Within the blade

This game has the potential to be one of my all time favorite combat platformers. It's a different creature - a stealth game where most of the combat isn't stealth, meaning that lots of the time you're going nose to nose with you opponent(s), and they can be seriously challenging. I think the way to think of it is that the game uses metroidvanian platforming and more Sekiro-style combat. For instance, if you don't catch 'em by surprise, you might be in for more of a fight than you expect from fodder bad guys. (The bonus goal of 'only taking 5 hits' is hilarious when it comes to pretty much any stage I play after 1-1.) I can't tell whether the AI's pretty smart or if I'm a dumb player - maybe both. If you don't take an enemy by surprise, you'd better wait to attack until the right moment otherwise he'll block repeatedly, waiting for you to make a dumb move and then punish the mess out of you. Health replinishes are a luxury. The game is truly challenging. Again, think metroidvanian meets Sekiro. And even when I get frustrated and wait to just quit, I find myself coming back to it a few minutes later wanting another go. The maps are fun and well designed. The sword vs hook primary is fun, and there are tons of support weapons likes bombs, mines, darts, kunai, shurikens, and poison/fire versions of almost all of the above. Length appears to be good. I've never gotten passed stage 3, and I think there are roughly 10, so there's plenty to keep you buys for a long time. Due to the straight up challenging nature of the game, replayability is definitely there. Oh! There's also an excellent set of challenge maps/runs that are very satisfying if you need a little diversion. There's only one problem that really hurts the game IMO. Regardless, that shouldn't be deal breakers for you, since it sells for around $12. Knowing what I know now, I would totally re-buy the game. The issue is that crafting system (from components to unlocking to recipes to crafting to equipping) is completely - and I do mean completely - unexplained. That stinks because I get the idea that crafted items are probably super useful, but most of the time I'm limited to items I can pickup from chests. (Over time you could teach yourself, but it seems like a lot of work, and I'm not sure how it costs out.) Thinking about it, though, I'd bet that there are some youtube vids that fill in the gaps. Anyway, there you go. That's my take. If you like metroidvanian games and somewhat punishing/skill based combat give this one a spin. I don't think you'll be disappointed, especially at $12.

Quick review: 3 ### Metric ### 1- Garbage. :( 2- Did not fulfill the purpose. 3 - Ok, fulfilled the purpose. 4 - A good game! 5 - Just play and be happy. :)

I love this game. A long time ago, I was a big fan of Tenchu: the Wrath of Heaven - and I've been looking forever for a game that feels like that one. This honestly comes close for me. It has very precise controls, a fast pace, a hardcore/permadeath mode, bosses, and high difficulty. A YouTube review I saw on the game complained that some of the the controls acted imprecisely with wall runs, but he was wrong - skill issue. Also, a reviewer here on Steam complained about getting spotted by archers just off screen above him. My suggestion for that is, try looking up, the camera will move. It's a good thing that you have to look carefully for traps, enemies, etc. rather than rushing forward blindly. I don't know how the game feels on normal and easy mode, because I'm only interested in the permadeath mode, but if you're a fan of Dark Souls difficulty and stealth games like Hitman or Tenchu, this feels great. Try it.