PlayStation 4 Critic Reviews

This tribute to Souls series is built on the proven mechanics, but it extends them beyond the "original" universe. Thanks to jumping segments, it offers a tougher challenge, yet it is fair and fun as hell. [Issue#263]

Salt and Sanctuary is a souls-like metroidvania. And a very good one at that. Excellent character development and clever combat system. [May 2016]

Salt and Sanctuary is a quality platformer with well-implemented Metroidvania elements. It's brutal at times, but deeply satisfying to play. Is it thematically derivative of the Souls games? Yes, but not disgustingly so. Just get out there and give a few demons what for.

A fantastic, original take on the Souls-formula that maintains the addictive risk/reward loop we’ve come to expect from the genre.

Ska Studios deserves not to be overshadowed by From Software’s legacy, instead the team should be praised for delivering a stunning game in its own right.

A bi-dimensional Souls-like, bestowed with an original and compelling combat system. Waiting for the next Souls, this might be the perfect choice.

Ska Studios’ Salt and Sanctuary is obvious about trying to emulate Dark Souls, but offers enough deep gameplay and beautiful aesthetic to stand tall on its own.

Salt and Sanctuary is the perfect companion for the Souls series, adapting the core of that games into a 2D action-platformer that is also challenging and rewarding. It's long, clever and maybe the best metroidvania-style game since Guacamelee. A must have.

I wasn't bothered or distracted by Salt and Sanctuary's uncanny resemblance to the Souls games during my playthrough, because I was too busy gleefully exploring, or locking my controller in a vise grip while trying not to die. There's nothing crass about how those elements have been adapted, because they have also been celebrated, resulting in a stellar adventure with enough moments of surprise and excitement to rival even its own source material.

Ska Studios have done a fabulous job with Salt and Sanctuary, as the transition to 2D has created a more accessible game while also retaining all of the depth.