Perennial Order, developed by Gardenfiend Games and published by SOEDESCO, delivers an atmospheric 2D boss rush experience set in a dark fantasy world. It borrows elements from games like Hollow Knight and Titan Souls, blending intense, one-hit-death combat with intricate visual storytelling. It offers a unique spin on the boss rush formula, pulling players into a nature-infested horror where every encounter is a test of both skill and endurance, and we tested it on a PlayStation 5.
The world of Perennial Order is bleak, set in a medieval-inspired landscape overrun by eldritch horrors. Each boss is a nightmarish creature based on the natural world, challenging players to master their combat skills through trial and error. The developer’s decision to feature a one-hit-death mechanic amplifies the intensity of the game’s David vs. Goliath battles. While this can feel overly punishing at times, the quick respawn system ensures that players can jump back into the action without long stretches of downtime, which is a smart design choice that keeps the frustration of repeated (and frequent) deaths to a minimum.
Combat in Perennial Order revolves around twin-stick melee mechanics, which add a layer of precision and control. Instead of relying on ranged attacks, players must get up close and personal with each boss, making every move a critical one. The variety of bosses ensures that players must adapt to new mechanics with each fight, because while some bosses overwhelm with brute strength, others require a more tactical approach. However, the steep difficulty curve may alienate some players who aren’t as familiar with boss-rush style games or the high-risk combat system.
Visually, Perennial Order features a hand-painted art style, which draws inspiration from both dark fantasy and gothic horror. The world feels alive and menacing, filled with grotesque enemies and eerie landscapes. The minimalist user interface enhances the sense of immersion, allowing players to focus on the foreboding atmosphere and intricate boss designs without unnecessary clutter on the screen. As such, the visual direction gives the game a distinctive look that sets it apart from other 2D titles.
Exploration between boss fights is light, but the game rewards players with intriguing NPC interactions that offer cryptic insights into the world’s lore. These characters, while sparse, add depth to the story, making the journey through Perennial Order feel like more than just a series of disconnected boss encounters. The lack of a heavy narrative might leave some players craving more context, but the mysterious nature of the world fits well with the overall tone of the game.
The co-op mode in Perennial Order deserves mention as well. Whether playing locally or online, the Bonded Journey mode allows two players to tackle the entire game together, which adds a layer of camaraderie to the otherwise solitary experience. Working in tandem to defeat bosses can be rewarding, but it also increases the challenge, as both players need to coordinate their actions and avoid the fatal one-hit kills. This mode offers a fresh take on the boss rush genre, where two players must master timing and strategy together.
The game’s audio design, while understated, complements the visual atmosphere well. Each boss encounter is accompanied by its own distinct musical theme, further enhancing the sense of dread and immersion. The sound effects are subtle but effective, with the environmental audio adding to the oppressive feel of the world.
While Perennial Order excels in its visual presentation and challenging combat, its extreme difficulty, especially with the one-hit-death mechanic, might deter more casual players. Additionally, the sparse exploration and minimalistic story might leave some players wanting more narrative substance to anchor the intense boss battles.
In conclusion, Perennial Order is a beautifully crafted, atmospheric boss rush game that will appeal to fans of challenging combat and dark fantasy settings. Its painterly visuals and intense, precise gameplay create an engaging experience, though its high difficulty and minimal narrative may not be for everyone. For those willing to embrace the challenge, however, Perennial Order offers a rewarding and visually stunning journey through a world where nature has truly turned against you.
Score: 7.1/10
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