Metroidvanias are one of my favourite genres when it comes to gaming. There is just something about a non linear platform game that gives it a special feel. One thing I feel the genre is lacking though, is a sense of actual choice. That is to say, your choices leading to drastically different outcomes in the experience. Enter Sundered: Eldritch Edition, a metroidvania about choice.
Sundered is a beautiful game visually and has excellent audio, but what makes it shine is the narrative. You will progress and make choices that will affect how you play and how your character ends up. You play as Eshe, who is trapped in a world she doesn’t understand, one of a maddening nature. Eshe will find herself being contacted by a voice from beyond that will tempt her with an offer of aid. But this game being based on Lovecraftian themes, its clear the voice doesn’t have her best interests at heart.
Eshe is offered new powers and weapons that will enable her to survive and fight back, but there is a sinister side as well. You will gain even more power as you go on, but is it worth it? That is something you must ask, as Eshe finds herself faced with tradeoffs. Some new powerups involve sacrificing some abilities or some of your health, and a poor choice of upgrade can mean the difference between an easy game and a hard game. This is especially true when you can find yourself facing hordes of enemies at a time, and finding your way through deathtraps.
But it goes even further. You will find Eshe being tempted with dark powers that you must decided whether or not to accept or reject. Do you corrupt the world for gain, or turn down temptation. This is a choice I love seeing in the game as it adds both weight to the story, and a lot of replay value.
I earlier mentioned that Sundered: Eldritch Edition looks gorgeous and I will now briefly elaborate. The game has amazing hand drawn visuals that perfectly match the themes of the game. It is a hard mood to covey, and to capture an otherworldly feel like this is a true accomplishment. Adding in the amazing soundtrack is just a nice touch as well. In the end, Sundered: Eldritch Edition is a brilliant Metroidvania that forces you to consider every step and makes you want to replay it constantly. I love what I played and recommend it. You will not be disappointed.
Disclaimer: A review key was provided.
Reviewed on Nintendo Switch.