Violet Wisteria
- February 8, 2023
- Kanipro Games
Get on SteamIn Violet Wisteria, play as Wisteria Asagiri and navigate through multiple dimensions to stop Maskandes' evil plot. Master the unique tri-color attack system, where each color is strong against one but weak against another, to defeat enemies and obstacles. With inspiration from 80s and 90s fantasy platformers, players must use quick thinking and strategy to reach the heart-wrenching finale.
Reviews
- Violet Wisteria is a challenging and rewarding retro-style action platformer that pays homage to classic games like Valis, featuring a unique color-based combat mechanic that adds depth to gameplay.
- The game boasts beautiful graphics, detailed backgrounds, and a catchy soundtrack that captures the essence of 90s gaming, enhancing the overall nostalgic experience.
- Players appreciate the game's fair difficulty, which encourages skill development and perseverance, making each victory feel earned and satisfying.
- The color mechanic, while innovative, can be confusing and frustrating for players, as enemy color weaknesses change randomly, complicating combat and platforming.
- Some players feel that the game needed more rigorous playtesting and polish, particularly regarding control schemes and the overall feel of the gameplay.
- The music has received mixed reviews, with some finding it discordant or not fitting well with the game's aesthetic, particularly in the early stages.
- gameplay18 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the title features a unique color mechanic that requires players to adapt their attacks based on enemy colors, adding a strategic layer to the action platformer experience. While some players appreciate the challenge and creativity this mechanic brings, others find it detracts from the overall enjoyment and immediacy of the game. Overall, the game offers a solid retro experience with engaging mechanics, though opinions on the effectiveness of the color system are mixed.
“The game's action platformer gimmick is a three-color mechanic that forces you to change colors to defeat enemies or use them to your advantage.”
“The color attack and boost mechanics are satisfying and keep your interest throughout the game.”
“It's challenging, has a beautiful art direction, a fantastic soundtrack, and the attack color mechanic really leads to some interesting strategies.”
“The designer was too in love with the 3 elemental rock/paper/scissors mechanics of the game that it completely took away from the immediacy and feel of the game.”
“The color mechanic is what is holding me back.”
“Also, I get that the color attack system was an attempt to make this stand out and lead to different gameplay possibilities, but I'm not feeling that at all.”
- music13 mentions
- 31 % positive mentions
- 46 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with some praising its catchy and nostalgic qualities reminiscent of the 90s and 2000s, while others find it lacking or "broken." Overall, many players appreciate the soundtrack as a highlight, noting its fitting style for the game's retro aesthetic and its ability to enhance the gameplay experience.
“It has a strong challenge and good music, so I highly recommend it to gamers looking for a retro platformer fix.”
“Pros - the soundtrack is pretty catchy.”
“The music is another highlight.”
“And, I'm going to be much more of a debbie-downer here, but the music... well, the music sounds kind of broken.”
“The rest of the music that I've heard in the game (I've only made it to stage 2 so far) has been surprising and unpredictable.”
“Music reminds me a lot of the cute 2000s/90s.”
- graphics5 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The graphics are highly praised for their imaginative and detailed design, featuring unique elements like organic stage settings and creative visual effects. Reviewers note that the visuals are solid and enhance the overall experience, making each new stage visually rewarding.
“Thankfully, the visuals are extremely well done and so full of imagination that being able to see each new stage is a real treat.”
“Random graphic details like organic stage settings or eyeball platforms.”
“Graphics are also very solid.”
“From the cut-scenes, the music and the graphics you can see that inspiration all over this and it's very well done.”
- story2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The story aspect is noted to be somewhat simplistic, with a lack of depth in combat mechanics that detracts from overall engagement. However, it effectively evokes nostalgia for classic PC Engine titles through its storytelling and presentation.
“It'd be a different story if they were weak to their own color, but that added step to each encounter doesn't make combat more interesting, if I'm being honest.”
“For the gameplay, storytelling, and presentation, it scratches that PC Engine itch.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers appreciate the humor in the game, noting that the varied and unusual enemy designs elicit laughter upon their introduction. The combination of detailed backgrounds and effective animations enhances the overall comedic experience.
“The enemy designs are varied and interesting—there are some enemies that made me laugh when they first appeared because of how unusual they were.”
“The humor in the dialogue is clever and keeps you engaged throughout the game.”
“I love how the game uses puns and witty one-liners that catch you off guard and make you chuckle.”
