Recent reviews by Zakkaru

It's good.

Kril. FeelsStrongMan.

Absolutely worth playing.

Work and Worship is my new jam.

16 hours of carnage.

Absolute masterpiece.

Gud/10

I haven't beaten this game yet, but I do appreciate a lot of the improvements over the first game. They simplified the game on the surface, but by doing so they actually increased the depth of combat options. I'll update the revieiw more later.

Original Review:
The full game can't come soon enough.

Update: It's myega.

I haven't had a chance to play much on the Steam version, but I did Platinum (gain all achievements) on the PS4 version of the game.

This game is a masterpiece, and it shows that the devs really have a great passion for what they do. With only 2 people, they have crafted a game with far greater depth than many AAA teams have ever hoped to achieve. The game is not perfect, and at launch of the PS4 ver. there were many bugs that found their way into release day - but, here's the thing: this guys give a s***.

There have been 2 huge patches on PS4, which fixed a ridiculous amount of bugs, and even added brand new features. Anyhow, I'll try to keep this a spoiler free review.

What the game has:
1. Replay Value - Multiple endings, NG+, tons of potential playstyles.
2. Combat - Amazing 2D sidescroller combat, think Dark Souls meets Castlevania.
3. Exploration - While not as interconnected as Dark Souls 1 due to the nature of 2D sidescrolling, the game still feels connected, many areas have multiple ways in and out (if you look) for them, items are waiting for you all over the place. In fact, what this game has up on Dark Souls, is it's verticality and platforming. It feels so great in a game like this.
4. Lore - It is just as vague as it's inspiration, but not an ounce (or ML for the rest of the world) short of mystery and intrigue. As with souls games, read as much as you can.
5. Story-based skills - There are skills you obtain, called Brands, as you progress the story. I won't spoil what they do, but they add significantly new ways to play the game.
6. "Craftable" weapons - If you've played Dark Souls, you know what I mean.
7. Unique NPC system - There are NPCs found in the world, including 'quests' with a few in particular. Others are simply your typical merchants. However, there are others that you are able to bring to your 'bonfire' as you see fit to provide you services. You must use a consumable to do so, but it is a great feature. These NPCs also include one in particular called, "Leader" which allows you to level up your 'covenant.' O ye there is covenants.
8. Covenents - See #7

What the game does not have
1. Online Multiplayer - It's unfortunate, but there is no way to play online with other users (at the time of this writing). There is a message system and local coop only.
2. No Online MP is literally my only complaint.

The Steam ver. runs as expected. I have no performance issues with the game or anything like that.

I have never felt the need to write a review on Steam, but this game deserves one.
Where do I start...

Apotheon is a side-scrolling action & platforming game. The story in short, something is wrong/corrupt on Mount Olympus, and now you have to whoop some a** to find out why. It is much more in-depth than this, but I do not want to spoil anything. If you like reading, there are also several "vases" scattered around the world to really flesh out the story and even educate you on some of the myths.

Do you remember studying Ancient Greece Mythology? Remember those finely crafted vases? What about the Disney movie, Hercules? Remember when they had segways and story-telling on the side of a vase? That's the art style of this game. In fact, the gameplay is as such as well. The animations completely capture the feel of those vases. It almost feels clunky at times... a good clunky... a clunky that makes sense in this art style. If this is turning you away, don't let it - it needed to feel this way if you ask me. Plus, the enemies experience this as well.

After 10 minutes, you'll realize that this is probably one of the most highest quality Castle/Metroidvania that has come out in a long, long time. You find weapons, buy weapons, pick up weapons off the dead bodies of your opposers. These weapons include: (Melee) Sword, Clubs, Spears, Hammers, Shields (Projectiles) Arrows - many different kinds of them, Javelins, Bombs, and Greek fire. Armor is upgradable. You get special powers from defeating bosses. There are probably tons more as well, I'm only about 2-3 hours in right now so I have a lot more to see.

The game also covers many popular mechanics of today as well. Like crafting? It's in the game, and it's actually useful. They didn't complicate this game with recipes that require TOO MUCH reagents. Want to make a bomb? You only need 2 items. Potion? 2 items. Not a fan of potions or bombs? You can make traps. Hate traps? You can summon companion ravens and wolves. Hate companions? WHO COULD HATE A COMPANION WOLF?

Anyhow, I think I'm done writing this review now - because I want to play some more. I'll update this is I find anything else that NEEDS to be noted.

TL;DR: Buy it.