Lunark is a new retro-style 2D platformer that takes players on a journey through a beautifully designed and dangerous world. Developed by Canari Games and WayForward, the game offers a great mix of platforming, puzzle-solving, and storytelling, evoking strong memories of classics like Flashback.
Set in a mysterious world filled with danger and adventure, the game follows the journey of a young boy named Leo, as he navigates through treacherous terrain, battles fierce enemies, and unravels the secrets of a world shrouded in mystery. In that sense, it’s very much like Flashback – and as we’re waiting for (news on) its sequel we really enjoyed playing something similar in Lunark.
The game’s visuals are a highlight, with stunning pixel art that brings the game’s world to life. The environments are beautifully designed, with a great attention to detail in the level design and character animations. The game’s use of color and lighting adds depth to the world, making each level feel like a fully realized environment. The music and sound effects are also top-notch, creating an immersive atmosphere that draws players into the game’s world.
Gameplay-wise, Lunark is challenging but rewarding. The platforming mechanics are well-designed, with a variety of moves that players can use to navigate through the game’s levels. The puzzles are cleverly integrated into the levels, adding a layer of depth to the gameplay. The game’s combat system is also satisfying, with a variety of weapons and abilities that allow players to take on enemies in a variety of ways.
One of the unique features of Lunark is its narrative-driven gameplay, which is complemented by the game’s storytelling mechanics. The game’s dialogue system allows players to interact with the game’s characters, making choices that affect the outcome of the story. The game’s world is rich with lore, and the story is well-crafted, with plenty of twists and turns to keep players engaged.
Despite the game’s strengths, there are a few areas where Lunark falls short. The controls can feel a bit imprecise at times, and the game’s difficulty level may be too high for some players. Additionally, the checkpoint system can be unforgiving, meaning that players will need to be careful not to die too often.
Overall, Lunark is a fantastic 2D platformer that offers an engaging story, beautiful visuals, and challenging gameplay. While there are a few minor issues with the game, they don’t detract from the overall experience, and Lunark is definitely worth checking out for anyone looking for a great platformer, especially if you have fond memories of the games that inspired it.
Score: 8.2/10
Press Play Media 