There’s something charming about indie platformers that dare to blend action RPG elements with a nostalgic pixel art presentation. Wings of Endless, developed by Isoca Games and published by JanduSoft, fits right into that space. It introduces players to Hariku, a self-assured bounty hunter whose latest mission leads him on an unexpectedly large-scale journey to uncover the truth behind a forgotten war. Accompanied by his talking owl companion, Owly, and later joined by a roster of allies, Hariku’s journey unfolds across a surprisingly expansive world. While the game never quite reaches the depth or polish of the genre’s top-tier entries, it’s clear that Wings of Endless was crafted with affection for classic platformers and narrative-driven adventures.
The game’s structure combines fast-paced 2D combat with light RPG mechanics and platforming exploration. At its best, Wings of Endless delivers satisfying action through its three playable characters, each of whom can be swapped in real time to match different situations. This party-based approach adds a welcome layer of tactical flexibility, especially as each character has a distinct fighting style. Boss fights and enemy encounters offer just enough challenge to remain engaging, even if combat doesn’t evolve dramatically over time. There’s also a basic crafting system that lets you brew potions from collected ingredients, though it serves more as a supplemental feature than a deep mechanic.
Where the game stumbles a small bit is in its pacing and balance. While it offers plenty of side quests and optional paths, some of these feel undercooked or repetitive, dragging down the momentum of the main narrative. Similarly, platforming sections can sometimes frustrate due to inconsistent collision detection and occasional control issues, which detracts from the otherwise competent level design. Puzzle elements are sprinkled throughout, but they lean a bit on trial and error rather than clever problem-solving. These flaws don’t ruin the experience at all, but do keep it from reaching its full potential.
Narratively, Wings of Endless manages to be more than just window dressing, thanks in part to its quirky characters and mysterious backstory. Hariku himself starts as a one-note braggart, but over time his interactions with Owly and other companions begin to paint a more nuanced picture of the world and his role in it. The plot touches on themes of legacy, truth, and hidden power, though the writing occasionally feels uneven – veering between earnest lore-building and lightweight banter. That said, the inclusion of dialogue options and backstory-revealing side content does encourage investment in the broader narrative world, and definitely elevated the experience.
Visually, Wings of Endless is an attractive game. Its pixel art is vibrant and expressive, with each region boasting its own visual identity – from sun-drenched deserts to misty marshlands and snowy forests. Animation work is solid, and though some environments feel a bit static, they’re packed with secrets and tucked-away areas to explore. The soundtrack, while not overly memorable, supports the action with upbeat and occasionally haunting melodies, contributing to the sense of discovery. Audio effects and character voice clips are minimal, but what’s there is serviceable and consistent with the game’s retro aesthetic.
In the end, Wings of Endless is a solid and enjoyable indie action-platformer that lands just shy of greatness. It excels in its ambition and worldbuilding, offering a cast of characters and a narrative that grows richer the deeper you dive. Some uneven pacing and rough edges in its gameplay mechanics hold it back, but for players drawn to pixel art adventures with a dash of RPG flavor, it’s an easy recommendation – especially considering its indie price point. With a bit more refinement, Isoca Games’ next outing could soar even higher, and we’re looking forward to seeing it happen.
Score: 7.8/10
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