Helen's Mysterious Castle

92%
Game Brain Score Based on 830 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • music
Helen's Mysterious Castle Game Cover
Starting at €1.99Buy now
Get on Steam

"Helen's Mysterious Castle" is a challenging 2D platformer game where players control a boy on a quest to rescue a girl from a mystical castle. The game features tight controls, numerous traps and obstacles, and requires precise jumps and quick reflexes to progress. With its pixelated graphics and retro-inspired soundtrack, players will be immersed in a nostalgic adventure filled with mystery and excitement.

  • PC
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

92%
Audience ScoreBased on 830 reviews
story202 positive mentions
grinding64 negative mentions
  • Unique and engaging battle system that requires strategic thinking and planning.
  • Charming characters and a light-hearted story that unfolds as you progress.
  • Great value for the price, providing several hours of enjoyable gameplay.
  • Lack of clear direction and guidance can lead to confusion and backtracking.
  • Some players may find the combat repetitive after a while.
  • The story starts off slow and may not be compelling for everyone.
  • story550 mentions

    The story of "Helen's Mysterious Castle" is characterized by a lighthearted and comedic tone, with moments of emotional depth that unfold gradually as players progress. While it starts off minimal and somewhat vague, it reveals unique twists and engaging character interactions, ultimately providing a charming and enjoyable narrative experience. Despite some critiques regarding its simplicity and predictability, many players found the story to be surprisingly compelling and well-executed for a short indie RPG.

    • “The story and characters are charming, the game genuinely made me laugh at points, and I truly came out of it wanting the best for everyone.”
    • “The story is also genuinely unique, and though it followed some RPG conventions near the end, the journey there and uncovering who and what I truly was was genuinely compelling.”
    • “The writing is pretty light in tone and comedic for the most part, but the story does have a few serious beats to it too and the finale is really good.”
    • “The story is non-existent, at least as far as I played (which was just past the first boss).”
    • “There was no introductory scenes prior to the title screen, no character or narrator giving you a backstory after starting a new game, nothing.”
    • “The game definitely seems to focus on gameplay over story, making the story the most lacking aspect of the game, but this might not be as big of a deal as I make it seem because I only played for one hour and the story could develop much more after the point that I reached.”
  • gameplay226 mentions

    The gameplay of "Helen's Mysterious Castle" is characterized by innovative mechanics and a focus on engaging combat, often described as a refreshing twist on traditional turn-based RPG systems. Players appreciate the strategic depth and addictive nature of the core gameplay loop, which involves exploration, battling, and problem-solving, despite some critiques regarding its simplicity and occasional repetitiveness. Overall, the game is praised for its unique battle mechanics and enjoyable character interactions, making it a worthwhile experience for RPG enthusiasts, especially given its low price point.

    • “Some innovative gameplay mechanics are at work here and while the script is nothing to write home about, it captured the typical hero arc well enough to keep me playing until the very end.”
    • “The gameplay is interesting and will have you pondering over the actions you choose to take in hopes of achieving the best outcome.”
    • “The gameplay or combat system is where the game really shines, it's a 1v1 match (every time) and is all about strategy and timing, it is fun and incredibly addictive.”
    • “Unfortunately, it still falls into the trap of employing the worst gaming mechanic to ever be perfected by the JRPG industry: grinding.”
    • “The reason I give this a negative review is at a certain point, you can't increase your weapons further, but the bosses will far outpace you in the damage they deal and the AI always chooses the most favorable option in the rock-paper-scissors mechanic.”
    • “Repetitive and not very engaging, despite an admirable spin on typical JRPG gameplay.”
  • music188 mentions

    The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with many praising its charm and ability to enhance the atmosphere, particularly during key moments and boss battles. While some tracks are described as generic or repetitive, others are noted for their emotional depth and fittingness to the game's narrative. Technical issues, such as compatibility with certain operating systems, have also been highlighted, affecting the overall experience for some players.

    • “The music is fantastic and enthralling, the storyline and characters are cute, the difficulty progression ramps up beautifully from smooth to challenging, and there's potentially a fair bit of replay value if you want to try and find all the hidden items and try out varying builds.”
    • “It's a shame, because the songs really are great - invigorating, suiting the situation, and with enough emotion to immerse yourself.”
    • “Each song was fitting and some were outright magnificent, especially some near the end of the game.”
    • “The interface is really bad and the 3 songs I heard were super generic.”
    • “Unfortunately, I wasn't able to hear the music when I played, and that really detracted from the first impression I had of the game as I think music plays a large part in any game since it contributes to the mood, atmosphere, and overall tone of the game.”
    • “Made in RPG Maker, all of the game's graphics, music, and sound use the absolute most default of its pack-in materials.”
  • graphics110 mentions

    The graphics in the game primarily utilize standard RPG Maker assets, yet they are executed with a cohesive and charming design that elevates the overall aesthetic. While some minor graphical errors exist, the battle animations and custom sprites stand out, providing a nostalgic yet polished visual experience reminiscent of classic JRPGs. Overall, the visuals are appealing, especially for fans of retro-style games, and contribute positively to the game's atmosphere.

    • “Incredible game, smart combat, cute graphics, and charming story.”
    • “The landscapes you travel in range from lively gardens to lost ruins, all of them bringing absolutely amazing amounts of graphical detail and appeal, in-battle, making basic actions or even when posing during the menu, everything is detailed and animated silky smoothly.”
    • “Although clearly made in RPG Maker, this game breaks the stigma with a lot of originality in its design and its custom-made graphics.”
    • “The graphics are either for ants or people who wear bifocals.”
    • “Made in RPG Maker, all of the game's graphics, music, and sound use the absolute most default of its pack-in materials.”
    • “As a final note, a lot of the graphics are based on or retrieved from the RPG Maker kit.”
  • grinding64 mentions

    Overall, the game's grinding mechanics receive mixed feedback from players. While some find the grinding to be minimal and optional, allowing for quick battles and strategic gameplay, others criticize it as tedious and repetitive, particularly in later stages where grinding becomes more necessary. The experience system and weapon upgrades help mitigate some grindiness, but opinions vary widely on whether the grinding enhances or detracts from the overall enjoyment of the game.

    • “Unfortunately, it still falls into the trap of employing the worst gaming mechanic to ever be perfected by the JRPG industry: grinding.”
    • “The game has such potential, but at the point I am at in the game, it is just elongated grinding to no avail.”
    • “This game would be good for scratching the occasional itch for mindless grinding, but if you're coming for story or entertainment, this bare-bones RPG isn't worth your two bucks.”
  • humor60 mentions

    The humor in the game is consistently praised for its charm and cleverness, with many players noting that it effectively balances light-hearted moments with more serious themes. The dialogue is well-written, often eliciting genuine laughter, and the quirky, self-aware humor adds to the overall enjoyment of the experience. While not always uproariously funny, the game maintains a delightful tone that resonates with players throughout their adventure.

    • “An entertaining, funny adventure 2D RPG full of heart!”
    • “The characters are fun to talk to and made me laugh a lot.”
    • “The humor is quirky and quite amusing, almost self-aware.”
  • emotional18 mentions

    The emotional aspect of "Helen's Mysterious Castle" is highlighted by its delicate and engaging storytelling, which evokes nostalgia and a sense of childhood wonder. While some players may find the emotional expression too subtle or childish compared to Western RPGs, many appreciate the game's ability to deliver touching moments, particularly towards the end, making it a satisfying experience overall. Despite a slow start, the narrative's emotional depth and humor resonate well, leaving players eager for more.

    • “Playing a lot of generic RPG Maker games had made me begin to worry if I didn't like JRPGs at all anymore, but Helen's Mysterious Castle made me feel like a kid again and I loved every minute of it.”
    • “The game isn't too long, but for a JRPG, an excellent and interesting plot full of delicate emotional expression is a must.”
    • “Much like the combat, the story starts off incredibly basic, yet manages to pull off an emotionally engaging ending by the time it's done.”
  • character development12 mentions

    Character development in the game is mixed; while some players appreciate the depth and emotional complexity introduced after the initial stages, others find the main character's illiteracy and muteness hinder relatability and growth. Overall, the game offers a blend of engaging plot twists and character arcs, but many feel that substantial development is limited, particularly in the context of a traditional RPG.

    • “At first it starts out like an uninteresting RPG with new mechanics to get used to... but after the first boss, so much plot and character development, along with comedy and tragedy, gets thrown in that you have no idea what you're in for.”
    • “Character development is really great; it's really something.”
    • “The main character is also illiterate and a mute, which doesn't help with character development or relating to them.”
    • “For an RPG, though, there's not much character development, with one exception, mind you.”
    • “There isn't really much large character development, but I'd say it works for a very simple story.”
  • replayability12 mentions

    The game offers significant replayability through its variety of solutions, customizable combat systems, and multiple endings, encouraging players to experiment with different strategies and builds. While some players find substantial replay value in exploring hidden items and varying gameplay styles, others feel the replay potential may be limited. Overall, it is praised for its engaging mechanics and compelling content that enhances the replay experience.

    • “The variety of solutions also means there's a good bit of replay value if you're the type of person to actually experiment with strategies.”
    • “The combat system is great; it allows for so much customization that it enhances replayability by using different weapons and combinations that may work completely differently than others.”
    • “It's a tight, replayable RPG that manages to have more interesting combat, better exploration, and more compelling progression with only one playable character than most JRPGs manage with dozens of hours and a full party to manage.”
    • “Cheap and can have replay value for some (not much for me)”
    • “The music is fantastic and enthralling, the storyline and characters are cute, the difficulty progression ramps up beautifully from smooth to challenging, and there's potentially a fair bit of replay value if you want to try and find all the hidden items and try out varying builds.”
    • “But with what I just wrote combined with the replayability added via multiple endings, Helen's Mysterious Castle will be the best two dollars you ever spent.”
  • atmosphere8 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is described as charming and unique, contributing positively to the overall experience despite its shortcomings in graphics and audio quality. However, issues such as the lack of audible music for some players and the overwhelming size of dungeons leading to disorientation can detract from the immersive experience. Overall, while the atmosphere is appreciated, it is heavily influenced by the game's audio elements and level design.

    • “This game may not have amazing graphics, audio quality, writing, or anything that might make up a more solid RPG, it still stands very well because of its unique mechanics and lovable atmosphere.”
    • “The composition is mostly atmospherical, holding onto enough head-bopping traits to make it catchy.”
    • “The atmosphere is immersive and engaging, drawing players into the world and making them feel a part of the experience.”
    • “Unfortunately, I wasn't able to hear the music when I played, and that really detracted from the first impression I had of the game, as I think music plays a large part in any game since it contributes to the mood, atmosphere, and overall tone of the game.”
    • “I've found myself lost at certain points due to how massive the dungeons become, and the backtracking that results from it just kills the atmosphere.”
  • stability4 mentions

    Overall, the game is well-crafted and enjoyable, but it suffers from occasional bugs and stability issues, with certain areas posing a risk of crashes. While the gameplay is engaging, players should be prepared for some unpredictable technical problems.

    • “It felt fun, it was well made, though still a little buggy at some spots.”
    • “Cons: predictable combat later in the game, some areas are buggy, some areas have the potential to outright crash you.”
  • optimization4 mentions

    The game's optimization is praised for simplifying traditional RPG elements while maintaining engagement, particularly through the innovative "wait" system that enhances strategic decision-making with a risk-reward dynamic. Overall, players find the optimization features both accessible and rewarding.

    • “You have the standard weapons, items, enhancing, and all that good jazz, but this game manages to simplify core elements of RPGs while tuning them to be equally engaging and easy to understand. Special mention to the wait system, which introduces a large pool for optimization and a risk-reward formula.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Buy Helen's Mysterious Castle

Play time

7hMedian play time
7hAverage play time
5-11hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 10 analyzed playthroughs

Videos

Similar Games