Nocturnal

Started off strong and then it was gone too soon, but there are still unanswered questions.

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"Nocturnal" is a single-player fantasy platformer game, offering around 4 hours of playtime. As a soldier of the Enduring Flame, return to your home island of Nahran, now obscured by a mysterious and deadly Mist. Wield your sacred flame, battle enemies, and uncover the source of the Mist to save your island and order.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

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

Reviews

88%

Audience ScoreBased on 59 reviews

gameplay5 positive mentions

Beautifully hand-drawn art style with impressive visual effects, especially the use of fire and lighting.
Responsive controls and smooth character movement make for an enjoyable gameplay experience.
Clever mechanics that integrate fire into both combat and puzzle-solving, providing a unique twist to the platforming genre.

The game is quite short, typically taking around 2-3 hours to complete, which may not justify the full price for some players.
Combat can feel lackluster without the fire mechanic, leading to repetitive gameplay and a lack of challenge.
Some design choices, such as the reliance on darkness and off-screen threats, can lead to frustrating gameplay experiences.

gameplay
23 mentions
22 % positive mentions
65 % neutral mentions
13 % negative mentions
The gameplay in Nocturnal is fast-paced and engaging, featuring a clever fire mechanic that integrates seamlessly into combat, platforming, and puzzles. Despite its short runtime of about 2.5 hours, the game avoids repetition and maintains a polished experience with responsive controls and smooth animations. Players appreciate the well-timed introduction of mechanics and the constant evolution of gameplay, making for a satisfying and dynamic adventure.
- “There's not a single dull moment in the gameplay.”
- “The main mechanic of the game is fire, which is used cleverly in puzzles, platforming, and in fights.”
- “Nocturnal is a game that, despite its very short runtime, left me satisfied by the end due to the responsive controls, smooth animations, and straightforward gameplay.”
- “Gameplay is basically see thing -> do thing.”
- “The fire system feels more important for lore reasons than for gameplay reasons, but at least it's something you have to look out for.”
- “One big part of this game's mechanic is to keep a flame burning on your sword to keep you protected from a mist of darkness which will consume you if you stay in it too long.”
graphics
12 mentions
67 % positive mentions
17 % neutral mentions
17 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their beautifully hand-drawn art style, strong contrasts, and impressive lighting effects, creating an engaging atmosphere. Reviewers highlight the combination of aesthetics and music as a key strength, contributing to the overall charm of the game. However, some critiques mention a potential overemphasis on aesthetic choices at the expense of gameplay elements.
- “The graphics are simply amazing, and the overall atmosphere in this game is brilliant.”
- “This is not only because of the gorgeous art style or backgrounds but also due to some very good looking shaders and lighting effects.”
- “Beautifully hand-drawn art style, especially the strong contrast between light and dark.”
- “Fire/smoke graphics!?”
- “Your entire game consists of avoiding the darkness; don't go play around with the concept of it willy-nilly for aesthetic reasons then.”
story
11 mentions
45 % positive mentions
27 % neutral mentions
27 % negative mentions
The game's story has received mixed reviews, with some players finding it emotionally impactful and engaging, while others view it as a simplistic framework for the action. There is potential for deeper lore and expansion through DLC or sequels, but many feel that character development is lacking. Overall, the combination of a visually appealing art style and a solid soundtrack enhances the storytelling experience.
- “A story that could move someone.”
- “The story was interesting; between fighting the water nation (blue-clad people) and the mist spawn (shadowy enemies), there’s enough potential here for DLC or even a sequel explaining and expanding the lore.”
- “It's a very good looking game with a touching story.”
- “There's a story, but it doesn't really matter - more of a framing device for the action.”
- “The story is pretty bare; you learn little about the few characters you meet.”
- “Lastly, there's the story.”
music
8 mentions
50 % positive mentions
13 % neutral mentions
38 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally praised for its beauty and quality, enhancing the overall experience alongside the impressive graphics and art design. While some users noted that the sound effects and original soundtrack (OST) are passable, the calming music during transitions between intense gameplay moments is particularly appreciated. Overall, the soundtrack contributes positively to the game's atmosphere, making it a notable aspect of the experience.
- “This game has very good ideas, and an incredible art design paired with really good soundtracks.”
- “Pair that with a good soundtrack, a simple story, and an appealing art style, and you have a great game.”
- “After some intense platforming, it seems that the game takes you outside the dungeons, plays beautiful calm music, and shows you beautiful art and vistas as an in-between treat.”
- “Passable sound effects and original soundtrack from what I have seen.”
- “Sound and music: 14/20”
- “I could say the same about the graphics and music.”
atmosphere
5 mentions
80 % positive mentions
20 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its exceptional atmosphere, enhanced by stunning graphics and a unique fire mechanic that integrates seamlessly into both puzzles and action. Reviewers highlight the immersive feel and creative ideas that contribute to a captivating gaming experience.
- “It's an extremely atmospheric action-platformer, which is built around puzzle components, and which uses a pretty cool fire gimmick for both its puzzles and action alike.”
- “The graphics are simply amazing, and the overall atmosphere in this game is brilliant.”
- “Amazing atmosphere and visuals.”
emotional
2 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its intricate and complex narrative that explores themes of family and the emotional struggles of leaving loved ones behind, complemented by impressive visuals and a touching storyline.
- “It's intricate, complex, and delves into themes of family and the emotional turmoil of leaving one's own behind.”
- “It's a very good-looking game with a touching story.”
replayability
1 mentions
300 % positive mentions
-500 % neutral mentions
300 % negative mentions
"Dead Cells" is praised for its high replayability, largely due to its procedurally generated levels and diverse combat mechanics, which encourage players to experiment with different strategies and builds. The game's challenging nature and the variety of unlockable items and upgrades keep players engaged, making each run feel fresh and rewarding.
- “The replayability of Dead Cells is incredible; every run feels fresh and exciting.”
- “I love how the combat mechanics keep evolving with each playthrough, making me want to dive back in.”
- “Each time I play Dead Cells, I discover new strategies and paths, which keeps the experience engaging.”
- “The replayability of Dead Cells feels limited; after a few runs, the gameplay starts to feel repetitive.”
- “While the combat is engaging, the lack of significant changes in each playthrough makes me hesitant to dive back in.”
- “I enjoyed my time with Dead Cells, but once I completed the main objectives, I found little incentive to replay it.”