From publisher Humble Games, a chellenging souls-like Metroidvania has been confirmed to launch on Switch on September 27th. Developed by Black Mermaid, Moonscars sees you take on the role of Grey Irma, a fierce warrior who must overcome deadly opponents and build up his strength in a non-linear world where "every death is a lesson learned". Definitely sounds quite familiar to fans of Dark Souls, doesn't it!
Aesthetically, the game also shares some stark similarities to Blasphemous, which proved a hit with fans of the Metroidvania genre with its often brutal difficulty and mature themes. We're definitely a fan of the overall vibe here, and if you've read a series of books called Malazan Book of the Fallen, don't you think the protagonist kind of looks like the dark lord 'Anomander Rake'? Look him up!
Here's the lowdown from Humble Games:
Under grim moonlight, the fierce clayborne warrior Grey Irma battles, driven by a lonesome purpose: Find the Sculptor, and unravel the mystery of her existence.
Push the limits of your combat skills, and master new abilities to progress through an unforgiving nonlinear 2D world. Face off against the relentless darkness that seeks to destroy you. In Moonscars, every death is a lesson learnt—and as you overcome each challenge, new truths will be revealed.Key Features
Death Shapes You – Before you rise, you first must fall. Mold yourself into a master warrior through a cycle of trial and triumph.
A Grimly Gorgeous World – Explore the shadows and secrets concealed in the moonlight of a painterly nonlinear 2D realm marred by desperation and despair.
Test Your Resolve – Sharpen your skills and reflexes in challenging, action-packed combat. Slash and parry with your sword, wield unique special weapons, and command powerful Witchery.
The Moon Hungers – Unearth a strange, dark fantasy tale filled with twists and intricate worldbuilding. Seek the truth of your creation and be rewarded.
Clay, Bone, and Ichor - Bear witness to tales and memories of betrayal, suffering, and revenge as Grey Irma and her fellow beings of flesh and clay seek truth and purpose.
Does this one look up you alley, or have you had your fill of souls-like Metroidvanias? Let us know in the comments!
[source gematsu.com]
Comments 21
Looks intriguing. Is this what happened in the catacombs in the musical the Phantom of the Opera?
From Software makes the best Souls games period. If they made a 2D game I'd buy it right away. Tried some of these imitations and they just don't have what it takes. Making it hard and unfair isn't what From Software does.
The lead character reminds me of a cross of Juste Belmont and Heath Ledger's Joker...
Ok, I think comparing games to others is getting ridiculous now. The headline basically says it's like 4 games! Hahah
@GrailUK It's an Earthworm Jim clone because it's 2d and it's definitely inspired by Madworld's black-white-and-red.
Not to forget: pixelart, so it's also inspired by classics like Mother 3, that game had such wonderful pixels. And just like in Half Life, the player presses buttons to move a character around and interact with a virtual world, so I guess it's also inspired by Assassin's Creed, that game also has a virtual world.
But the comparisons were alright. Now I know its a game that i would like to play because i really like souls game and 2d metroidvanias. Blasphemous was a blast and if that game has similarities it is a plus.
Reminds me a lot of that game Slain, just more monotone.
Sounds interesting but trying to decide if it's too scary; blasphemous is a bit too much for me.
This looks really cool
I love Dark Souls, but I have played many Souls-likes and can't remember a single one I enjoyed. The formula has been copied a lot but never very well, IMO. I always get my hopes up and am always left disappointed.
I know many people say Hollow Knight is a Souls-like but I don't really think so. Sure it has similarities, but it's quite a different sort of feel for many reasons.
@sketchturner
The most souslike 2d that I remember is Salt and Sanctuary. For me it was a really enjoyable game.
Played the demo for this on Steam, will definitely get it on Switch.
@Shambo Stop it! hhaha
Sweet animation, so fluid. The game looks like the lovechild of Castlevania and Slain: Back from Hell.
Also, that trailer narrator's voice reminds me of Bob Pogo from F is for Family.
I watched the trailer for this over on PushSquare and my first thought was "Man I hope this comes out on Switch." Well here we are and I'm so happy. Those animations are slick and the game looks really polished and great. I think I'll be getting this. I dabbled in Blasphemous but I think this looks better.. EEK! :: cowers in fear of being punched by this community ::
@AcridSkull
hello
super sword moves look cool... do they feel powerful?
I thought we all collectively agreed to stop with these word salad title mash-ups. The usage of major franchise titles as key descriptors is a practice that has long ceased to carry any meaning... it would be nice to see descriptions for games that are collated on their own merits.
2creepy4me
words words words.
Yeah, I could chill with this. Maybe they'll even throw in some accessibility options for plebs like me who couldn't finish Blasphemous. >_>
Looking really cool! I definitely have some Blasphemous vibes more than Dark souls's. Combat looks great, too. I hope their are differents kind of biomes because the trailers look pretty repetitive
But I love this kind of game, and the protag is really cool!
@GrailUK "Stop it", sounds like a great "Say NO More" - like.
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