Way of the Red

About

Way 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.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

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

97%

Audience ScoreBased on 30 reviews

story8 positive mentions

graphics3 negative mentions

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 music and aesthetics are well-crafted, enhancing the overall experience.

The game has a steep difficulty curve, which may frustrate less experienced players.
Some controls can feel stiff or unresponsive at times, leading to frustrating moments during gameplay.
The game is relatively short, leaving some players wanting more content and depth.

story
19 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
42%
42%
16%
The story in "Way of the Red" is characterized as imaginative and engaging, featuring a simple yet charming narrative about a birdman seeking justice and freedom. While some players appreciate the open-ended nature and multiple endings, others note that the plot is relatively light and familiar, with certain elements left for players to interpret. Overall, the game offers a satisfying experience with its aesthetic and gameplay, making it enjoyable for those seeking a fun, albeit brief, adventure.
- “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.”
music
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
75%
25%
The music in the game is generally well-received, featuring catchy tunes that enhance the gameplay experience, though some players note that tracks can become repetitive over time. Highlights include standout pieces, particularly in specific areas like caves, and the overall music direction is praised as stellar. While the soundtrack is enjoyable and fitting, some transitions between scenes may feel abrupt.
- “The music was awesome, especially the song that played in the cave.”
- “Special kudos to the graphics and music direction too - it's all just stellar.”
- “The gameplay was superbly tuned, music was amazing, story was gripping.”
- “The music transitions between scenes are abrupt at times.”
- “Music's not half bad either; nothing mind-blowing, but there are a few pretty catchy tunes in the background while you're slapping things around with your sword.”
- “With that out of the way, the music and aesthetic are solid.”
gameplay
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
17%
33%
The gameplay is characterized by high difficulty and fast-paced action, appealing to players who enjoy a challenge. While some users noted issues with control mapping and a slow start, the overall experience is enhanced by smooth and responsive controls, engaging mechanics like gliding and climbing, and a captivating story complemented by excellent music.
- “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.”
graphics
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
60%
The graphics are characterized by basic character sprites but feature well-executed animations and cohesive pixel art that embraces a nostalgic NES/SNES aesthetic. While not visually groundbreaking, the environments are aesthetically pleasing, and the overall direction in graphics and music has received positive acclaim.
- “It's nothing too great to look at in terms of art as the character sprites are very basic, but some of the animations are pretty well done, and I do like the aesthetics of some of the environments.”
- “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.”
- “Special kudos to the graphics and music direction too - it's all just stellar.”
character development
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
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.”