Salt and Sanctuary is a 2D souls-like game, and it completely consumed my life for a week. Once I've started it, it kept me continuously glued to the screen. Only after I’ve devoured it entirely, I felt I could rest. I’ve beaten all the bosses (that look amazing & intimidating), including the secret/ optional ones. I’ve discovered every secret passage, and found every item, talked to every NPC, and learned all the vague scraps of lore. I’ve created several characters with wildly different builds, seen the endings twice, played a lot in NG+, as well as roamed around the regular game with different chars just for fun.

I had a great time, even though there was a lot of cursing & dying. But it was always followed by wanting to get back and try again. Cool and unique builds can be made, that really provide advantage over the usual timing the blocks/ dodges for prolonged periods of time. Learning patterns and weaknesses, as well as getting into the rhythm, along with figuring out how to tweak your character best, was extremely satisfying.

I’ve played two other Ska Studios games, and I already liked their specific style, but I think they really outdid themselves on this one. The world building is really exciting - so many hidden spots, and secret paths interconnecting many areas with unique feel to them. The environments are fantastic looking. The atmosphere is purely outstanding. Awesome music & sound plays a substantial part in it, along with many distinct & frightening enemies keeping you on the edge. Overall mood resonated really well with me. There is mystery enticing you in, and there is dread following you. Everything is just so captivating & well pieced together. For me the engagement factor went through the roof :)

Highly recommended!

Written after 66 hours played & 100% achievements earned.

Salt and Sanctuary is a 2D souls-like game, and it completely consumed my life for a week. Once I've started it, it kept me continuously glued to the screen. Only after I’ve devoured it entirely, I felt I could rest. I’ve beaten all the bosses (that look amazing & intimidating), including the secret/ optional ones. I’ve discovered every secret passage, and found every item, talked to every NPC, and learned all the vague scraps of lore. I’ve created several characters with wildly different builds, seen the endings twice, played a lot in NG+, as well as roamed around the regular game with different chars just for fun. I had a great time, even though there was a lot of cursing & dying. But it was always followed by wanting to get back and try again. Cool and unique builds can be made, that really provide advantage over the usual timing the blocks/ dodges for prolonged periods of time. Learning patterns and weaknesses, as well as getting into the rhythm, along with figuring out how to tweak your character best, was extremely satisfying. I’ve played two other Ska Studios games, and I already liked their specific style, but I think they really outdid themselves on this one. The world building is really exciting - so many hidden spots, and secret paths interconnecting many areas with unique feel to them. The environments are fantastic looking. The atmosphere is purely outstanding. Awesome music & sound plays a substantial part in it, along with many distinct & frightening enemies keeping you on the edge. Overall mood resonated really well with me. There is mystery enticing you in, and there is dread following you. Everything is just so captivating & well pieced together. For me the engagement factor went through the roof :) Highly recommended! [i]Written after 66 hours played & 100% achievements earned.[i]