Afterimage

Afterimage is a densely packed metroidvania, with numerous regions, secrets and methods for upgrading the character. Platforming is a key part of the experience, with many sections that are quite intense though never overly complex. In terms of combat expect lots of bosses, a myriad of common enemies and a difficulty level that is far from high. For at least thirty hours you will have fun exploring a world that is beautiful to look at and has a mythology with potential, too bad only that the plot is poorly laid out and fails to take advantage of various ideas from the lore.

Afterimage feels like a very well-crafted Metroidvania with spectacular vistas, solid combat, and deep character progression system. The only minor issues, like the colliding damage, that I had with the game are just design choices that probably can’t be addressed. I really enjoyed exploring the world of Engardin, searching for new weapons, fighting interesting bosses and trying to find the best weapons for Renee. I can’t say that the story was truly captivating, but it was serviceable enough to keep me going.

If not for some design flaws, Afterimage could have been an exemplary metroidvania. Not knowing where to go most of the time and the confusion of the story prevented it from getting a higher rating, but for fans of the genre, it's a real (and endless) blessing.

Although not without flaws, Afterimage manages to stand out in the panorama of 2D adventures in metroidvania sauce, thanks to its wonderful backdrops, good level design and playful structure. Augoron Shanghai's efforts to make the journey interesting from start to finish are evident, and we believe that fans of intricate stories, labyrinthine maps and important boss fights should not miss the opportunity to step into the shoes of young Renee.

Afterimage is a game with many and varied virtues: aesthetically it is beautiful, its combat is addictive, the soulslike mechanics and difficult bosses are truly challenging... but at the same time, it doesn't do anything particularly innovative or surprising, diluting a bit all the good things it does.

If players are looking to play a new Metroidvania while waiting for Hollow Knight: Silksong, Afterimage captures some of the best elements that the genre has to offer.

Even if there are a few rough spots, Afterimage is a magical Metroidvania that shines. Most of the issues require a little patching but the core remains engaging. The combat works because the enemy variety compliments Renee's moves, and overcoming previously difficult bosses is intensely satisfying. Platforming has a few quirks, but using enemies as impromptu platforms to find secrets or barely making a jump is exhilarating. Even the story, which doesn't start out with alot to set it apart, blossoms thanks to a spectacular world and interesting themes. This title is an absolute gem for Metroidvania fans.

Afterimage is a valiant effort in the Metroidvania genre by the developers over at Aurogon Shanghai. Built upon a solid foundation for combat and world design, unfortunately, it is still noticeably rough around the edges. It sorely needed a couple more passes in the editing board for overall level flow and story presentation, but in the grand scheme of things, it’s still an enjoyable experience.