Deepest Sword (PC) Review

 

Deepest Sword is a short Physics based Platformer game. It has an 8 Bit Graphics Style, which I found quite charming (admittedly I am a big 8 Bit fan).

The aim of the game is straight forward. You are a brave knight, who has to slay a menacing dragon. The knight however only has a short sword to do so. Each run the sword will get longer and the path towards the dragon more challenging. It takes 5 total runs to ultimately defeat the dragon.

The theme is pretty simple, but the gameplay got an interesting twist. Deepest Sword is a Platformer game, but you can't jump yourself and instead have to use your sword to traverse through the levels. The sword can be used as a sort of jump bar, a lifter or as a bridge like tool. Occasionally the sword can feel a bit clunky and make the player stuck on the ground or a wall. Nonetheless, the sword and the dexterity based platforming are certainly the highlights of Deepest Sword. 

There is a lot wiggling and trying around involved in the game. On the first playthrough the game can feel quite frustrating, but after understanding the possibilities of the sword and the Physics, there is a lot of fun to be had. Beating the game will become a breeze and the new challenge will be to do it as quickly as possible. Unfortunately the game is actually pretty short and while my first playthrough took around 40 minutes, it will now only take me 5-10 mins to experience everything in the game. The speedrunning gives it a bit of replayability, but the game remains too short overall.  

The humour of the game is also pretty funny and takes hits at the sword of the player and its growing size throughout the adventure.

The rather simple 8 Bit visual style might not be appealing to everybody, but I certainly liked it. The soundtrack was also pretty decent and fit the adventure well, even though a bit more variety wouldn't have hurt it either. Controls are simple, but work well. The real challenge is indeed mastering the Physics.

 

Pro:

+ Sword and Physics based platforming

+ Replay Value through Speedrunning

+ Great Humour

+ Charming 8 Bit Visuals and fitting soundtrack

 

Contra:

- Very Short Game

- Sword Gameplay can be frustrating in the beginning and a bit clunky

(- Visual Style is not appealing to everybody)

 

Result:

Deepest Sword is a very interesting experience. I didn't imagine the Physics based platforming with the Sword to turn out as entertaining as it was. At first I was frustrated, but it soon turned into enjoyment. I am just disappointed the game is so short (and occasionally a bit clunky). Deepest Sword stimulates your appetite, but can't fully saturate.   

 

7.5/10