In a clear throwback to an era that was partly defined by Saturday morning cartoons, MythForce emerges as a roguelike adventure that pays homage to the beloved animated shows of the ’80s. Developed by Beamdog and published by Aspyr, this first-person fantasy dungeon crawler offers a dose of nostalgia wrapped in vibrant artistry and visually engaging combat. Inspired by classics like the Dungeons & Dragons animated series, MythForce invites players to join a team of heroes, each bringing unique skills to the fray, in a quest to thwart the vampire lord Deadalus. And while the game revels in its nostalgic charm and will appeal to fans of the source material, it’s not without its quirks.
Beamdog steps into new territory with MythForce, crafting an original IP that feels both fresh and rooted in the expertise of seasoned developers. The game’s visual concept, which is strongly reminiscent of ’80s cartoon aesthetics, is executed with finesse. The art direction and voice performances capture the essence of the era as well, creating a convincing world for players in which they can relive their childhood memories.
The combat system in MythForce distinguishes itself with its weightier mechanics and an energy system that governs character abilities. This choice adds a deliberate pace to the gameplay, requiring players to manage their resources strategically. Players select from four archetypal heroes – Victoria the Knight, Rico the Rogue, Maggie the Mage, and Hawkins the Hunter. Each character is capable of solo play, but the game truly shines in multiplayer, where the resurrection system enhances teamwork dynamics – while further leaning into its Dungeons & Dragons inspirations at the same time.
The roguelike structure of MythForce introduces replayable dungeons filled with treasures, traps, and a diverse array of enemies. Combat, the game’s strongest suit, is a dynamic dance of well-animated strikes and magical onslaughts. Abilities and ultimates are impactful, and cooldowns are tuned for fluid usage. The whole game is teeming with lively foes, reminiscent of classic ’80s TV villains, offering a satisfying challenge and requiring genuine cooperation to overcome.
But while the combat excels, MythForce grapples with a grind-heavy progression system in its main hub. Players must invest significant time to see meaningful advancements, leading to a sometimes lengthy cycle of episode completion, currency allocation, and incremental upgrades. The limited variety in perks and the absence of synergies between them leave room for improvement, especially because the game’s difficulty scaling can feel inconsistent at times.
Visually, MythForce shines with its cel-shaded art style that faithfully emulates the ’80s cartoon aesthetic for a striking result. Environments are rich in color and lighting and character designs are great at mirroring the aesthetic of shows like He-Man at times. The sound design, however, falls a little short in recreating the same kind of atmosphere outside of the excellent voice acting.
MythForce’s primary strength lies in its cooperative multiplayer experience. Playing with friends enhances the collaborative feel, allowing for shared strategizing and moments of camaraderie. The energy system, however, can disrupt the flow of combat and may require refinement.
In conclusion, MythForce is a nostalgic trip through stylish dungeons filled with enemies, successfully capturing the spirit of ’80s cartoons. Its combat mechanics and vibrant enemy designs stand out, creating a rewarding multiplayer experience. However, the grind-heavy progression system and inconsistent difficulty scaling may test players’ patience. Even though there is room for improvement, MythForce taps into 80s nostalgia very well and should appeal to fans of that era – you’ll never have played anything like this before.
Score: 7.1/10
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