The Pathless Review (Toxilicious)
If I had to describe this game in one word it would be "Simple". The core mechanics are quite simple to get a grasp of, the puzzles are pretty simple, gameplay loop is simple and overall quite a simplistic experience.
Yes the game is pretty simple but that doesn't mean it's a bad thing. Visual presentation & the soundtrack are beautifully executed & go extremely well with each other in creating an enthralling experience. The movement is the best thing about it. What starts of as a simple shoot the talismans to gain speed boosts soon turns into combining all your aerial & ground mobility options to zip around the map and it is here where the game is at is best, just zipping around from here to there. Puzzles are plentiful and are not that difficult, this game encourages plenty of exploration as you have to collect lightstones to progress, lanterns for upgrading your eagly & messages to discover the lore (Also for achievements). Combat is extremely sparse and is only during boss fights. The boss fights all have two phases the first is an excellent chase sequence where you have to utilize all your movement options to chase the boss and deal damage while avoiding their attacks and the second the fight is in a more closed space which plays out more slow. Each boss has a unique feel to them but ultimately has a similar pattern to them. The story starts of slow and intriguing, you get bits and pieces here & there and ultimately has a very satisfying ending.
My only gripes with game is that the mobility which is fantastic is not really implemented on other areas of the game aside from exploration. For example, during the first phase of the boss fights you're using your mobility options to chase down and deal damage to the boss which is fun and fantastic but then in the second phase you come to a screeching halt and play it out like any regular platformer, you jump,run, avoid attacks & hit the boss when they're vulnerable. Would've much prefer if the first phase was more expanded upon. Moreover, the puzzles also slow you down where you shoot from different angles to light or hit objects to solve the puzzle. Would've liked to see puzzles which utilize this game's fantastic movement options. The worst part about this game is probably the stealth sections where you are limited to slowly moving around. This can be avoided and I get that it is meant to be avoided but firstly it could've been made more exciting and secondly the clouds sometimes pop out of nowhere forcing you to enter stealth sections.
Overall, despite the simplistic nature there is something addictive about this game and I have enjoyed it a lot. From the interesting story, satisfying although a little repetitive gameplay loop and fantastic video & audio presentation. Definitely a slow burn in the beginning & probably not for everyone but I can wholeheartedly recommend everyone to at least give this a shot despite it's flaws, who knows you might enjoy it more than you expect like I have.