Elsie, developed by Knight Shift Games and published by Playtonic Friends, is a roguelike action-platformer set in the chaotic world of Ekis. In this futuristic setting, you play as Elsie, a powerful android created to battle rogue robots and save the planet. The game’s story sets the stage for an action-packed adventure: after the disappearance of the Guardians, android protectors of the planet, a mysterious threat emerges, forcing Elsie to embark on a mission to restore order. The narrative is simple, but it provides a fitting backdrop for the game’s core focus – its fast-paced, “bullet hell” combat and procedurally generated levels.
The gameplay in Elsie delivers a frenetic mix of dashing, shooting, and parrying. The mechanics feel smooth and responsive, allowing for a good sense of control as you zip through levels, dispatching enemies with fluid precision. The game’s roguelike nature means that each run presents new challenges, with different enemies, layouts, and upgrades to experiment with. This procedural design keeps the gameplay feeling fresh, although it can sometimes lead to a sense of repetition, as the biomes, while colorful and diverse, begin to blur together after a while.
The game’s variety in combat stands out, and Elsie’s long-range attacks are complemented by the melee abilities of Andru, another playable character. Andru’s combat style offers a completely different way to approach the game, adding depth and replayability to the experience. The option to mix and match upgrades, skills, and weapons also gives players the flexibility to create different playstyles, leading to fun and chaotic synergies. However, the upgrade system can sometimes feel unbalanced, with certain combinations feeling much stronger than others, which may reduce the challenge for experienced players and lessen the need to experiment.
Boss battles are a highlight, with each Guardian posing a unique challenge that requires pattern memorization and quick reflexes to overcome. These encounters are tough but rewarding, offering some of the game’s best moments. The combination of bullet-hell mechanics and platforming makes for intense, heart-pounding fights that are as satisfying to complete as they are difficult – though the boss fights feel fair despite being very challenging at times.
Visually, Elsie features a neon-drenched, technicolor world that feels alive with energy. The character designs, especially for the bosses and enemies, are detailed and stylish, fitting perfectly within the game’s futuristic aesthetic. The art style is colorful and eye-catching, but the constant barrage of effects and colors can sometimes feel overwhelming, making it difficult to focus during more hectic moments. The game’s soundtrack, meanwhile, complements the action well with high-energy tunes that enhance the excitement, though it can become repetitive over extended play sessions.
Elsie’s difficulty curve can be steep, especially for those unfamiliar with roguelike mechanics, and while the procedural levels keep things interesting, they can occasionally feel too random, leading to frustratingly unfair runs. Additionally, while the controls are tight, there are moments where the precision required feels unforgiving, particularly during some of the more intricate platforming sections.
Overall, Elsie is a solid entry into the roguelike genre, offering a good blend of combat, platforming, and customization. Its vibrant world and satisfying gameplay loop will appeal to fans of fast-paced action games, though the steep difficulty and occasional repetitiveness may deter some. For those who enjoy a challenge and appreciate a unique, colorful aesthetic, Elsie is a journey worth embarking on, especially if you’re looking to master its chaotic, bullet-filled adventure.
Score: 7.7/10
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