The Nintendo Switch has developed a good library in a short time. There are games of all varieties and one that cannot be ignored is Kamiko. The game is an arcade style action game that is reminiscent of the original legend of Zelda while still being different in its own way.
In Kamiko you play as one of 3 shrine maidens, each wielding a different weapon. There is a sword, a bow and a mirror which is used for throwing along with a short sword. The different weapons open up different possibilities for playing and does give the game a good amount of replayability, if not true variety. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of different enemies and environments but it all goes by fast. That said, the game is designed to be played in short spurts like an old arcade game. It isn’t meant to be an epic adventure like the Legend of Zelda despite the seeming similarities in design.
The music in the game is charming and fitting. It has an old school vibe that fits with the art style giving you a retro feel while still being a modern indie game. In fact, design wise this game feels more like a “what if” type scenario. What if Zelda was a coin-op arcade action game?. Granted, Nintendo themselves sort of made a game like that on the famicom with Nazo No Murasamejo ( The Mysterious Murasame Castle, a game that should be brought back), but this has the advantage of being a modern look back rather than a contemporary.
The game can be completed in a short time, but that is why there are 3 different characters. You play through the game more than once and enjoy it more than once. Its a nice addition and I approve of it. Overall, Kamiko doesn’t do that much different or new but it is a very competent game for what it does do. It has a very cheap price that is hard to pass up and to be honest, I see no reason not to try it. It is a game that, while not perfect, does deserve your attention. I recommend it.