If you’re not familiar with MO:Astray beyond its utterly weird name, then it's high time you start paying attention. Originally released on Steam back in October 2019 to little fanfare, MO:Astray is a 2D puzzle-platformer boasting unique gameplay mechanics, meticulously designed environments, and gorgeous pixelated visuals. There are flavours of the Metroidvania genre sprinkled into MO:Astray, but it’s an altogether more linear experience, and all the better for it.
You play as an unassuming blob called MO. Initially, MO’s movements are severely restrained, and it can only slide across the ground in a rather pitiful manner. After absorbing a bit of energy early on, MO gains the ability to leap and stick to walls and ceilings. In doing so, it’s able to bounce around the environment with ease, flitting between parallel surfaces and propelling itself through the air. It’s a surprisingly versatile way of navigation; you utilise the right analogue stick to point MO in the desired direction, and tap L or LT to jump, with the strength of your jump dependent on how far you move the analogue stick.
As you progress, you’ll gain new abilities such as the classic double jump, and the ability to possess nearby creatures by latching to their heads, like a parasite. Every ability is fully utilised, and nothing wasted. Even better, there’s very little – if any – backtracking involved, so you’re constantly moving forwards, learning new ways to tackle the environments and defeat your enemies. Boss battles are also plentiful, and we were consistently surprised by their unique design and, quite frankly, their intimidating move set.
If we had to complain about anything (and we’re stretching here), it’s that death can come thick and fast if you’re not careful. The majority of the game feels like a very carefully constructed platformer that reminds us of Celeste in some ways, but there are a few occasions in which you’ll be pulling your hair out over the tiniest of errors. Thankfully, respawning is almost instantaneous, and for the majority of the time, you can be safe in the knowledge that most deaths are a result of your own mistake, and not the game itself.
MO:Astray is so confident in every facet, including its slick gameplay, well-implemented backstory, and stunningly atmospheric visuals. This is a grim, gory game, but one that retains a level of charm that could perhaps be likened to the Metroid franchise. There are so many wonderful surprises around every corner, whether it’s a new ability or a fearsomely intimidating boss battle. Don’t let MO:Astray fall under the radar; it’s a real treat and deserves to gain a place in your library.
Comments 15
Lack of backtracking makes this an instant win for me.
That's what made that last reverse horror game lose steam for me. Carrion or whatever it was called.
This one completely slipped by me due to the number of good eShop games releasing lately. It looks really nice and sounds like the type of platformer I typically really enjoy. Definitely going to play this.
Update:. Bought it shortly after reading this review and played through the game in a couple of days. It's really great. Best 2D platformer I've played since Celeste.
looks interesting, not much backtracking and possibly celeste like difficulty with interesting ideas.
@Kalmaro In the end i didn't even finish Carrion yet. It seemed fun at the beginning but well it is basically just backtracking and occassionally some fighting which quickly made the game quite boring to me, a shame cause the concept seemed really fun
@Solaine The concept was AMAZING, it was just executed poorly.
I absolutely love this game. The level design is brilliant, and the puzzles are well done. For instance, you're taught how to use a new skill that you earned, through a a very simple puzzle. But as you progress, you'll need to be creative with how to use your skill to solve a puzzle. Why it's brilliant, because you just get it, because you get the basics down, you can apply the skill in new ways. It's so well done.
So many ads, so few screenshots.
This screams LRG release. I will hop right on that.
@Collette If generic means gorgeous, ok. You shold see it in action with all the little details, this is top notch pixel art.
Funny how NL tells us to don't let this game fall under the radar, only to give it a mini review. Yeah
@Collette I dunno. Did you check out the trailer? Looks pretty interesting if you ask me.
@Indielink Speaking of, I wonder why @NintendoLife hasn't reported on the games that went up for pre-order today on Limited Run Games. They feature WayForward's iconic half-genie girl, and I even emailed them about it. What gives?
@KayFiOS They reported on it last week. Probably didn't want to make a second post about it because everyone moans about how LRG killed their kids/wife/dog.
Can anyone tell me how long this game is? It looks interesting, but I’ve gotten into a rut lately with games that are just too long for what they are. I’m looking for shorter games that I can get through in the limited time I have.
@JimmyFleck 8 hours main story, 9 & 1/2 to do extras, 12 hours for the completionist.
@Scottwood101 Thank you. I’m looking for good games I can finish in less than 20 hrs. This sounds perfect.
Looks fantastic. Will download someday.
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