Gestalt; Steam & Cinder is a fun, but middling metroidvania. The aesthetics are beautiful, with some impressive pixel art and animation. But while the corgis are cute and the steampunk environment gorgeous, they do little to distract from glaring shortcomings for what could’ve been a better game and ending.

Combat can grow stale after several level ups. Simple enemy behaviour and a lack of strategic options mean all you can do is beat down their health by smacking your sword around or giving them a nice bullet-lunch. It does purify the combat down to its basic skills, where tactfully choosing your moment to dodge or attack is a better alternative than smacking that A-button or using your entire magic arsenal. But at the same time, every boss you encounter behaves exactly the same.

Whittle down their stamina bar until they’re stunned for a brief period, smack their chops and dodge attacks where needed. Rinse and repeat until dead. Which makes them forgettable, frankly.

Likewise the metroidvania elements are simplistic and linear. Areas can feel claustrophobic with few open areas (although that would make sense within an industrial-environment), and exploration doesn’t really reward the player with anything worth the effort unless you’re a 100%-ing freak.

Some noteworthy writing in character dialogue and interaction, but sorely lacking some editing and finalizing in the overarching plot. Gestalt rushes for a conclusion without really thinking about the connecting bits, which results in a weak ending that is neither a satisfying endpoint nor does it work as an enticing sequel hook.

On a whole, Gestalt is a decent game for a one-time playthrough. Not exactly a contender for the Metroidvania top 5, but inoffensive and a solid Steam sale purchase.