Heidelberg 1693

Heidelberg 1693 is a neat action platformer with some memorable enemy design and boss battles, but it often feels as if the level design is at odds with the limitations of the weapon that sets the game apart. Still, I feel suitably proud that I managed to finish it and it still comes recommended for fans of titles like Ghosts n Goblins.

If this review came across as negative, it’s not because Heidelberg 1693 is a total bust. Any negativity largely comes from a place of frustration at how close it gets to greatness at times. It is absolutely still worth playing for fans of action platformers and all things macabre, who will delight in the stellar enemy variety and terrifically disgusting art direction. When it’s firing on all cylinders, the weird and wonderful world of Heidelberg 1693 provides an exhilarating challenge that evokes the glory days of the genre, all punctuated by fantastic and imaginative boss design. If you’re willing to look past the frustrations that present themselves at times in the form of uneven balancing, then Heidelberg 1693 will provide a few hours of horrendous fun that genre fans will lap up.

Heidelberg 1693 is a familiar game with a unique hook and dreary art style. I loved the time I spent with it and recommend anyone with some patience check it out. It will beat you down, but once you get into the groove it is hard to put down. Definitely one of the better indie games attempting to mimic that NES glory.

It's a game that feels very demanding, but once you get the hang of it, it will feel rewarding to progress.