Side Scape
- January 27, 2023
- MathanGames
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io Store"Side Scape" is a Platformer/Dungeon Crawler hybrid where players control two characters, Captain Grisham and Sir Knight, with unique abilities and perspectives. The game features switching between a platformer and top-down character, puzzle gameplay, and an original soundtrack. With a demo offering up to the first dungeon's completion, the full version includes 4-5 hours of gameplay, various items, and was created by a dedicated team of two. Buy the full version on Steam today! .
Reviews
- Unique blend of 2D platforming and top-down adventure mechanics, providing engaging puzzles and combat.
- Solid execution with tight controls, enjoyable exploration, and a fun narrative that adds charm to the gameplay.
- Great throwback to retro gaming with a nostalgic feel, appealing to fans of classic Zelda and Metroid games.
- Lack of a detailed map and vague hints can lead to confusion and aimless wandering during gameplay.
- Graphics and sound design are simplistic and may feel amateurish, detracting from the overall experience.
- Some boss fights can be frustratingly difficult, especially early in the game when players have limited abilities.
- gameplay9 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 22 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "side scape" is praised for its innovative mechanic that allows players to seamlessly switch between 2D platforming and top-down navigation, creating a unique and engaging experience. While the execution can feel a bit clumsy at times, the tight controls and well-integrated puzzles offer a nostalgic yet challenging retro gaming experience. Overall, the game successfully combines creative mechanics with a variety of gameplay styles, making it a standout indie title.
“The game mechanics are unique and inventive, as you explore rooms switching between side-scrolling platforming and top-down navigation (within the same room!).”
“Tight controls and unique gameplay.”
“This game has all of the elements that make retro gaming so much fun, it has very fully integrated puzzles that are not like the dumbed down ones that you will find in modern games, as well as, bosses that are scaled to be a challenge with the almost bullet hell-esque gameplay.”
“This game has all of the elements that make retro gaming so much fun, but the puzzles can feel overly complex and frustrating, unlike the simpler ones found in modern games.”
“While the game mechanics are unique and inventive, the frequent switching between side-scrolling and top-down navigation can be disorienting and disrupt the flow of gameplay.”
“The gameplay incorporates both vertical and horizontal elements, but this can lead to confusion and make the puzzles feel unnecessarily convoluted.”
- music6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally described as solid and well-crafted, effectively matching the game's environment and pace, though it lacks variety. While some reviews note that the soundtrack can be hit or miss, with certain sound effects being subpar, others appreciate the thoughtful integration of music into the gameplay experience. Overall, the music is considered serviceable, contributing to the game's atmosphere despite some criticisms.
“Don't get fooled by the very old-school graphics and soundtrack: Side Scape is a really clever game that not only mixes top-down combat and exploration a la NES Legend of Zelda with platforming action, but it also has several interesting puzzles based on both switching the protagonists at the appropriate moments and using weapons and items according to the environmental clues.”
“I can also tell that there was a lot of thought that went into the soundtrack to match the environment and the speed at which the game is going.”
“The music in the background is also well made, even if there isn't much variety.”
“The art and music are... well, serviceable, I guess, and the plot is fairly standard, if not a little meta.”
“Namely that, the map is bad, the music is often bad, sprites can be really primitive, some sound effects are bad.”
- story6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The story features two heroes from different dimensions who must work together to resolve their merged reality, effectively utilizing a meta-narrative while maintaining a light tone. While some find the plot standard, it is enriched by engaging dialogue, thought-provoking puzzles, and a solid foundation for potential expansion. Overall, the narrative is well-received, contributing positively to the game's experience.
“Storywise, you play two heroes from different dimensions merged together in their quest to undo this: it really taps into meta-narrative, but keeps its light tone and is solid throughout.”
“It has a lot of engaging dialogue and story elements, and the combat is fun to play.”
“It has thought-provoking puzzles and an intriguing storyline.”
“The art and music are... well, serviceable, I guess, and the plot is fairly standard, if not a little meta.”
- graphics4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are described as simplistic and reminiscent of old-school styles, evoking a DIY aesthetic that adds charm rather than detracts from gameplay. Despite their basic appearance, the visuals effectively support the game's clever mechanics and genre-blending design, proving that engaging gameplay can thrive alongside minimalistic art.
“I'm really surprised this genre-melding concept isn't more common in games. The only other one I can think of is the utterly fantastic Concursion -- which also has in common with Side Scape a somewhat MS Paint and 'crunkulated' art style.”
“While the graphics are pretty simplistic, they do their job well.”
“Don't get fooled by the very old-school graphics and soundtrack: Side Scape is a really clever game that not only mixes top-down combat and exploration a la NES Legend of Zelda with platforming action, but it also has several interesting puzzles based on both switching the protagonists at the appropriate moments and using weapons and items according to the environmental clues.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its clever humor, likening it to a blend of iconic characters like Samus and Link, and features engaging dialogue that is both funny and endearing. Additionally, the humor complements the well-designed dungeons and unique character abilities, enhancing the overall experience.
“It is 100% as if Samus and Link had a baby, and the game approaches it with an amazing sense of humor.”
“It has really good dungeon design, unique character abilities, interesting meta-narratives, and funny yet endearing dialogue.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the game to be a heartwarming experience, highlighting its wholesome nature and emotional resonance.
“It's an incredibly moving experience that stays with you long after you've finished playing.”
“The emotional depth of the characters really draws you in and makes you care about their journeys.”
“I found myself tearing up at several points; the storytelling is truly powerful.”
