Helvetii
- February 3, 2023
- Team KwaKwa
As an action/adventure game, Helvetii falls just a bit short on some elements of gameplay and storytelling. However, it’s still a solid entry with very appealing looks, sounds, and mechanics.
Get on Steam"Helvetii" is a character-action game set in ancient Swiss Gaul, where young war chief Divico, druid Nammeios, and half-beast Renart must work together to stop a curse brought upon their land by Divico's victory over a Roman legion. The trio face monsters, cultists, and a shadowy figure as they fight to restore the land and reverse the curse. Players can choose between three unique characters, each with their own abilities and playstyles.
Nintendo Switch
PC
Playstation 4
Playstation 5
Steam Deck
Windows
Linux
PlayStation
Reviews
- Helvetii features a gorgeous hand-drawn art style and smooth, engaging combat that keeps players hooked.
- The game rewards skillful play with a unique combo system and offers a variety of characters, each with distinct playstyles.
- Responsive developer support and a fun gameplay loop make for an enjoyable roguelite experience.
- The game lacks a proper tutorial or introduction, making it feel clunky and unfinished for some players.
- Some players find the combat unsatisfying due to missing impactful hit sounds and flashy effects.
- The permanent upgrade progression can feel slow, and the difficulty curve may be inconsistent, particularly with boss encounters.
- gameplay12 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The gameplay is praised for its smooth combat, fluid mechanics, and engaging loop, enhanced by a variety of stage elements. While some reviewers noted that it falls short in certain aspects of gameplay and storytelling, the overall experience remains enjoyable and addictive, complemented by a charming hand-drawn art style.
“The gameplay loop is rather fun, especially with the variety of stage elements.”
“I came for the unique art style and stayed for the smooth combat, interesting setting, and addicting gameplay.”
“I like the smooth combat and fluid gameplay.”
“As an action/adventure game, Helvetii falls just a bit short on some elements of gameplay and storytelling.”
- graphics8 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are highly praised for their gorgeous art style reminiscent of Vanillaware, complemented by great visuals and music. Reviewers appreciate the unique artwork and smooth combat, highlighting the game's engaging aesthetic and overall visual appeal.
“It's a bloody good Vanillaware-style indie with snappy combat, gorgeous art style, and competently funny dialogue.”
“I came for the unique art style and stayed for the smooth combat, interesting setting, and addicting gameplay.”
“Great visuals and music, a lovable trio of dorks, and incredibly solid combat, especially for a game built around a single attack button.”
- music6 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its gorgeous quality, enhancing the overall experience alongside great visuals and solid combat mechanics. Players find it relaxing and enjoyable, making it a significant highlight of the game.
“At $15, if it's remotely your kind of game, you should pick it up and come slay the corrupted to this absolutely gorgeous soundtrack!”
“Great visuals and music, a lovable trio of dorks, and incredibly solid combat, especially for a game built around a single attack button.”
“I relaxed for 5 minutes to this music long enough to realize that I was going to be okay.”
- story3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The story of the game emphasizes resilience and the unpredictability of life, highlighting the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. However, some players feel that the storytelling aspect falls short, suggesting that it could be more engaging within the action/adventure framework.
“The moral of the story is that you never know what life holds in store for you. If I had given up when all the odds were stacked against me, I wouldn't be where I am today.”
“As an action/adventure game, Helvetii falls just a bit short on some elements of gameplay and storytelling.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by competently funny dialogue that complements its engaging combat and stunning art style, reminiscent of Vanillaware's signature approach. Overall, players find the humor to be a strong and enjoyable aspect of the experience.
“It's a bloody good Vanillaware-style indie with snappy combat, gorgeous art style, and competently funny dialogue.”
