Elypse comes to PlayStation as an interesting take on the 2D action platformer. Developed by Hot Chili Games and published by PID Games, this adventure plunges players into a dark and gloomy world known as the Abyss, where they must navigate an environment full of traps, confront enemies, and unravel the mysteries it holds. We first went on with this one about a year ago, and are basing this review on our time with the game on a PlayStation 5.
In Elypse, players assume the role of Fay, a Celestial chosen every decade to enter the Abyss and protect their people from its enigmatic depths. The premise sets a unique tone as players embark on an exploration-driven journey to navigate the challenges of the Abyss and unveil its secrets. The gameplay blends adventure, exploration, platforming, and action, as players strive to survive the treacherous environment and master the intuitive dash and slash system.
The game revolves around the Celestial Pulse, Fay’s primary means of traversal. The Pulse enables fluid movement and dynamic aerial maneuvers, essential for overcoming challenging platforming sections and defeating enemies. The game’s creative level design presents an evolving difficulty curve, gradually introducing new challenges and mechanics as players progress. Fay’s evolution through unlockable skills and abilities adds depth and variety to the gameplay as well, though the game ends up feeling more linear than you’d initially think.
Controls in Elypse facilitate the game’s fast-paced gameplay, allowing players to execute precise movements and actions. The intuitive dash and slash system, revolving around the Celestial Pulse, forms the core of the controls. There’s a bit of a learning curve to transitioning between techniques, but once you’ve mastered things the controls allow for strategic movement and combat – making the creative boss fights extra fun.
The visual style of Elypse combines a dark and gloomy atmosphere with elements of creativity. The game’s environments are striking, with attractive level designs enhancing the overall experience. The sound design, including the atmospheric soundtrack, complements the game’s tone and adds to the immersion as well.
What hurts the game a little is its relatively short length and limited replay value. The absence of hidden items, paths, or secrets for exploration are examples of this, and there’s no new game+ mode either. But while the game might not offer extensive longevity, its captivating atmosphere, challenging gameplay, and evolving mechanics make it a worthwhile experience. The creative use of the Celestial Pulse and its integration into combat and platforming segments contribute to the game’s distinct identity, making it a short and sweet adventure worth playing.
Score: 7.0/10
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