Koboo: The Tree Spirit - Prologue | Game Brain

Koboo: The Tree Spirit - Prologue Game Cover

About

"Koboo: The Tree Spirit - Prologue" is a short action roguelike platformer, inspired by games like Dead Cells and Shadow of the Colossus. Players must master challenging combat, befriend woodland creatures, and restore balance to the ancient ecosystem. The game offers customizable builds, accessibility options, and a soothing gardening feature. This Prologue serves as a preview for the full game, which is made possible by the support of the Kickstarter community.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Koboo: The Tree Spirit - Prologue screenshot

92%

Audience ScoreBased on 48 reviews

graphics6 positive mentions

gameplay3 negative mentions

The combat mechanics are fun and challenging, providing a rewarding experience for players.
The game features a unique art style and engaging atmosphere, complemented by good music and character dialogue.
There is a lot of content for a free prologue, showcasing potential for further development and refinement.

The movement feels sluggish and clunky, making gameplay less enjoyable.
There are only a few bosses, and players lose progress upon exiting the game, which can be frustrating.
Some abilities and weapons, like spirit powers and the lightning orb, are considered underwhelming and not worth using.

gameplay
14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
14%
64%
21%
Gameplay is engaging and well-designed, featuring fun and challenging battle mechanics that encourage mastery over time. While the controls are tight and accessible, some players feel that enemy movement could be improved, and there is potential for future enhancements, such as a hub stage to expand gameplay mechanics and visual elements. Overall, the game successfully combines intuitive mechanics with clever surprises, particularly in boss encounters.
- “The game is simple enough to pick up mechanically, takes a little time to master and still does a clever trick trying to subvert your expectations with the first boss.”
- “The weapons, skills, and unique mechanics are very well thought out.”
- “Yet I feel that more can be done with this in the future with a proper hub stage, allowing you to truly 'rebuild your home' by making the forest flourish once more with a bloom of new mechanics and visual splendor.”
- “[*] Keyboard aiming focuses on cross-hair placement and not directional input (melee or overall gameplay might be more reliable with a controller).”
- “The gameplay is tight.”
graphics
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
42%
8%
The game's graphics feature a unique art style that many players appreciate for its aesthetic appeal, particularly in still images. However, there are consistent criticisms regarding a lack of coherence and a decline in quality when the visuals are in motion. Overall, while the art style is charming and enhances the gameplay experience, it falls short in dynamic settings.
- “I love this game's art and the aesthetic is great.”
- “Really like the art style, combat is fun.”
- “The art style is very cute and the music makes the action that more exciting.”
- “Visuals: the art style is unique, but lacks coherence.”
story
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
25%
38%
The game's story is not deeply intricate, serving primarily as a backdrop to the gameplay, which takes precedence. While the narrative focuses on themes of renewal and rebuilding, particularly in the forest, it is complemented by an engaging atmosphere and storytelling elements that encourage players to explore beyond combat.
- “The atmosphere and the storytelling are amazing too; don't get entranced by the awesome combat too much, stop to talk to the fish as well.”
- “[*] 'Rebuild your home' - currently, this statement is only true in the sense of storytelling, renewing the forest.”
- “Do not suspect, as of yet, a deep and intricate story.”
- “The game screams gameplay first, with a sprinkle of story after.”
- “Currently, the statement 'rebuild your home' is only true in the sense of storytelling, renewing the forest.”
- “Do not expect a deep and intricate story.”
music
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The music in the game is well-received, enhancing the overall experience and excitement of the action, while being effectively complemented by the dialogue. Additionally, the cute art style contributes to the positive reception of the soundtrack.
- “The music is good, which is further complemented by the use of dialogue.”
- “The art style is very cute and the music makes the action that much more exciting.”
optimization
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The game's optimization is criticized for capping at 60fps and experiencing performance drops during asset loading, particularly at startup, which leads to noticeable stutters.
- “Performance: The game caps at 60fps, but also drops during asset loading, especially at startup, causing stutters.”
atmosphere
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its immersive storytelling, encouraging players to engage with the environment beyond just combat. The unique interactions, such as conversing with fish, enhance the overall experience and contribute to a captivating world.
- “The atmosphere and the storytelling are amazing too; don't get entranced by the awesome combat too much—stop to talk to the fish as well.”