BIOMORPH, developed by Lucid Dreams Studio, offers a unique take on the metroidvania genre, blending hand-drawn visuals with gameplay that revolves around mimicking enemies. With a narrative focused on uncovering both the secrets of a decayed civilization and the protagonist’s enigmatic origins, the game weaves exploration, combat, and even city-building into an ambitious package. While it shines in several areas, some rough edges prevent it from fully realizing its potential.
The story unfolds in a sprawling world filled with intriguing lore, quirky NPCs, and a central mystery that gradually unravels as you progress. The premise of rebuilding Blightmoor, the game’s city hub, adds a personal touch, as players customize and interact with its inhabitants. These interactions inject humor and charm, although the narrative sometimes takes a backseat to the gameplay, leaving a few story beats somewhat underdeveloped.
Combat lies at the heart of BIOMORPH’s gameplay, involving a creative hook where players defeat enemies to assume their forms and use their abilities. This mechanic is integral not only for combat variety but also for solving puzzles and navigating otherwise inaccessible areas. The twist becomes even more interesting when previously mimicked enemies return stronger than before, adapting to the player’s newfound tactics. While this idea adds an exciting layer of challenge, it can also feel repetitive over time, as certain enemy encounters lack the variety needed to keep them consistently engaging.
Your arsenal of melee and ranged weapons, combined with upgradeable skills, provides flexibility in tailoring playstyles. However, some weapons and upgrades feel underwhelming compared to others, making experimentation less rewarding or at best limited in scope. Platforming challenges are well-integrated into the exploration, but occasional control inconsistencies can make precise maneuvers frustrating, particularly during later sections of the game.
Visually, BIOMORPH excels with its stunning hand-drawn art, offering vibrant, detailed environments that bring its interconnected world to life. From eerie caves to lush forests, the aesthetic is consistently impressive. Yet, the visual splendor occasionally clashes with the relative lack of dynamic animations, which can make character movements feel more stilted than you’d expect. The soundtrack complements the visuals, with atmospheric tracks that enhance the mood, though the repetitive nature of some tunes detracts slightly from the overall experience.
Blightmoor, the rebuildable city hub, serves as a refreshing counterpoint to the exploration-heavy gameplay. As players restore the town, they unlock upgrades and delve deeper into its history. However, the customization options are somewhat limited, and the progression tied to city-building can feel more like a chore than a reward at times. It’s a nice touch, but don’t expect too much if you’re a city builder enthusiast.
BIOMORPH is brimming with creative ideas, from its enemy-mimicking mechanic to its richly drawn world. While it doesn’t always stick the landing, it offers a compelling journey for fans of the metroidvania genre. Its narrative, combat, and exploration all have moments of brilliance, but balancing issues and occasional frustrations hold it back from being a must-play. For those willing to embrace its imperfections, BIOMORPH delivers a memorable adventure that showcases the potential of Lucid Dreams Studio’s vision.
Score: 7.6/10
Press Play Media 