Salt and Sanctuary

 PC
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 166 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 114 out of 166
  2. Mixed: 28 out of 166
  3. Negative: 24 out of 166

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  1. Mandulum
    Feb 28, 2017
    9
    Five Word Review: 2D Dark Souls, great game.
    Favorite Thing: It thoroughly scratched my Dark Souls itch. Lots of challenging bosses and level design that goes everywhere.
    Least Favorite Thing: There's an over-reliance on darkness. A lot of the time the majority of the screen is extremely dark or completely black. On a separate note, variety for mage spells and gear are extremely lacking.    Five Word Review: 2D Dark Souls, great game.
    Favorite Thing: It thoroughly scratched my Dark Souls itch. Lots of challenging bosses and level design that goes everywhere.
    Least Favorite Thing: There's an over-reliance on darkness. A lot of the time the majority of the screen is extremely dark or completely black. On a separate note, variety for mage spells and gear are extremely lacking.

    Playtime: ~ 28h (explored everything I could find)
    Enjoyment: 9/10
    Recommendation: If you enjoyed Dark Souls, definitely.    … Expand
  2. Sacred
    Jul 23, 2021
    8
    Единственный недостаток этой игры является отсутствие карты, с возможностью оставлять метки. Ведь просто нереально в метроидвании запомнить карту всего мира.(( Очень бы хотелось вернуться в неисследованные места после получения способностей, но я, как игрок, просто забываю о таких местах, и без подсказок просто невозможно их вспомнить.Единственный недостаток этой игры является отсутствие карты, с возможностью оставлять метки. Ведь просто нереально в метроидвании запомнить карту всего мира.(( Очень бы хотелось вернуться в неисследованные места после получения способностей, но я, как игрок, просто забываю о таких местах, и без подсказок просто невозможно их вспомнить.
  3. SilverOrlov
    Dec 25, 2019
    10
    This is the first game that literally "made me burn" ...Then a few more times ...and then I deleted the game ...to install it in a few days and learn how to use the shield, parry and roll. This game taught me to thoughtfully engage in character development, much more than before in other games with such mechanics.
    After I was able to master the mechanics of the game, I literally drowned    This is the first game that literally "made me burn" ...Then a few more times ...and then I deleted the game ...to install it in a few days and learn how to use the shield, parry and roll. This game taught me to thoughtfully engage in character development, much more than before in other games with such mechanics.
    After I was able to master the mechanics of the game, I literally drowned in its history (even though it hasn't a story in a full meaning, because it is served in small parts through NPC replicas and descriptions of objects).
    But the most important thing for me in this game was its incredibly strong atmosphere in conjunction with a specific design style and voices/music.
    For lovers of platformers and souls-like games, this is simply a must-have game.
    For those who are not afraid to try difficult fights, where even ordinary monsters can break your ridge - the main thing is to overpower the first boss and if there wasn’t "f*ck this game" - it will work for you just like it was with me.    … Expand
  4. I3R0K3N7FEET
    May 23, 2016
    10
    As many people have described this game as Dark Souls x Metroidvania, which is pretty much spot on for the most of it, that isn't the entire story. Anyone who may have played a SKA Studios game previously will recognise the brutal and beautiful artwork and play style.

    So far I am 20 hours in, enjoying the exploration and challenges while still experimenting with the ability tree. You    As many people have described this game as Dark Souls x Metroidvania, which is pretty much spot on for the most of it, that isn't the entire story. Anyone who may have played a SKA Studios game previously will recognise the brutal and beautiful artwork and play style.

    So far I am 20 hours in, enjoying the exploration and challenges while still experimenting with the ability tree. You will hear people complain about level design and how unfair it is... but isn't that the point? I think people cry too hard when a game becomes too hard or unfair. I loved the difficulty of the Dishwasher games and those, hand-in-hand could arguably rival the skill timing and patience of any 3D action platformer such as the likes of DMC and NG. Mixing up that level of difficulty with the souls formula is next to genius and as someone that LOVES 2D action platformers, Salt and Sanctuary allows you to explore a more gritty and visceral world in much more depth compared to those before it. The fact that SKA Studios have laboured intensely over this game show's their commitment to creating deep, enjoyable and unique games. After this experience, I can't WAIT to see what they will bring to the 3rd instalment of the Dishwasher Series. If you like 2D platformers (Ori and the Blind Forest, Dust: an elysian tale, or of course Metroidvania) and want to experience something brutal, unforgiving that has sharp and responsive controls gritty and depressing cyberpunk/grungy artwork, churning original soundtracks (despite being criticised for being stretched thin here, you have to realise the music is made in house too!!) that has been mixed with the 'souls formula' with RPG elements.

    This game will blow you and your expectations away, glitches and all.

    If you are a fan of COD, hand holding, or generally sub PG13 rated content and have little skill with gaming generally, don't bother, you will end up being one of those people that rates this game negatively while having little tears of regret streaming from your eyes.    … Expand
  5. jsizzle
    Dec 12, 2016
    8
    Salt & Sanctuary is very different than any 2D platformer I have played previously - holding unique and familiar traits as well as rewarding and just down right frustrating elements. This indie title throws combat challenges as well as platforming puzzles at you from all angles. It's constantly changing - the player must be ready at all times, even for things you may not see. Jumping,Salt & Sanctuary is very different than any 2D platformer I have played previously - holding unique and familiar traits as well as rewarding and just down right frustrating elements. This indie title throws combat challenges as well as platforming puzzles at you from all angles. It's constantly changing - the player must be ready at all times, even for things you may not see. Jumping, rolling, blocking and parrying with some hidden surprises; these gameplay elements are fundamental but I could understand how some players may have a hard time catching on as there are many things to be aware of when you are traversing the areas. An example being equip load, it will affect your rolling speed and certain weapons scale way better with certain skill attributes - you really must shape your build carefully if you want to have fun early game and become more powerful for the sometimes ridiculous middle to late stages of this title. This is significantly rewarding for someone like me. Paying attention to every little detail is great when games make it worth while and this is definitely no exception.

    The story of S&S is where it would be at its worst but that isn't to say bad. I just don't think the character writing and item descriptions always deliver intriguing lore and depth one would hope. It seems as if the characters and lore are trying too hard to establish a connection to SoulsBorne rather than really being inspired to be completely on its own with subtle homages to the series. It doesn't really take from the game but it is something to note. I also need to point out that after you finish the final boss and select the ending you are locked into NG+. Narrative tropes and a forceful NG+ hardly bring this game down when the island is so wonderfully crafted, filled with awesome loot and well hidden secrets. The best parts are when you are trying to figure out how to reach out of reach areas and items, not necessarily lore diving. I managed to have a relatively smooth experience without getting stuck too much, that took me around 30 hours. A mass of content is to be found for a game that is $19.99 retail and constantly goes on sale. If you are a fan of dungeon crawling RPGs, do yourself the favour of trying Salt & Sanctuary.    … Expand
  6. SigilFey
    May 31, 2016
    10
    A Dark Souls game for the wider market! Which would make it a "Lite Souls", if you would. Don't mistake anything: the game is HARD. (However, whereas Dark Souls will kick you in the face to knock you down, then call five of its friends over to pummel you with baseball bats, Salt and Sanctuary will simply punch you in the stomach then smile to make it all better.)

    Who will LOVE this?    A Dark Souls game for the wider market! Which would make it a "Lite Souls", if you would. Don't mistake anything: the game is HARD. (However, whereas Dark Souls will kick you in the face to knock you down, then call five of its friends over to pummel you with baseball bats, Salt and Sanctuary will simply punch you in the stomach then smile to make it all better.)

    Who will LOVE this?

    + Anyone that loves Dark Souls.
    + Anyone that even mildly enjoyed Dark Souls.
    + People looking for a brawler-RPG with tons of style and a superb visual design.

    Who will HATE this?

    - Those easily frustrated by games that sucker-punch you.
    - People who quickly grow tired of "grinding" for better gear or abilities.
    - Anyone who simply wants to mash the attack button to get by.

    Salt and Sanctuary offers a ton of challenge using mechanics that are still more forgiving than DS, offering a more regular sense of reward and power as the player improves his/her character. You will still die an awful lot until you learn the nuances of the combat system and beef up a bit, but it never feels teeth-cracking-with-frustration impossible.

    Customize and upgrade your gear, revel in all of the beautifully animated carnage, and die a few dozen more times. The game offers a wide variety of weapons with unique move sets, along with bows, crossbows, throwing weapons, even firearms...which is very cool. There may not be the absolutely insane number of weapons and goodies as DS proper, but there is an absolutely insane number of weapons and goodies here.

    One of the best games I've played all year. It accomplishes exactly what it sets out to do, and it does it with style!    … Expand
  7. Romeros
    Jul 24, 2016
    9
    What a great and challenging game. Not a huge fan of Dark Souls but this game blow my mind. Great gameplay, ability tree, hard but rewarding. I played 15+ h already and game still feels fresh. Recommended 9/10
  8. HSuke
    Jul 19, 2020
    9
    I highly recommend this game for Dark Souls fans. It's basic a 2D version of Dark Souls with a bit of Metroidvania mixed in.

    I did find it a bit simpler than the Dark Souls series in that I was able to beat most bosses after only a couple of tries, but it was still an enjoyable game. Dare I say that I actually found it a tiny bit easier than Hollow Knight, which still means it's a very    I highly recommend this game for Dark Souls fans. It's basic a 2D version of Dark Souls with a bit of Metroidvania mixed in.

    I did find it a bit simpler than the Dark Souls series in that I was able to beat most bosses after only a couple of tries, but it was still an enjoyable game. Dare I say that I actually found it a tiny bit easier than Hollow Knight, which still means it's a very difficult action-platformer.

    It does have a few minor quality of life issues that irked me:
    - Can't rearrange items
    - Can't easily compare 2 equipment
    - Higher class weapons aren't always better
    - Heavy weapon classes are a lot easier than other builds to the point where weapons are a bit unbalanced.
    - Not enough pretty locations. Everything just feels gray. It's trying to be Dark Souls a little too hard.    … Expand
  9. kasparius
    Jul 14, 2017
    10
    I absolutely loved this game. Metroidvanias are my favorite kind of games, and I also love the Souls series and Bloodborne, so this game seemed right up my alley. I was a bit worried that it would just be a souls rip-off with light Metroidvania elements, but it's not at all. It's just as satisfying as a Souls game, probably not as hard, but still a decent challenge, which is rare inI absolutely loved this game. Metroidvanias are my favorite kind of games, and I also love the Souls series and Bloodborne, so this game seemed right up my alley. I was a bit worried that it would just be a souls rip-off with light Metroidvania elements, but it's not at all. It's just as satisfying as a Souls game, probably not as hard, but still a decent challenge, which is rare in Metroidvania games these days. But the real surprise is that it is also a great Metroidvania game. It follows all the rules: One big unified map, areas locked behind new abilities and locked doors, backtracking, shortcuts, all of that with the combat and leveling system find in the souls game translated beautifully to a 2D platform game.

    The combat has that Souls heft, and weapons really do work differently. Just like Souls, you can create your heavy armored mage, or light armored heavy hammer fighter, etc... New Game + is part of the deal as well. The main game is quite long too, especially generous considering this is a game made by a small indie studio and retails for 17.99. A bargain if you asked me, because it offers really great value for that price. I know I will be revisiting this game often and it's now part of a select group of games that are for me part of the pinnacle of the Metroidvania genre: Symphony of the Night, Super Metroid, Guacamelee!, Metroid Fusion, Order of Ecclesia, and Dawn/Aria of Sorrow.    … Expand
  10. SuperkenGaming
    Mar 31, 2017
    9
    Salt and Sanctuary
    2D Dark Souls
    Salt and Sanctuary is quite literally a 2d version of dark souls... you start out customizing your character and choosing your class... And you’re set off into a world of hurt... And it’s brilliant… There are weapons and other loot around the world that you can do combos with and certain items will slow your character down… You’re slicing through    Salt and Sanctuary
    2D Dark Souls
    Salt and Sanctuary is quite literally a 2d version of dark souls... you start out customizing your character and choosing your class...
    And you’re set off into a world of hurt...
    And it’s brilliant…
    There are weapons and other loot around the world that you can do combos with and certain items will slow your character down…
    You’re slicing through enemies to pick up salt instead of souls...
    Managing your stamina much like nioh…
    And taking that salt back to a sanctuary to level up your character and unlock slots in your skill tree…
    And of course each level needs more salt..
    So you have to carefully balance exploration and banking in your collected salt...
    The game does a decent job of not making you ever feel overwhelmed
    That doesn’t mean this game is easy though
    it will test your patience...
    but you always feel like you could’ve made it past where you died if you try just one more time…
    going back, recollecting your salt..
    Grinding if you choose... and making your way towards a boss…
    These boss battles are brutal, nearly 20 in total…
    And again like the combat// can feel frustrating at times…
    but you eventually learn them…
    You can roll, block, used ranged weapons...
    there’s such a great variety of weapons and items here to fit every type of players game style…
    But this game is hard…
    you probably won’t beat it..
    But if you do manage it will take you around 15 hours to do so
    This is one of my favorite 2d games I’ve ever played…
    If you’re a glutton for punishment, and love that sense of discovery, searching for better loot as giant blobs of goo fall on your head or a wolf gnaws at your neck
    don’t miss out on one of the most satisfyingly challenging 2d games on the market
    I give Salt and Sanctuary
    a 9/10    … Expand
  11. Viderberg
    Sep 5, 2017
    10
    Dark Souls in 2d but with faster combat. The music is a bit lack-lusting, but it's not bad. Love this game, really fun with a friend by your side. The mixture of Dark Souls and Metroidvania is just perfect.
  12. Lukatanemoller
    Jun 26, 2016
    9
    So instead of being a mindless idiot like almost all the people in these reviews I'm going to tell you how I am going to give this game a score

    I will start this game off with a 5 like all of them and the game will gain extra points throughout this review. Anyways, this game was a wonderful experience, a simple story, good controls and of course, the awesome ska studios art style.    So instead of being a mindless idiot like almost all the people in these reviews I'm going to tell you how I am going to give this game a score

    I will start this game off with a 5 like all of them and the game will gain extra points throughout this review.

    Anyways, this game was a wonderful experience, a simple story, good controls and of course,
    the awesome ska studios art style. The game might not be original in the mechanics, but holy **** the original art style blows me away. The dark-ish theme they have for it makes it extra scary. The bosses that you fight can be actually frightening, the gore sounds can feel satisfying as you hack and slash through those enemies.

    This game rightfully got my 9 out of 10 of it's brilliant creativity and shows that flash/photoshop games can still be fukkin awesome!

    Two more words:
    B U Y I T !    … Expand
  13. kelvinsanchez15
    Dec 3, 2019
    9
    Un simple resumen es que es la combinación de Dark Souls + Metroidvania y la verdad es que funciona bastante bien, es un juego muy completo en todos los aspectos, el único punto que no fue de mi agrado fueron los splash art utilizados para representar los personajes y el apartado gráfico en general.
  14. Deniman
    Aug 28, 2021
    9
    Сначала игра не понравилась совсем, убивали через каждые пару минут...разобраться было сложно ...какое оружие и броню выбрать...во что вкачивать левел апы...что за религия...что за "соль"...куда идти...карты нет...но потом более менее разобравшись затянуло...Даже пройдя игру так и не разобрался во всём :) После посмотрел прохождения на Youtube, понял чуть больше...про религии, про бафы наСначала игра не понравилась совсем, убивали через каждые пару минут...разобраться было сложно ...какое оружие и броню выбрать...во что вкачивать левел апы...что за религия...что за "соль"...куда идти...карты нет...но потом более менее разобравшись затянуло...Даже пройдя игру так и не разобрался во всём :) После посмотрел прохождения на Youtube, понял чуть больше...про религии, про бафы на оружие...оказалось что не убил 2 босса...просто потому что запутался где я был, а где я ещё не был :) Игра не без минусов, но достойная :)… Expand
  15. davoz28
    Nov 5, 2020
    10
    This is the best soulslike/metroidvania game and it isn't even close. The map is maybe a *bit* too scattered, but still 10/10. Maybe most underrated game on steam. The atmosphere, controls, combat, and overall sense of dread but excitement of what's around the corner will keep you playing till the end.
  16. GameCritic121
    Mar 19, 2017
    10
    As many people have described this game as Dark Souls x Metroidvania, which is pretty much spot on for the most of it, that isn't the entire story. Anyone who may have played a SKA Studios game previously will recognise the brutal and beautiful artwork and play style.

    So far I am 20 hours in, enjoying the exploration and challenges while still experimenting with the ability tree. You    As many people have described this game as Dark Souls x Metroidvania, which is pretty much spot on for the most of it, that isn't the entire story. Anyone who may have played a SKA Studios game previously will recognise the brutal and beautiful artwork and play style.

    So far I am 20 hours in, enjoying the exploration and challenges while still experimenting with the ability tree. You will hear people complain about level design and how unfair it is... but isn't that the point? I think people cry too hard when a game becomes too hard or unfair. I loved the difficulty of the Dishwasher games and those, hand-in-hand could arguably rival the skill timing and patience of any 3D action platformer such as the likes of DMC and NG. Mixing up that level of difficulty with the souls formula is next to genius and as someone that LOVES 2D action platformers, Salt and Sanctuary allows you to explore a more gritty and visceral world in much more depth compared to those before it. The fact that SKA Studios have laboured intensely over this game show's their commitment to creating deep, enjoyable and unique games. After this experience, I can't WAIT to see what they will bring to the 3rd instalment of the Dishwasher Series. If you like 2D platformers (Ori and the Blind Forest, Dust: an elysian tale, or of course Metroidvania) and want to experience something brutal, unforgiving that has sharp and responsive controls gritty and depressing cyberpunk/grungy artwork, churning original soundtracks (despite being criticised for being stretched thin here, you have to realise the music is made in house too!!) that has been mixed with the 'souls formula' with RPG elements.

    This game will blow you and your expectations away, glitches and all.

    If you are a fan of COD, hand holding, or generally sub PG13 rated content and have little skill with gaming generally, don't bother, you will end up being one of those people that rates this game negatively while having little tears of regret streaming from your eyes.    … Expand
  17. tobivv
    Jan 24, 2020
    8
    Emulates the dark souls experience in a 2d setting successfully when it comes to combat, but lacks in mechanical and world depth. Gets easy fast
  18. sulaco426
    Jun 24, 2021
    8
    I wish for a Darksouls Coop game since salt. those games are just way more fun with a friend
  19. ChesterField
    May 1, 2020
    8
    The great unknown. Along with hollow knight, the best indie metroidvania. Guaranteed purchase for fans of the genre.
  20. Eukor
    Jul 19, 2020
    8
    un souls-like metroidvania con estética gótica que si bien no es perfecto es muy prometedor
  21. S3XU4LH34L1NG
    Jan 16, 2022
    10
    As many other have described this is a mix of DS / Castlevania. Overall I loved it and considering the team behind this i have to give it a 10 / 10. I dont know if theres a lot of replayability because at the end of the day its pretty linear. My mage playtrhough was very fun and challenging altough the end of the game got way easier.
    + graphics, music, atmospehre, builds, mechanics / -    As many other have described this is a mix of DS / Castlevania. Overall I loved it and considering the team behind this i have to give it a 10 / 10. I dont know if theres a lot of replayability because at the end of the day its pretty linear. My mage playtrhough was very fun and challenging altough the end of the game got way easier.
    + graphics, music, atmospehre, builds, mechanics / - replayability, navigation    … Expand
  22. apokalipto
    Aug 28, 2023
    9
    Very good game. I enjoyed playing this game a lot. I strongly recommend this.
  23. pricedaxe2054
    Jul 2, 2021
    10
    I really enjoyed this game, i could say is one of the best "souls like" ever made
  24. Aenorr
    May 20, 2022
    9
    Oh well, this one was LIT! I received Salt and Sanctuary as a free epic store game at christmas, and I couldnt stop playing it during the whole holidays.

    As a Dark Souls and metroidvania fan, I couldnt be more surprised, how this synergy of genre works in this game. The art style is just perfect, gameplay and combat is just as punishing as in souls games. The exploration element, skill    Oh well, this one was LIT! I received Salt and Sanctuary as a free epic store game at christmas, and I couldnt stop playing it during the whole holidays.

    As a Dark Souls and metroidvania fan, I couldnt be more surprised, how this synergy of genre works in this game. The art style is just perfect, gameplay and combat is just as punishing as in souls games. The exploration element, skill gaining and backtracking - things that are defining metroivania works here more then well.

    As for the combat itself, maybe it could be more "complex", but the difficulty is ramping up with few bosses. Overall it keeps the metroidvania's combat style and feel.

    If you like metroidvanias and/or dark souls, this is a game for you as even if you will get bullied over and over, you won't be able to stop playing until you finish it.    … Expand
  25. AbrahFP
    Sep 25, 2022
    10
    RECOMENDADÍSIMO
    Me he pasado 95 juegos en mi vida(sí, llevo la cuenta con una lista, soy un friki), y he jugado a muchísimos más.
    Quiero dar ese dato para demostrar que soy un gamer empedernido y darle el valor que este juego se merece al decir que lo situaría en el top 5 de los juegos que más he disfrutado en mi vida. Y escribo esto 6 años después de haberlo jugado, (no es la calentada    RECOMENDADÍSIMO
    Me he pasado 95 juegos en mi vida(sí, llevo la cuenta con una lista, soy un friki), y he jugado a muchísimos más.
    Quiero dar ese dato para demostrar que soy un gamer empedernido y darle el valor que este juego se merece al decir que lo situaría en el top 5 de los juegos que más he disfrutado en mi vida. Y escribo esto 6 años después de haberlo jugado, (no es la calentada de según te terminas un juego, lo digo con la mente fría).
    La música de los combates contra jefes, que sigo recordando aún a día de hoy, la atmósfera oscura, un diseño artístico fabuloso, los mil escondites y secretos que hay por el mundo, los combates tan difíciles y desafiantes que tiene, las infinitas posibilidades de personalización y enfoque del personaje para el combate...y pensar que esta obra maestra fue creada tan solo por 2 personas...
    Lo último que quiero decir es que tiene una "secuela" que se llama "salt and sacrifice" y que pongo secuela entre comillas porque no sigue la trama del primero y porque es una absoluta BASURA, que no le llega ni a los pies a esta primera entrega original y no exagero al decir que lo empeora absolutamente todo. En mi vida he visto una decadencia tan bestia de una segunda parte de un juego(a la altura del bajón de Dragon Age II). Pero lo dicho, SALT AND SANCTUARY ES DIOS.    … Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 5 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. Ragequit.gr
    May 27, 2016
    85
    Salt and Sanctuary is a wonderful and honest tribute to Souls series. With great mechanics, a well designed dark world and dozens of hours of fun is a great game for every Dark Souls player.
    Read full review
  2. 3DJuegos
    May 26, 2016
    85
    Salt and Sanctuary doesn’t want to innovate and doesn’t deny its inspirations. But once you accept this fact, you’ll find a more than solid game, full of challenges and death. It’s basically like a Dark Souls in 2D.
    Read full review
  3. PC Games
    May 25, 2016
    86
    Almost every mechanic from Dark Souls is – in some form or another - implemented into Salt & Sanctuary. But in this specific case that is far from being something negative. I might even be a little addicted to the game’s concept: uncovering secrets, defeating humongous bosses and diving deep into the lore of the game. All of that manages to entertain me for dozens of hours. The only complaints I have with the game are the subpar German voice acting, the somewhat confusing skill-tree and – at least for my taste – boss-fights, which lack a certain challenge. However Salt & Sanctuary will undoubtedly bring a lot of joy to every fan of the Dark Souls-franchise, while people, who aren’t really into those, won’t be won over by this game either.
    Read full review
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