De-Exit – Eternal Matters is a game that tackles the topic of death and the afterlife with a unique blend of gameplay mechanics and an engaging narrative. Developed by SandBloom Studio and published by HandyGames, this voxel-based adventure takes players on a surreal journey through the Plane of Memory, where they must unravel the mysteries of a broken world and save it from certain doom. Available for all major systems, we tackled this engaging narrative-driven indie puzzle/platformer on a PlayStation 5.
One of the standout features of De-Exit is its combination of simple, yet effective voxel graphics and complex cinematographic techniques in order to craft a fantastic visual style. The result is a visually stunning game that feels both minimalist and cinematic at the same time, with a soundtrack that is equally impressive. Its haunting melodies perfectly capture the melancholic tone of the game’s narrative, which deals with some serious topics without ever striking too sad of a tone.
The gameplay itself is a mix of platforming, puzzling, and stealth, with each element working together to create a cohesive experience that feels both challenging and rewarding. The game’s puzzles are cleverly designed, with each new power or ability adding a new layer of complexity to the gameplay. Meanwhile, the stealth sections provide a nice change of pace from the more action-oriented platforming sections, and the platforming itself is generally satisfying and challenging.
But perhaps the most impressive thing about De-Exit is the way it seamlessly weaves its themes of death and the afterlife into the gameplay and narrative. From the various NPCs players will encounter throughout the game, each with their own unique perspective on death, to the way the game’s mechanics reflect its themes, everything in De-Exit feels like it has a purpose and a meaning – and it very elegantly weaves its way through these difficult topics in a refreshing way.
The subject matter can make De-Exit – Eternal Matters a bit of a niche title though, as we can see some players leaning more towards lighter-hearted fare. Those who appreciate exploring narrative themes while playing a decent puzzle platformer will not regret picking this one up though, and will forgive its sometimes slightly repetitive gameplay portions.
Overall, De-Exit – Eternal Matters is a must-play game for anyone looking for a unique and engaging gaming experience. Its combination of stunning visuals, clever puzzles, and a thought-provoking narrative make it a memorable indie game – another solid release for HandyGames.
Score: 7.1/10
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