Alwa's Awakening

 Switch
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. Nintendo Enthusiast
    Sep 27, 2018
    90
    Alwa’s Awakening is exactly what I had hoped I was in for when I booted up the title. The classy, evocative 8-bit design, the charming synthesized soundtrack, and the addictive gameplay all aggregate to form one hell of a gaming experience. These titles aren’t only for those yearning for a nostalgic trip. The cartoonish design and controls on a 2D plane were beckoning my young son to pick up the controller. The character of throwback, retro-inspired titles that were crafted with care, like Alwa’s Awakening, will always find an audience with those seeking an experience where gameplay is king.
  2. NintendoWorldReport
    Sep 27, 2018
    80
    Alwa’s Awakening is a great investment for those who grew up with old-school Castlevania games or those who prefer Zelda II to The Legend of Zelda. It’s not fast-paced or action-packed, but it has plenty of nostalgia and is well-suited to those who prefer jumping to shooting, spell-casting to sword-swinging. Well, how can I forget you, Zoe? When there’s always another Metroidvania to remind me.
  3. Nintendo Force Magazine
    Feb 27, 2020
    70
    Alwa's Awakening is perhaps a bit more of a throwback to the NES era than it should have been. But it's still quite charming! [Issue #40 – July/August 2019, p. 25]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. Switch Player
    May 13, 2019
    70
    Alwa’s Awakening takes inspiration from Metroidvanias of the past, and while it doesn’t do much new, it does offer a satisfactory challenge.
  6. Nintendo Life
    Sep 27, 2018
    70
    We’d give this one a light recommendation; there’s plenty of quality to be found despite some flaws and it’s evident that a lot of passion went into the development, although we would also add that there’s nothing about Alwa’s Awakening that screams “must play”. If you’re a fan of retro action platformers or Metroidvanias, Alwa’s Awakening is certainly worth a go, but if you aren’t a fan, this isn’t the game to change your mind.
  7. Destructoid
    Sep 27, 2018
    70
    Its restrictive without going overboard, allowing the highs outweigh the lows. The ability to chisel away at some tough rooms with a Switch on the go helps make it even more digestible.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 15 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 15
  3. Negative: 4 out of 15
  1. Plutocrat
    Nov 15, 2018
    9
    I essentially found this game while going through the E-shop. The game is slow, deliberate, and oddly deadly with a focus on finding secretsI essentially found this game while going through the E-shop. The game is slow, deliberate, and oddly deadly with a focus on finding secrets in an interconnected 2D world. It isn't for everyone but it is for me. Each room is a puzzle that dares you to navigate it without dying or taking damage and your expanding inventory of spells does a good job of keeping the game fresh while re-contextualizing or trivializing earlier rooms on return visits.

    If you are looking for a good metroidvania puzzle/platformer and can enjoy slower paced games then you can do a lot worse than Alwa's Awakening. I want more games like it.    … Full Review »
  2. Burdo24
    Sep 7, 2022
    10
    Awesome game i loved it, the art is amazing being 8 bit style retro type, Very entertaining, I loved the possibility of availability ofAwesome game i loved it, the art is amazing being 8 bit style retro type, Very entertaining, I loved the possibility of availability of weapons and the speed of the gameplay, the price is very low in addition to the fact that there are physical versions to collect.… Full Review »
  3. Xavikun
    Mar 11, 2022
    0
    It is a great game. Beautiful 8bit graphics and music, exploration, action-platforming and a bit of puzzling all together makes a greatIt is a great game. Beautiful 8bit graphics and music, exploration, action-platforming and a bit of puzzling all together makes a great experience.
    I would give it better score but not being able to increase your health and the spike on difficulty on boss 4th (I would say unfair spike), made the game pretty annoying when I reached that point.    … Full Review »
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