Gestalt: Steam & Cinder

It turns out I’m an absolute sucker for a well-crafted metroidvania. Crunchy combat, smooth progression, and gorgeous aesthetics all keep me locked in place for a complete playthrough. It took ages to get a grip on that bloody dodge-roll, but I eventually got there. Also, the bosses too often felt either padded out or pointlessly dense. It never felt like they hit that balance. But the rest of the experience was so compelling, I didn’t mind that much. If you’re in the market for a pretty excellent metroidvania, Gestalt: Steam & Cinder has got your number.

Ultimately, Gestalt: Steam & Cinder is a game that will likely appeal to fans of the genre, especially those who appreciate strong art direction and well-designed worlds. If you can accept that this game is short and far from perfect, chances are you'll love it.

I can’t help but wonder how much better Gestalt would have turned out with a couple more months in the oven. From the story to the combat to player progression, every aspect of actually playing the game feels more than a couple of iterations short of reaching the magnificent polish of the visuals. That being said, for scratching the occasional Metroidvania itch, Gestalt: Steam and Cinder is a worthwhile eight-hour investment.

Although it falters in the storytelling department, it is a short but enjoyable steampunk adventure with its exquisite graphics and successful use of the essentials of the metroidvania genre.

However, the vast majority of my time was not spent wading through inscrutable dialogue. It was spent exploring a diverse steampunk world, mastering the surprisingly rich combat, and filling out the smartly-designed skill tree. Gestalt: Steam and Cinder is a joyful journey into nostalgic metroidvania action, and a great start for a potential franchise.