Derelict Star

Take a simple input space (just left, right and fly) to its limits in every mechanical and conceptual direction. Brilliant non-linear world design with generous checkpoints so the player is never really stuck anywhere. The game is somewhat of a metroidbrainia, as many challenges which are apparently impossible when first encountered, are later trivialised when the player gains a deeper understanding of the world. Even in my very last challenge after nearly 50 hours I learnt a lot. Knowledge and skill blend together into a single unbreakable unit in a way I've never seen in any other game. Best platformer of all time.

Derelict Star puts the "precision" in precision platformer. We're talking the most subtle micro-adjustments just to clear a few deadly buzzsaws, only to realize maybe you're maybe halfway through a platforming gauntlet to collect an optional qbit. The reward you ask? An overwhelming feeling of satisfaction and elation. The game even tells you the qbits don't really matter and are purely optional; ultimately you're trying to collect power cells to repair your ship and leave the planet. But the movement in Derelict Star is so distinct and purposeful that I can't help but go off the beaten track on frequent occasions. I've never played a platformer that feels quite like this. There's a certain weight and momentum to the movement, and the intricacies of the jetpack provide a lot of depth to the mechanics. It doesn't explicitly tutorialize many of those mechanics (though there's a series of nested help sections in the menu if you're so inclined), but it allows for seemingly impossible challenges to become possible - albeit VERY difficult - with a little bit of creative thinking. Beyond the platforming there's not a whole on the periphery of Derelict Star's experience, but it's refreshing to play a game in the genre that is so pure and novel in its approach.

A very fun & original precision platformer. I was a bit frustrated with the floaty movement of the player character at first, but this stopped being a problem after I got properly used to the controls. In fact, now after beating the game I would consider the unique movement system a big plus for the game. Reaching the normal ending doesn't take too long, but there is also a lot of well-crafted optional content in the game for true fans. Overall I would recommend this game, particularly if you're a fan of games like Celeste & N++.