Enchanted Portals, developed by Xixo Games Studio and published by Perp Games, invites players into a world of magic, mischief, and challenging platforming. Drawing more than its fair share of inspiration from Cuphead, this game captures the essence of that modern classic with its visual style and gameplay. Does it manage to stand on its own though? We checked the PlayStation 5 version to find out.
Set in a charming animated universe, Enchanted Portals follows the adventures of Bobby and Penny, rookie magicians who find themselves caught between dimensions after a mishap with a mysterious tome. To reclaim the Magic Book and return home, they embark on a journey through various enchanting worlds, each presenting unique challenges and formidable boss battles. But while the narrative is straightforward and perfectly cartoon-like, its delivery, conveyed mainly through still images, lacks the finesse and whimsy the game aspires to achieve – much more could have been done to bring this cartoon world to life.
Navigating this magical realm introduces players to a range of spells and abilities, although the controls leaves a little to be desired. The control scheme is relatively simple, yet the lack of comprehensive explanations in the tutorial can be a stumbling block for newcomers. Movement can also feel slightly sluggish, and jumping exhibits a certain floatiness, occasionally leading to frustrations when trying to navigate hazards – Enchanted Portals feels like it needs some of the polish that Cuphead clearly does have.
The heart of the gameplay in Enchanted Portals lies in using the various elemental spells required to overcome various enemies and obstacles. But while the array of options adds depth, transitioning between them can be clunky, disrupting the flow of combat. This precision-based mechanic demands tight controls, and unfortunately, the game falls short in this regard, leading to instances where failure feels more a result of design quirks rather than player skill.
The adventure unfolds through a series of platforming stages that climax in boss battles. While the levels offer diverse settings, their designs can become repetitive over time, lacking the ingenuity seen in the art direction. Boss encounters, on the other hand, shine as the highlight of the game, showcasing creative design and inventive mechanics. However, transitions between stages can feel a tad rough, impacting the overall flow of the fights.
Enchanted Portals provides a range of difficulty modes to suit various playstyles, but spikes in challenge may catch players off guard. The overwhelming barrage of projectiles, coupled with control limitations, can lead to moments of frustration, where success feels more like an uphill battle against the gameplay design rather than a testament to skill.
Visually, the game captures the charm of the 1930s art style, showcasing vibrant and character-filled environments. The bosses and adversaries are well-designed too, contributing to the game’s aesthetic appeal. The soundtrack complements these visuals, creating a cohesive audio-visual experience. However, some sound effects in combat lack impact, which is a missed opportunity in bringing the cartoon-like world to life.
In summary, Enchanted Portals, while inspired by Cuphead, falls short of replicating its magic. The controls, particularly in platforming segments, lack the precision required for a challenging experience. The game’s art style and aesthetic are its strongest assets, capturing the essence of the classic hand drawn cartoon era like Cuphead did. Nevertheless, certain design choices and execution issues prevent this one from shining just as brightly.
Score: 6.0/10
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