Akatori

Akatori is the kind of game that doesn’t need to reinvent the genre to grab your attention. It takes familiar elements from the metroidvania genre, adds a good dose of platforming and fast-paced combat, and throws in a movement mechanic that ends up being one of its biggest highlights. The result is an enjoyable adventure, especially if you like exploring, discovering hidden paths and unlocking new abilities. And the visuals really help. The pixel art looks great, the worlds have plenty of personality, and the combination of 2D visuals with elements that add depth makes everything even more interesting. Of course, there are a few issues. The exploration can become a little repetitive at certain points, and I would have liked to see more variety when it comes to rewards and challenges. But that doesn’t take away from the game’s strengths. Akatori is a fun, beautiful adventure with a personality of its own. If you enjoy metroidvanias, platform games and pixel art adventures**, this is definitely one to keep on your radar. And honestly, one of the things I enjoyed most is how the game makes you want to keep exploring simply to find out what’s waiting behind the next door. And for me, when a metroidvania can create that sense of curiosity, it’s already doing a lot right.