).There’s no denying that Souldiers is a solid 2D side scrolling Metroidvania with combat, platforming and RPG elements. The graphics, gameplay and level designs are all quality. But I like playing 2D side scrolling games with the directional pad instead of the analog stick which is not an option in the game, you also can’t navigate the menus with the directional pad either which I prefer using instead of the analog stick.
The environment graphics are impressive with nice use of color, a lot of detail and good lighting, but the character sprites are a little on the small side and animate/move a little stiffly. And there are performance issues, the game hiccups and stutters on occasion which is annoying. Also, load times are extremely long.
The gameplay is a little slow by design since it’s more about navigating the levels somewhat carefully and cautiously instead of swiftly moving through them dispatching enemies quickly along the way. I admit that I tend to prefer games like this to be a little faster and snappier in terms of overall gameplay.
I played as the archer and you can shoot arrows in all directions which is useful as enemies approach you from all directions, but you can only throw your bow (which is like a boomerang) straight ahead which is frustrating when enemies are attacking you from multiple directions. It would have been nice to be able to throw it in all directions.
My biggest complaint with the game is that you play as a mute avatar instead of an actual character with a voice and personality. All of the NPCs talk (with text), but your avatar doesn’t respond back. This is one of my biggest pet peeves in games, even in retro style 2D pixel art games like this. I like to play as characters with voices and personalities in games, not as emotionless and voiceless avatars. There are cool looking female NPCs such as the Valkyrie (which looks like the Valkyrie from Valkyrie Profile) that have voices and personalities, and I want to play as them. I would enjoy the game a lot more if I could.
Even with my complaints there’s still no denying that it’s a solid 2D side scrolling Metroidvania, the good definitely outweighs the bad. None of my complaints are dealbreakers by any means, but they do hinder my overall enjoyment of it a bit.
Vernal Edge doesn’t really have the same issues that I have with Souldiers. You can use the directional pad to move your character and navigate menus, you play as a female character with a voice and personality, she moves fast and swift with quick attacks and jumping, the gameplay in general is extremely snappy in pace. There haven’t been any performance issues, and load times are short. The graphics aren’t quite as good, but they’re still impressive with an appealing 2D pixel art aesthetic. The game as a whole just has more personality to it, it reminds me of something that WayForward would make. It’s just more fun to play IMO. And it’s for these reasons why I personally like it a little more than Souldiers, but your mileage may vary of course.
But those issues haven't been enough to dull my enjoyment of the game. I will say, as far as throwing your bow in multiple directions goes, that's one of the first upgrades you get on the skill tree. 