Way of the Red
- November 16, 2016
- Corey Hardman
Get on SteamWay of the Red is a challenging 2D platformer focused on precise movement and combat. As the lone warrior, Orza, players traverse treacherous environments, defeat formidable enemies, and uncover the mysteries of a dark and oppressive land. With minimalist storytelling and tough-as-nails gameplay, Way of the Red demands skill, patience, and resilience.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features tight controls and fluid combat, making it enjoyable to play.
- It offers a charming story with multiple endings and engaging platforming elements.
- The game is well-priced for the experience it provides, making it a great value for players.
- The game has a steep difficulty curve that may frustrate less experienced players.
- Some players found the initial gameplay slow and the controls a bit stiff at times.
- There are occasional issues with vague progression requirements and glitches that can disrupt gameplay.
- story18 mentions
- 39 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The story in "Way of the Red" is characterized as imaginative and engaging, featuring a simple yet charming narrative about a birdman's quest for justice and freedom. While some players appreciate the open-ended nature and multiple endings, others find the overall plot to be light and somewhat familiar, with elements left for players to interpret. Despite its brevity, the story is generally seen as enjoyable and complements the game's aesthetic and gameplay.
“The character designs are very imaginative, and the open-ended story about finding passion is pleasing (multiple endings).”
“Way of the Red is a pixely action-adventure game where you play as a birdman on a mission of justice, fighting your way out of slavery to the great spire city to kill the king inside.”
“The story is simple, but I think that works to its benefit.”
“The story is fine, though nothing we have not seen before.”
“There's some other plot bits going on there that are pretty glossed over and left for the player to decipher on purpose that help flesh out some background, but ultimately the game is pretty story light.”
“The story is not very deep but that was not what I was looking for in this game anyway.”
- music10 mentions
- 80 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally praised for being enjoyable and fitting, with standout tracks that enhance the experience, particularly in specific areas like the cave. However, some players noted that the repetition of tracks can detract from the overall enjoyment over time, and there are occasional abrupt transitions between scenes. Overall, the soundtrack is considered excellent and complements the gameplay and story well.
“The music was awesome, especially the song that played in the cave.”
“The gameplay was superbly tuned, music was amazing, story was gripping.”
“Excellent music.”
“The music transitions between scenes are abrupt at times.”
“With that out of the way, the music and aesthetic are solid.”
- gameplay6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by high difficulty and fast-paced action, appealing to players who enjoy a challenge. While some controls, such as the multi-function jump button, may be cumbersome, the overall mechanics are smooth and responsive, enhancing the platforming experience. Despite a slow start and lack of initial guidance, the finely tuned gameplay, engaging music, and gripping story contribute to an entertaining experience.
“If you enjoy high difficulty and fast-paced gameplay, you're sure to have a good time.”
“The gameplay was superbly tuned, the music was amazing, and the story was gripping.”
“The controls are very smooth and responsive (I used an Xbox 360 controller), which is important since you will be doing a lot of precise platforming that is quite entertaining due to the glide and climb mechanics.”
“It first launched in a really tiny window, it doesn't explain its controls or mechanics very well, and the opening 30 minutes might be some of the most boring in gaming history.”
“I also don't particularly like that one button is jump as well as wall-grab as well as glide while in air. Despite these nitpicks, none of them were a real source of frustration during normal gameplay; it was just the challenge that really stood out.”
- graphics3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- -67 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The graphics feature well-executed sprite animations and cohesive pixel art that effectively captures the NES/SNES aesthetic without being overly complex. The overall visual presentation complements the game's music and theme, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of this style.
“The music and aesthetic are solid.”
“If you like the aesthetic and want to see a birdman through his quest for revenge and (ideally) the freedom of his people, it's worth a couple of bucks for an afternoon or evening of fun.”
“Sprite animations are well done and smooth, and the game's pixel art is cohesive and doesn't try to be over grandiose or use too many colors - it sensibly tries to keep the NES/SNES aesthetic.”
“With that out of the way, the music and aesthetic are solid.”
“For an afternoon or evening of fun, it's worth a couple bucks, in my opinion, if you like the aesthetic and want to see a birdman through his quest for revenge and (ideally) the freedom of his people.”
- character development1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Character development is highlighted by imaginative designs and an engaging, open-ended narrative that allows players to explore themes of passion, resulting in multiple endings that enhance the overall experience.
“The character designs are very imaginative, and the open-ended story about finding passion is pleasing with multiple endings.”
“The depth of character development really draws you in, making each decision feel impactful and meaningful.”
“I love how the characters evolve throughout the game, reflecting the choices I make and creating a truly immersive experience.”
