Short version: buy it!

Outbuddies DX is a metroidvania that is true to the genre, it features everything that is a staple of the genre. Having played a lot (I mean a lot) of metroidvanias, this one is really a must on anyone’s game library. The game starts a bit slow and clunky, with very bad hinting of where to go after reaching the game’s main hub. However, after that initial attrition, the movement upgrades and the tight combat more than deliver on what’s staple of the genre. Highly recommend.

Strong points
- Combat: unlike most other metroidvanias I have played, this one doesn’t mess around, no HP upgrades means tanking bosses or taking enemies lightly will not work. However, a very lenient respawn system prevents most frustration. Used every weapon throughout the game even when not required to progress, another rare occurrence in my metroidvania experience (usually 1 or 2 weapons outshine every other).
- Exploration: non-linear, sequence breaks, glitches, everything is included.
- Upgrades: interesting takes on old staples of the genres and some new ideas really make the movement in the game shine, a regular playthrough will probably not even realize the extent to which the movement upgrades really change the game.

Points to consider when buying
- Accessibility: screen shake is aggressive on some spots. For now, there is no toggle for it.
- Difficulty: the game has no difficulty options and is a challenging experience. The respawn system is very lenient.
- Playtime: according to dev 10-15h for first playthrough. Took me around 9h to 100% but past genre experience helped me (general platformers being one of my most played game genres).

[b]Short version:[/b] buy it! Outbuddies DX is a metroidvania that is true to the genre, it features everything that is a staple of the genre. Having played a lot (I mean a lot) of metroidvanias, this one is really a must on anyone’s game library. The game starts a bit slow and clunky, with very bad hinting of where to go after reaching the game’s main hub. However, after that initial attrition, the movement upgrades and the tight combat more than deliver on what’s staple of the genre. Highly recommend. [b]Strong points[/b] - Combat: unlike most other metroidvanias I have played, this one doesn’t mess around, no HP upgrades means tanking bosses or taking enemies lightly will not work. However, a very lenient respawn system prevents most frustration. Used every weapon throughout the game even when not required to progress, another rare occurrence in my metroidvania experience (usually 1 or 2 weapons outshine every other). - Exploration: non-linear, sequence breaks, glitches, everything is included. - Upgrades: interesting takes on old staples of the genres and some new ideas really make the movement in the game shine, a regular playthrough will probably not even realize the extent to which the movement upgrades really change the game. [b]Points to consider when buying[/b] - Accessibility: screen shake is aggressive on some spots. For now, there is no toggle for it. - Difficulty: the game has no difficulty options and is a challenging experience. The respawn system is very lenient. - Playtime: according to dev 10-15h for first playthrough. Took me around 9h to 100% but past genre experience helped me (general platformers being one of my most played game genres).