Recent reviews by CakeGremlin

I have nothing new to say that hasn't already been said, but Steam is offering a badge if I write a review. This game is incredibly well-crafted. Tight controls, superb soundtrack, memorable boss fights, & charming characters. An instant classic that fans of the Metroidvania genre will absolutely want to play again and again! One of those rare gems that can even make the feeling of "being lost" feel enjoyable. Quickly became one of my favorite games of ALL TIME. And that's not an easy thing to do.

This is one of those games that's technically more of an "interactive experience" (but it's not just a glorified cutscene!). With its visually pleasing aesthetic and open-ended story told through environmental clues, this game was an absolute delight from start to finish. Sometimes you just need a moment to take a deep breath, relax, and simply look around at the world. ABZÛ is that moment.

This game is lovely in every way and is easily one of the best "diamond in the rough" games I've discovered. The game is deceptively simple, but its beauty lies within that simplicity.

You explore the world, metroidvania style, by solving puzzles to progress through each area. Here's where things get very interesting: you have only 2 abilities with which to interact with the creatures and objects around you. That's it. No arbitrary upgrades, no new abilities, no items. You can do EVERYTHING from the very start, but the brilliance rests within the game's ability to teach the player its mechanics in an organic manner. As you explore, you'll unlock discover new methods of interacting with the environment around you.

This is where the game trusts the player to think "Hey, didn't I see something like this earlier? I wonder if I could...". It's just that simple. Progress isn't determined by character progression, but instead by the player's understanding of the world around them.

Overall, a very fun and charming game. Definitely a huge step up from its predecessor, and I'm so glad I stumbled upon this game by accident. If you enjoy puzzles and exploration, I definitely give my stamp of approval.