Around the midpoint of the game, players unlock the ability to fast travel between specific warp points they have discovered, but, aside from that, many of the modern conveniences that today’s gamer has come to rely on are noticeably absent. If there is an in-game map, I never found it, and the only time you can make any changes to – or even view – your inventory or magic is from one of the many save statues sprinkled about the world. The rest of the time, you’ll simply have to make do with what’s on hand. Likewise, while enemies will drop money or – incredibly rarely – a weapon, health drops are non-existent. From one save point to the next, you will simply have to survive, being both aggressive, but careful, until you reach the next checkpoint. There’s no real penalty to dying, aside from having to restart from the last time you saved, though the death screen does keep track of how many times you’ve died, gently reminding you of every time you got too reckless for your own good.
It took me about six hours to finally reach the end of the castle and bring down the final boss. However, it’s hard to say if that’s an accurate estimate of how long it would take to finish the game. I haven’t actually counted, but I would wager there may actually be more optional bosses and areas in the game than what players are required to explore. Inquisitive players will find many special upgrades, weapons, spells and even a few easter eggs that they would completely miss out on if they stayed on the beaten path. Unlocking the double jump ability adds loads more content, as well, encouraging players to head all the way back to the beginning sections to explore previously unreachable areas. However, you’ll also need to be tenacious, because many of these secret areas will likely push the limits of your platforming skills. One particular stage, the aptly named “Torture Chamber,” contained so many deadly spike traps, spinning sawblades and monstrous enemies that I felt like I was playing a sequel to 1001 Spikes. Once everything was said and done, I had only finished the game with 61% total completion, so there’s clearly a lot more waiting for me within that godforsaken castle.
If you read my impressions piece on Kings of Kung Fu, you may remember that part of why I didn’t enjoy the game was because I didn’t feel as though it was made for me. Sure, the gameplay was a bit wonky and the art needed some tweaking, but, at its core, I feel as though I was missing out on a key component of the game’s enjoyment simply because I never watched those old martial arts movies growing up. However, I can say with complete confidence that Castle in the Darkness was made for me. If you’re someone who loves the bygone days of classic gaming and have an itch for one a taste of some of that “Nintendo Hard” action, you can’t ask for a better way to spend $6. I really don’t know what else there is to say. Guys… It’s good. It’s so good! Go get it right now!
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Review copy provided by the publisher
