Duskfade

Duskfade is the epitome of a flawed gem. There's an excellent game in here, but Weird Beluga hasn't quite managed to find it yet. Duskfade thus feels like a great 'proof of concept' release where, despite the jank, it provides a strong foundation for a potential sequel to build upon.Gorgeous graphical design, enjoyable platforming, and a heartfelt story all make this one a worthwhile endeavour, even if the combat can get tiresome and navigation frustrating. I'd suggest picking up Duskfade if you're feeling particularly nostalgic for the early-2000s era of gaming, though perhaps this is one to hold out for a modest sale before grabbing it.

Duskfade is a breath of fresh air in the gaming landscape right now. Not because it does anything drastically different to modern games, or because it’s re-inventing the gears and cogs we’re all so used to, but rather because it’s a throwback to a game type that just doesn’t get developed anymore. As such, Duskfade is a love letter to a time of gaming that has all but disappeared

Duskfade is a perfect merge of modern graphics and old-school soul. The story is enticing, the platforming is satisfying, and the boss fights are unique and make you use the latest mechanics. A must-play for 3D platformer fans.

Duskfade is a throwback for sure, and it knows exactly what it wants to be. It hit all the notes for me, and I really enjoyed my time with it.

Whilst the game is primarily aimed at a young audience, the spikes in difficulty make it unsuitable for that very same audience. And that’s not even mentioning the gameplay glitches: whilst they’re rarely noticeable, they’re frustrating when they do occur. Nor can you rely on the storyline to keep you going, as the adventure never really takes off. And that’s a real shame, because this game from Weird Beluga is full of good intentions.

Duskfade is a game for everyone. It's enjoyable, entertaining, and it enters a genre that's not very common here, which in itself makes it valuable. Comparisons are odious, so let's be clear: don't come looking for a Kingdom Hearts, because it isn't, and in fact, it manages to differentiate itself quite a bit despite the obvious similarities that might be apparent.

Duskfade isn't the best platforming adventure you'll ever play, and it falls short of some comparable titles, but there's one thing to keep in mind about this game... It delivers what it sets out to do .

Duskfade is a standout platformer that consistently plays to its strengths from beginning to end. It’s challenging in all the right ways, emotionally resonant, and refreshingly original, which is a welcome break from sequels and familiar franchises. If you’re looking for something new that delivers both heart and solid gameplay, Duskfade deserves a spot on your radar.

Duskfade hits the mark perfectly: it brings back the genuine magic and carefree excitement of PS2-era action platformers, while updating the formula with a more modern and fluid structure. Although the game has a few limitations, what really stands out is the passion and care put into it by the development team. After reaching the end credits, we can say that Zirian and Cucù’s adventure is much more than just a “nostalgia trip,” proving itself to be a little gem capable of entertaining both veterans of that era and new players from start to finish.

It’s worth mentioning that Weird Beluga is a small development team. The amount of passion and effort that has gone into Duskfade is clear from the offset. It’s a callback to the (in my opinion) greatest gaming generation in the best possible way. Importantly, though, it still feels like a modern title. Despite the combat being a bit on the simple side and the opening hour’s worth of story being a bit all over the place, Duskfade is a game well worth playing. Especially if you’re a fan of the PS2 era! Therefore, Duskfade receives a timely ThumbCulture Gold Award!