Worldless, which was developed by Noname Studios and is being published by Coatsink and Thunderful, invites players into a universe entangled in an eternal conflict fueled by the polarizing nature of attractions. With an official game description that promises an abstract journey filled with intricate areas, turn-based combat, and a mysterious narrative, this one certainly piqued our curiosity. Let’s dive deeper into the game based on our experience with the game’s PlayStation 5 version.
Over the course of its campaign, Worldless unfolds a unique narrative, and stays away from being overly vague. It avoids drowning in the abyss of pretense that sometimes accompanies metaphorically-fueled gameplay ideas, and what helps is a solid focus turn-based battles. These were clearly influenced by the classic Final Fantasy style of turn-based combat, but the combat in Worldless has been injected with an Active Time Battle twist as well, creating an engaging and refreshing combat system.
Worldless combat requires strategic finesse, unfolding like a back and forth dance of attacking and defending, where timing and knowledge of enemy weaknesses are paramount to your chances of success. The combat isn’t just a means to an end either; it’s the heart of the game, and a visual and mechanical delight that offers more than the game’s geometric aesthetics seem to suggest.
Over time, you realize that the game also offers a different kind of challenge, transforming battles into intricate puzzles. The skill tree, a cornerstone of Worldless, complements this, offering meaningful choices that impact your journey and shape the course of your battles. The absorption mechanic in the game, where successful battles grant upgrade points, creates a dynamic and rewarding progression system.
As the narrative unfolds amidst the striking geometric visual style, Worldless dives into exploratory aspects that are somewhat reminiscent of the Metroidvania genre. The decision to hunt down optional foes and collectibles to enhance stats feeds into the exploration aspect, making this feel rewarding. However, Worldless isn’t without its pitfalls. The mini-map, represented as a constellation-like network of lines, feels less than practical, and navigating the minimalist world can be confusing and non-intuitive at times.
With its unique look and feel and solid gameplay, Worldless thrives, offering a visually vibrant experience and excellent turn-based combat that stands out as a real highlight. The game’s mysteries, delivered without words, gradually unfold through actions and observations, while the haunting soundtrack complements the atmospheric visuals. So despite occasional small frustrations and a few difficulty spikes, Worldless succeeds in delivering a captivating journey even though its style won’t be for everyone.
Score: 8.0/10
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