Kingdom Shell

An epic and decidedly tough Metroidvania developed by a single man. In a ruined kingdom, the magical Shell has been shattered and Elias, a half-blood with nightmarish powers, is tasked with repelling hordes of terrifying creatures. With beautiful pixel art graphics and a pitiless level of difficulty, this game promises a colossal challenge for fans of the genre. Prepare to overcome the impossible.

Inspired by classics of the genre like Momodora Reverie Under the Moonlight and Rygar on the NES, this 2D pixel art game developed by a one-man team transports you to a kingdom that was once protected by the magical Shell. When the Shell was broken, hordes of monstruous creatures, known as the Blood of Nightmares, invade the land. To save their people, the White Temple unleashes Elias, a half-blood who is half human, half nightmare. The only way for Elias to earn his freedom is to prove his bravery by facing these terrors and restoring peace.

We liked the developer's attention to detail. All of the environments are beautifully designed, immersing the player in their distinctive atmosphere. While the pixel art may appear simple, it immerses you in enchanting environments that evoke the fairytale book of childhood. Whether it’s the baroque architecture of Top City or the Royal Palace – a vast ruined castle and old seat of power that is home to some of the game's most formidable bosses – we loved it all.

Our favourite part? The soundtrack that carries you away into the game world. Music plays a key role in the sense of immersion, and each area has its own musical theme. From the gnomes' caves with their '80s synthwave, to the oppressive atmosphere of the Tower of Dreams, the soundtrack perfectly captures the essence of each location.

Our tip to help you on your way? Kingdom Shell rewards those who take the time to stop, explore, and mark their discoveries. The game is packed full of areas that are at first inaccessible, so once you have unlocked your powers it is always worth retracing your steps to uncover new secrets. What's more, upgrading Elias with charms will give you a real advantage against the tough bosses.

In the purest Metroidvania tradition, you will be exploring environments filled with secrets and unlocking new powers like the Orb of Rage that breaks down walls, or the Dark Star to solve puzzles. Kingdom Shell features a fluid upgrade system where each new ability opens up hitherto inaccessible areas.

Kingdom Shell is much more than just a tribute to the classics of the genre; it is a breath of fresh air with its fairytale influences and polished pixel art.

But be warned; it's a hard game.

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