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Kalevania

90%Game Brain Score
music, gameplay
stability, replayability
90% User Score Based on 58 reviews

Platforms

PCPCWinWindowsLinLinux
Buy Nowfrom $5.99
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About

"Kalevania is a single-player Fantasy Platformer game inspired by Finnish mythology and retro-style Japanese console games. Explore seven diverse locations, combatting over 50 enemy types using various weapons and runic powers. Immerse in the authentic retro gaming experience, complete with an original nostalgic soundtrack by Ilari Hannula."

Genres & Tags
Play Modes
Kalevania screenshot
Kalevania screenshot
Kalevania screenshot
Kalevania screenshot
Kalevania screenshot
Kalevania screenshot
Kalevania screenshot
Kalevania screenshot
Kalevania screenshot
Kalevania screenshot
Kalevania screenshot
+21

90%
Audience ScoreBased on 58 reviews
music14 positive mentions
stability4 negative mentions
  • The game offers a fun and entertaining experience with a charming art style and a great soundtrack, making it enjoyable for fans of Finnish folklore.
  • Gameplay is satisfying with varied spells and mechanics, allowing players to feel powerful as they progress through the levels.
  • Despite its short length, the game is well worth playing, especially when on sale, and is recommended for fans of platformers and retro-style games.
  • The game suffers from a lack of polish, with issues such as unclear controls, recycled enemies, and frustrating design choices like the life system that can lead to losing all progress.
  • Level design becomes less inspired as the game progresses, with many areas feeling repetitive and lacking in creativity.
  • Technical problems, including stuttering and poor menu navigation, detract from the overall experience and can lead to frustration during gameplay.
  • music
    28 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game has received high praise for its fitting and engaging soundtrack, with many users describing it as "banging" and "really good." However, some players have reported technical issues, such as music not looping during prolonged boss fights and glitches causing multiple tracks to play simultaneously. Overall, while the soundtrack enhances the gameplay experience, there are notable sound-related bugs that need addressing.

    • “A really fun albeit short platformer with an absolutely banging soundtrack.”
    • “Seriously though, I can't praise the OST enough.”
    • “The music is really fitting and the levels do look lovely in pixel art.”
    • “Sometimes if you fight the boss for too long, the music stops looping.”
    • “I somehow managed to have two music tracks playing at the same time; I'm not sure if alt-tab had anything to do with it or the faulty mute feature.”
    • “I think you guys need to figure out what to do about all the stutter, fix the music problems, and maybe rework some color coding and visuals in the levels so you can see what the hell is hitting you.”
  • gameplay
    20 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay is generally praised for its satisfying mechanics, varied spells, and solid controls, drawing comparisons to titles like Shovel Knight. Players appreciate the diverse weapon options and unique features such as the pogo mechanic, although some have noted technical issues like stuttering that detract from the experience. Overall, the gameplay is considered enjoyable, complemented by a strong soundtrack and Finnish humor.

    • “The gameplay feels satisfying and punchy, and most spells are quite varied in function.”
    • “Amazing vania game with good music, rock solid gameplay mechanics, and Finnish humor!”
    • “At first, it felt like the gameplay was decent; you can change between multiple weapons, bounce on the sword, and use various spells, plus all of the upgrades.”
    • “Gameplay-wise, it might resemble Shovel Knight somewhat; you control the old hero Väinämöinen who sets out to recover the Sampo (a mythical McGuffin) and find a bride.”
    • “At first, it felt like the gameplay was decent. I mean, you can change between multiple weapons, bounce on the sword, and use various spells, plus all of the upgrades.”
    • “I didn't have any issues with the gameplay aspects of the game; it's solid.”
  • graphics
    12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics feature a charming, albeit sometimes primitive, art style that balances abstract and representational elements effectively. While many users appreciate the overall aesthetic and sound design, concerns have been raised about performance issues such as stuttering and visibility in gameplay, which detract from the visual experience.

    • “An art style focused on limited space and palette, no single pixel representing anything in particular, perfect compromise between abstract and representational art.”
    • “The graphics are extremely good so far at least, and the music is really good too.”
    • “I think you guys need to figure out what to do about all the stutter; you don't want it to feel like you're constantly changing speed in mid-air. Fix the soft lock, fix the music problems, and maybe rework some color coding and visuals in the levels so you can see what the hell is hitting you.”
    • “The art style may be primitive in places, but it is extremely charming.”
    • “An art style focused on limited space and palette, with no single pixel representing anything in particular; it's a perfect compromise between abstract and representational art.”
  • stability
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game suffers from significant stability issues, particularly freezing during critical moments, such as the final boss encounter, which prevents players from completing the game. Additionally, there are minor glitches, like the music stopping during prolonged battles.

    • “The game freezes at what I assume is the last boss or close to the ending, so I was unable to finish it. I would say it's around 3 to 4 hours to get there.”
    • “Sometimes if you fight the boss for too long, the music stops looping.”
    • “The game freezes at what I assume is the last boss or close to the ending, so I was unable to finish it. I would say it's around 3 to 4 hours to get there.”
  • story
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story is praised for its entertaining elements and nostalgic references to the Kalevala, making it a highly recommended experience for those seeking enjoyable gameplay.

    • “Highly recommend for just some good fun, and throwbacks to the story of Kalevala.”
  • humor
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is characterized by its unique Finnish style, which adds a distinct flavor to the overall experience. Players appreciate the blend of humor with solid gameplay mechanics and engaging music, enhancing the game's appeal.

    • “Amazing vania game with good music, rock solid gameplay mechanics, and Finnish humor!”
  • replayability
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The reviews indicate that the game's replayability has improved following the 1.02 patch, making it feel more playable despite some lingering stutter issues. Players appreciate the default starting option, suggesting it enhances the overall experience and encourages multiple playthroughs.

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