There’s another Indie gem is among us! Dust: An Elysian Tail is finally on a Nintendo console. This game is living proof that if you make a game with love and dedication, no matter how many years pass after the original release, it can continue being relevant and ultimately fun. Believe it or not, this game was released six years ago! During the Xbox 360 era, it was one of my most played games, and even now on the Nintendo Switch, you are hard pressed to think that this is a six year old game. Let tell you, it feels like 2012 again.
In Dust: An Elysian Tail, we take on the role of a protagonist that goes by the name of “Dust” who suddenly wakes up after hearing a voice. Dust doesn’t know who he is, and he remembers nothing from his past. The name Dust is given to him by the mythical blade of Ahrah, that tells Dust that he summoned him and with Fidget the swords “guardian,” you start and adventure of self discovery, justice, and–believe it or not–respect for the differences that makes us unique. I won’t talk about the story since I feel that this is something that must be discovered by the player. I believe that everything that happens and all the different characters and landscapes you find need to be enjoyed without spoilers, although I know that is kind of hard since Dust has been released in many other consoles. Even so, this is an experience that gets better the more you play.
One of the things I enjoy the most in Dust is the combo system and mechanics in general. The combos are easy to use, hard to master, and so satisfying to pull off. Y in combination with X,B A and ZL ZR can pull of amazing combos. Y times four is the basic four hit combo, but once you get access to Dust Storm (ground and air versions), the combo potential goes all the way up. A high combo counter means better rewards, since the more hits you pull off more experience points you get, and this is important since you need to rack up the experience to level up. Each time you level up ,you regain health, and have access to a level up gem that you can use you upgrade your stats (pro tip: raise health the first five levels). That will give you and edge about the hordes of enemies, and the tough but so satisfying boss fights.
One of Dust’s most impressive traits, besides the fluid and awesome combo system, is the art style. Dust is one of the most beautiful games I have ever played. I completely love it. All characters, backgrounds, and enemies are hand drawn and they look crisp and full of life. Effects like the rain, thunder, the multiple attacks created by combining Fidget’s shot with Dust Storm comes together to create a experience like no other.
The map layout screams Metroid, and the different secrets (even Indie friends) are sure to keep completionists like me occupied. There are achievements that you unlock by performing certain actions or side quests.
The voice acting is top notch. There wasn’t a character that stood as annoying for me (there is one who is obnoxious in general). Honestly, this is a gem that you must play.
Bottom Line – Dust: An Elysian Tail is a great game that continues to be super fun and relevant even after six years of being released. I give it a solid recommendation. There is more than meets the eye here. I honestly can say you won’t regret your purchase.
A review code was provided for this review.