Windmills

About

Windmills is a single player action adventure game with a fantasy theme. It was developed by poorlocke and was released on February 2, 2023. It received mostly positive reviews from players.

"Windmills" is a single-player Fantasy Action Metroidvania where you play as the last Crimson Cape, a witch-hunter on a quest to find your missing father. The combat is combat-focused and allows you to suppress, deflect, dodge, and parry enemies, as well as absorb their powers for your own use. The story unfolds in a unique way based on your actions, making each narrative unique. Unlock new abilities as you progress through the story, adding more options for combat and exploration.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

Skip User Reviews

76%

Audience ScoreBased on 42 reviews

story11 positive mentions

atmosphere3 negative mentions

The game features engaging combat mechanics, particularly the parry system, which adds depth and challenge to encounters.
The unique storytelling approach, with an unreliable narrator, enhances the overall experience and keeps players invested in the plot.
Visually appealing with well-designed pixel art and a charming atmosphere, the game successfully captures the essence of classic metroidvania titles.

The game suffers from frustrating design choices, such as a lack of save points and a confusing map system, which can lead to tedious backtracking.
Many players have reported clunky controls and unresponsive mechanics, making the gameplay feel less fluid and enjoyable.
There are numerous bugs and hitbox issues that detract from the overall experience, leading to moments of frustration during gameplay.

story
22 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
36%
14%
The game's story is praised for its unique and engaging narrative, featuring a heart-wrenching quest about a son searching for his lost father, complemented by charming characters and humorous dialogue. The storytelling employs an unreliable narrator, adding depth and intrigue as players uncover lore through gameplay, while the overall experience is enhanced by the well-crafted writing and immersive world. Despite some challenges in navigation and rare save points, the narrative is considered a standout aspect that enriches the gameplay.
- “The story is heart-wrenching and amazing; there's so much to learn and explore.”
- “Windmills is an amazing metroidvania with a very original and unique style of storytelling that keeps you laughing while also reeling you into the mystery and the world.”
- “One of its strengths is the way that the unreliable narrator reveals the game lore as you progress, with twists on the story depending on how he remembers some of the events.”
- “The game doesn't hold your hand; there is no minimap, zone map, nor quest marker—just a world map and collected hints in the narrative tab of the menu.”
- “The story is about a son looking for his lost father.”
- “The story is also a labor of love, it seems. The narrator guides you through the story but makes mistakes or misremembers, which is tied into the death system—a nice explanation as to why things work the way they do.”
gameplay
13 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
23%
54%
23%
The gameplay is characterized by a challenging yet rewarding combat system that initially feels clunky but becomes fast-paced and thrilling once mastered. Players appreciate the strong mechanics, particularly the parrying system, which is central to progression, though it may be unforgiving for newcomers. The game successfully blends action platforming with metroidvania elements, enhanced by unique narration and a clear focus on both gameplay and story.
- “Great controls, perfect challenge, and really fun gameplay.”
- “Gameplay-wise, combat did come off as a little clunky at first, but when you understand it, it is a fast and thrilling experience overall. The boss fights that require a lot of movement are the moments where it shines the brightest.”
- “Windmills is an incredible indie game with very strong combat mechanics, humor, some hilarious stories, and very good sound design.”
- “I noticed one review said it was really clunky, and while the blocking mechanic is quite unforgiving, I think to enjoy the game, just cheese back a bit on the combat system.”
- “You won't progress in this game if you don't like the mechanic.”
- “Maybe a seasoned veteran who has put hundreds of hours into this game will be used to the timing of it all, but the central mechanic of this game (parrying) is honestly kind of hurt by it.”
graphics
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
50%
The graphics are generally praised for their beauty and attention to detail, particularly in the pixel art design of characters and environments. While some users noted a mix of smoothness and unique visual storytelling, others appreciated the cohesive aesthetic that sets it apart from other games in the genre. Overall, the visuals contribute positively to the gameplay experience.
- “The visuals are beautiful to me, and I appreciate the unique way of storytelling so far.”
- “The pixel art in the graphics is tremendous, especially in the design of the main characters, such as the protagonist.”
- “The graphics have great detail, and the sound effects are awesome.”
- “The graphics are inconsistent, with some areas looking decent while others appear outdated and poorly designed.”
- “The overall visual presentation feels lackluster, failing to impress despite some decent effects.”
- “The graphics are a mixed bag; while there are moments of clarity, many textures and models look rough and unpolished.”
humor
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in "Windmills" is a standout feature, blending a unique storytelling style with witty dialogues that keep players entertained while exploring its intriguing world. Reviewers highlight the game's ability to balance humor with mystery, making for an engaging experience filled with hilarious moments and strong character interactions. Overall, the game's comedic elements enhance its charm and contribute significantly to its appeal.
- “The rest of the world isn't as serious as the general story, but that features a unique charm with a surprising sense of humor.”
- “Windmills is an amazing metroidvania with a very original and unique style of storytelling that keeps you laughing while also reeling you into the mystery and the world.”
- “Windmills is an incredible indie game with very strong combat mechanics, humor, some hilarious stories, and very good sound design.”
music
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
75%
25%
The music in the game is highly praised for its quality, particularly during boss fights, enhancing the overall experience. However, some players express a desire for more background music throughout the game, as it currently only features prominently in specific moments. Overall, the soundtrack contributes significantly to the game's atmosphere and excitement.
- “The music is unparalleled; I love the windmills and can't wait for more to be developed and for more content.”
- “The superior battle system features parries and attacks at the right time, with so many abilities and spells, complemented by great music during challenging boss fights.”
- “The music is awesome, although it only plays during boss fights.”
- “I would prefer to have music in the background too.”
replayability
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game offers a high level of replayability, though its short length may lead players to exhaust its content quickly, resulting in a sense of familiarity over time.
- “The game offers a fantastic amount of replayability, with multiple paths and choices that keep each playthrough fresh and exciting.”
- “Every time I play, I discover new strategies and outcomes, making it hard to put down.”
- “The variety of characters and storylines ensures that no two playthroughs are ever the same.”
atmosphere
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
100%
The atmosphere of the game is immersive, effectively conveying the sensation of being lost in a magical world filled with dynamic environments. Players noted how changes in weather, such as rain, not only altered the ambiance but also influenced gameplay by rearranging enemies, enhancing the overall experience.
- “It captures the feeling and atmosphere of getting lost in a magical world, with twists and loops through the maps.”
- “At one point while exploring, the hero remembered that it was raining, and then the atmosphere changed; it started raining and the enemies were rearranged.”
- “The atmosphere feels flat and uninspired, lacking the depth needed to immerse players in the game world.”
- “Despite the potential for a rich environment, the atmosphere is often dull and fails to evoke any real emotion.”
- “The game struggles to create a cohesive atmosphere, leaving players feeling disconnected from the world.”
stability
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game exhibits several stability issues, including bugs and poor spelling, as well as problematic terrain collision. Despite these flaws, many players still find it enjoyable and worth playing.
- “The collision on the terrain is also really buggy.”
- “It's a little buggy and the spelling is not the best, but it's still worth a play.”
grinding
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players find the initial stages of grinding in the game enjoyable and engaging, but many report that it quickly becomes tedious and frustrating, particularly with late-game enemies, leading to a tendency to skip content altogether.
- “In the beginning, it's very promising and fun, but it gets very tedious and frustrating quickly.”
- “Enemies late in the game get very tedious, and I just ended up running past tons of rooms because of it.”
emotional
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players find the game emotionally impactful, praising its beautiful scenery and heart-wrenching story that offers depth and exploration. The narrative resonates strongly, leaving a lasting impression on those who engage with it.
- “This game is beautiful, and not just the scenery, but the story is heart-wrenching and amazing. There's so much to learn and explore.”