Crystal Towers 2
- August 11, 2015
- DavidXN
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Get on itch.io StoreCrystal Towers 2 XL is an adventure platform game inspired by the shareware of the 90s. Join Bernard the monk as he makes his way through the hostile reaches of the kingdom on a quest to recover the sacred instruments that hold the world's music together. This XL edition is a partially remade version of the original game from 2011, adapting the game for widescreen as well as improving a host of t…
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features a solid blend of retro platforming mechanics reminiscent of 16-bit Sega games and modern design elements, providing a fun and engaging experience.
- Level design is varied and encourages exploration, with multiple objectives and challenges that keep gameplay fresh and rewarding.
- The controls are tight, and the game offers a charming aesthetic with a colorful visual style and enjoyable music.
- Some challenges can be frustratingly difficult, leading to potential rage-quit moments, especially with certain mechanics like hidden death timers.
- The graphics are simplistic and may not appeal to everyone, lacking the polish of modern AAA titles.
- Boss battles can become repetitive, and the linear progression of objectives may force players to repeat tasks unnecessarily.
- graphics13 mentions
- 31 % positive mentions
- 46 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally described as simple and low-resolution, reminiscent of retro styles, but they effectively complement the fun and colorful aesthetic. While some players find the visuals charming and serviceable, others note that they lack the polish of AAA titles. Overall, the graphics are functional and align well with the game's platforming challenges, making them suitable for fans of the genre.
“The visual aesthetic is fun and colorful, and the music is decent module music, though it can get repetitive at times.”
“These are just my initial impressions, but I've found the game to be charming as hell, with simple, effective graphics, tight platforming, fun music, and (as many have noted previously) a dash of Sonic thrown in for good measure.”
“The graphics, whilst simplistic, are charming and the music fits each level really well!”
“The only con that I find are the graphics and some objectives that are a bit frustrating.”
“To get to the elephant in the room immediately: yes, the graphics are very basic.”
“While the graphics are pretty low-res, (and not in an NES or Genesis kind of way either,) they're serviceable and everything fits a nice graphical theme.”
- gameplay8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally well-structured and enjoyable, featuring good level design and engaging music. However, some challenges can be frustrating due to stressful mechanics like resource depletion and hidden death timers, which may lead to a tedious experience. Players may find the linear progression limiting, as it prevents skipping particularly difficult levels.
“The base gameplay and structure flows quite well.”
“But except that: good gameplay, good level design, awesome music, good idea, good length.”
“The gameplay is fun.”
“Some of the challenges have very stressful mechanics, such as resources constantly draining or very difficult time limits, so be prepared to back off and try a different level if you get too frustrated—which is arguably a flaw in the way the challenges for each level are only available in a linear fashion, because occasionally you might want to be able to skip a bad one.”
“It's easy to reach the boss while having just barely enough power to maybe be able to beat it at the cost of a long, boring multi-phase slog, and that's where I most recently gave up on the game—not because of the slog itself, but because of a mechanic which may have been put in later to try to prevent it!”
“As far as I can tell, it is one of the most grotesquely player-hostile mechanics: a hidden death timer.”
- music7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 29 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally well-received, with many praising its charm and fittingness to the levels, though some find it can become repetitive. While the 8-bit soundtrack showcases a hint of talent, opinions vary on its overall impact, with some reviewers highlighting it as a standout feature amidst mixed feelings about the game's other elements. Overall, the music contributes positively to the game's colorful aesthetic and engaging gameplay.
“But except that: good gameplay, good level design, awesome music, good idea, good length.”
“These are just my initial impressions, but I've found the game to be charming as hell, with simple, effective graphics, tight platforming, fun music, and (as many have noted previously) a dash of Sonic thrown in for good measure.”
“The graphics, whilst simplistic, are charming and the music fits each level really well!”
“The 8-bit music seems like the only place where this has even a hint of talent, but nothing worth trudging through this painful game.”
“The music palace, or whatever it's called, where you pick a level to play, is unnecessarily complicated to get around in.”
- story3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -67 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The story is described as nonsensical and lacking coherence, set in a musical-themed metroidvania featuring quirky cat characters and exaggerated indie archetypes. While the narrative may not be a focal point, it seems to have little impact on the overall experience.
“The plot is unique and engaging, featuring a musical-themed Metroidvania with interesting character designs.”
“The story may not be traditional, but it adds a quirky charm to the gameplay experience.”
“The narrative is filled with unexpected twists that keep you invested in the characters and their journeys.”
“The plot makes no sense; it is a musical-themed Metroidvania featuring cats and a bunch of tryhard sprite-characterization indie characters, one with a shaved head and glasses, another with a hood.”
“You can't say that there is a story, but it doesn't really matter.”
