Damsel
- January 19, 2018
- Screwtape Studios
- 40h median play time
Damsel is an engaging, challenging platformer that has a little something for everyone. It may get too hard too early for some people, but mastering the mechanics is incredibly rewarding.
"Damsel is a single-player horror platformer that takes about 40 hours to beat. As Special Agent Damsel, rescue hostages, disarm bombs, and defeat vampires in fast-paced, challenging action. Uncover the secrets of Red Mist, the powerful corporation adding a new ingredient to their popular vampire drink, and prevent their ultimate plan of total dominance in a comic book world."
Reviews
- Damsel features a gorgeous art style and engaging comic book-inspired visuals that enhance the overall atmosphere of the game.
- The gameplay is fast-paced and fun, with a variety of mechanics that keep players engaged and encourage replayability through high score challenges.
- The developers are active and committed to improving the game, frequently updating it based on community feedback.
- The game lacks proper controller support, making it difficult to play, especially for those who prefer using gamepads over mouse and keyboard.
- Many players find the level design repetitive, with limited variations and a lack of a compelling story or progression.
- Controls can feel clunky and unresponsive at times, leading to frustrating gameplay experiences.
- story12 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players finding it lacking in structure and depth, describing it as insipid and feeling more like a collection of game types rather than a cohesive narrative. However, others appreciate the beautifully crafted levels and comic book art style, suggesting that while the story may be minimal, the gameplay remains enjoyable. Overall, the narrative experience seems to vary significantly among players, with some hoping for a more developed storyline in future updates.
“Great story.”
“A swath of wonderfully crafted levels stitched together with a beautiful comic book art story.”
“I've only played several missions from the story mode, but while short, the game is fun for sure.”
“The story has no clear beginning or end.”
“I don't know... because what I was expecting was some kind of storyline, and maybe that's coming, but the 'campaign' really feels and is presented like a bunch of game types.”
“There is not much in the way of a story.”
- gameplay6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The gameplay in Damsel is engaging and fast-paced, featuring unique levels that introduce new mechanics and enemies, keeping the experience fresh despite some repetitive objectives. However, the lack of clear explanations for various mechanics can lead to confusion, and the reliance on similar quick-time events may detract from the overall flow of gameplay. The addition of a synth-wave inspired soundtrack enhances the experience, complementing the action as players navigate through the levels.
“Damsel is a really cool platformer with enough interesting mechanics to keep you playing.”
“Along with strong gameplay, Damsel offers an excellent synth-wave inspired soundtrack that gives the player a perfect background track while they slip, slide, and shoot through the levels.”
“It's confusing because most of these disparate game mechanics are not properly explained.”
“The QTEs are all based on the same principle, and in most cases, all they do is hinder the second-to-second gameplay.”
“No two levels feel familiar, and while objectives repeat, it feels different as they add new mechanics and enemies to the mix.”
- graphics5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 40 % negative mentions
Overall, the graphics received mixed feedback, with some players praising the art style and aesthetic as impressive and engaging, while others found the animations and storytelling lacking. The game's visuals are described as a captivating blend of cyber themes and nostalgic references, contributing to an immersive experience despite some technical issues.
“Fun game, great art style.”
“It has finely tuned controls, levels that have enough action that makes it practically pointless to own a chair, and an art style that leaves you in awe.”
“I did not vibe with the storytelling, art style, animations, or controls.”
“The campy cyber aesthetic harkens to a love child between They Live, From Dusk Till Dawn, and Akira, while its combat shamelessly alludes to Buffy the Vampire Slayer's rip-'n-tear fun in its protagonist, Damsel.”
- music5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- -20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The game's music is highly praised for its pumping synth soundtrack, which complements the fast-paced gameplay and cartoonish aesthetic. Reviewers describe the soundtrack as "rad" and "kick-ass," enhancing the overall experience and making it a standout feature for players, especially those who enjoy arcade-style games.
“Along with strong gameplay, Damsel offers an excellent synth-wave inspired soundtrack that gives the player a perfect background track while they slip, slide, and shoot through the levels.”
“With a kick-ass soundtrack and a dazzlingly handcrafted environment, Damsel's 80s b-film camp, simplistic controls, and fluid combat make this a must-have for any prospective speedrunner and arcade junkie.”
“The music is rad as heck.”
“The game touts itself as being fast paced (unless you are QTE'ing or accidentally shooting scenery), arcadey (except when it's constantly not), single player game (yes), set in a cartoon world (that I know nothing about), with a pumping synth soundtrack (the music is rad as heck).”
“- bangin' soundtrack”
“With a kick-ass soundtrack and a dazzlingly handcrafted environment, Damsel's 80s B-film camp, simplistic controls, and fluid combat make this a must-have for any prospective speedrunner and arcade junkie.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Damsel offers strong replayability due to its diverse gameplay options in each level, allowing players to approach challenges in various ways. The inclusion of an arcade mode further enhances this replay value, encouraging players to revisit the game for different experiences.
“The main replayability of Damsel comes from each level giving the player a plethora of options for how they want to play.”
“Strong replayability, especially with arcade mode.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's comic book-inspired visuals significantly enhance its atmosphere, providing players with insights into the unique world in which the character Damsel resides.
“The awesome comic book-inspired look of the game also helps create a great atmosphere, giving hints about the world in which Damsel lives.”
“The immersive sound design and vibrant visuals combine to create an atmosphere that pulls you into the game's unique universe.”
“The hauntingly beautiful soundtrack perfectly complements the stunning art style, enhancing the overall atmosphere and emotional depth of the game.”
Critic Reviews
Damsel Review - Master The Flowstate
Damsel is an engaging, challenging platformer that has a little something for everyone. It may get too hard too early for some people, but mastering the mechanics is incredibly rewarding.
80%Damsel Review
Damsel manages to be a competent action platformer that speedrun enthusiasts and leaderboard junkies should get a kick out of, but it achieves little beyond this. The constant dashing around while shooting vampires proves fun in short bursts, but doesn't have a ton of longevity.
68%Damsel Review
If you’re looking a fast-paced platformer to sink your teeth into, Damsel might just do the trick. But it’s best enjoyed in bite-sized morsels.
60%