Art
Cons:
Repetitive Gameplay
Thin Plot