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.
"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.
Reviews
- The game features a gorgeous hand-drawn art style and smooth, responsive combat that keeps players engaged.
- Each character offers a unique playstyle, enhancing replayability and making each run feel distinct.
- The game rewards skillful play and offers a variety of upgrades that can significantly impact gameplay without requiring extensive grinding.
- The game lacks a proper tutorial or introduction, making it difficult for new players to understand the mechanics.
- Some players find the hit feedback unsatisfying, missing the 'crunchy' sounds and flashy effects that enhance combat satisfaction.
- The permanent upgrade progression can feel slow, which may frustrate players looking for quicker advancements.
- gameplay5 mentions
- 80 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The gameplay is praised for its fun and addictive nature, featuring smooth combat and a variety of stage elements that enhance the experience. Players are drawn in by the unique hand-drawn art style but remain engaged due to the enjoyable gameplay mechanics and fluidity.
“The lovely hand-drawn style hooked me in, but I stayed for the gameplay.”
“Other than that, 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.”
- graphics4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game features a stunning Vanillaware-inspired art style that captivates players, complemented by smooth combat mechanics and engaging visuals. Reviewers praise the graphics for their beauty and the overall aesthetic, which enhances the gameplay experience. The combination of great visuals, humor, and solid combat contributes to its 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.”
- music3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised for its gorgeous quality, enhancing the overall experience alongside great visuals and solid combat. Players find it relaxing and enjoyable, contributing positively to the game's atmosphere.
“Either way, 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.”
- humor1 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.”
- story1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The story emphasizes resilience and the unpredictability of life, highlighting that perseverance in the face of adversity can lead to unexpected and rewarding outcomes.
“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.”