Cathedral

 Switch
User Score
6.5

Mixed or average reviews- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 8
  3. Negative: 2 out of 8

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  1. DecoyDoctorpus
    Mar 7, 2021
    10
    I feel like it is important to state from the outset, that although this game has received positive reviews overall, there is a kind of error in the assessment. The general thrust of the reviews is that this is a good Metroidvania, but that it fails to bring 'anything new' to the genre - and as such does not arrant a very high review score. This is not correct, and in my opinion, there isI feel like it is important to state from the outset, that although this game has received positive reviews overall, there is a kind of error in the assessment. The general thrust of the reviews is that this is a good Metroidvania, but that it fails to bring 'anything new' to the genre - and as such does not arrant a very high review score. This is not correct, and in my opinion, there is something new and fresh feeling in this excellent game. of course, as a Metroidvania, there is something formulaic - but the presentation and delivery of this title does not feel imitative or repetitive. For an indie title with a very small team, this game (the map) is also pretty massive, and it takes way longer to clear than the typical indy Metroidvania does (length wise, it took me a bit longer to complete this than it took to complete Ritual of the Night (35 hours approx), and i have complete Momodora: RutM (a great game) 4 times on all settings and that has clocked less time than 1 Cathedral playthrough). Reading some professional reviews, you can tell they did not actually play through the whole game because some give a completion time of 15-20 hours. I suppose they just extrapolated from the typical lengthier Metroidvania, but there is no way someone is doing a 15-20 hour clear on first playthrough unless they are sitting with a playthrough and boss guide, and racing through the game like that. Average competent gamer is looking at a 32-38 completion time. There are good 100% challenges there for those who like 100%ing a game - which, without a guide, i can see taking 40-45 hours.

    One worry for this type of game though, is that it is easy to overlook such a title because of the influx of 8-bit style platform type scrolling games that start to look similar. DO NOT miss this title because it looks like just another 8-bit indy game. If you enjoy Metroidvanias (and hard ones at that), then i cannot imagine you would dislike this game or find it average. It is extremely challenging at times, even to the point of extreme frustration, but not to the point that it is insanely impossible or anything. The items that are acquired are interesting and feel satisfactory when found. Of course the obligatory double jump and dash items are there, but with the other more unique items, they really make for challenging and fun platforming sections and puzzle solving.

    The chiptune music is excellent, and so is the map design in general. I really, really recommend this for someone looking for a new, lengthy Metroidvania, that overall feels fresh and a bit new. You probably wont find a better value for money Metroidvania on the market given the length. No way in this world this game deserves a 6/10. It is full of charm and made with heart, passion, intelligence and dedication. For me this game is a 10/10.    … Expand
  2. metzzarn
    Feb 28, 2021
    9
    Great gameplay with responsive controls. The map is massive and at least 20 hours of gameplay
  3. schh
    Mar 26, 2021
    10
    Tight controls, massive map, great music, challenging. Anyone that loves metroidvanias is gonna love this one. Probably a few that don't love them will love it aswell. Ive played every metroidvania worth its salt and i still got 37 hours out of this one for a single playthrough. I didnt go completionist on it neither. Worth every penny.
  4. omgalberto
    Apr 3, 2023
    9
    As someone who enjoys playing 2D games, this game is excellent! I recently finished it and wanted to give my two cents.

    In general, this game is more challenging than most 2D games. Most people might expect a level of difficulty closer to Shovel Knight (because oh look, it's a knight! ), but this surpasses it for sure. The enemies are numerous at times, the platforming can be tricky,    As someone who enjoys playing 2D games, this game is excellent! I recently finished it and wanted to give my two cents.

    In general, this game is more challenging than most 2D games. Most people might expect a level of difficulty closer to Shovel Knight (because oh look, it's a knight! ), but this surpasses it for sure. The enemies are numerous at times, the platforming can be tricky, and the bosses are usually a test of patience and skill, but it never feels unfair for the following reasons

    · There are several power-ups to purchase
    · There are several upgrades/weapons you find as you run around
    · There's a bank system that protects your gold (deaths remove gold, so having this makes death almost meaningless)
    · Potions get refilled on death
    · While bosses can be difficult, there are observable patterns in their attacks and you will eventually succeed if you carefully examine them and take your time
    · You can double your health for a small fee in most towns
    · Most enemies have a pattern as well so you can learn to best deal with them

    My only small complaint is that I wish there was more lore to the Knight. While there is a story going on and most characters have a purpose and name, the Knight is just " the knight that fell from the sky". Sure it's mysterious, but some hints of who they are would have been nice.

    Besides that, I really enjoyed the game. It's well polished, it's challenging, it's fair and it's just fun.

    9/10!    … Expand

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
71

Mixed or average reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. Cubed3
    Nov 2, 2022
    60
    Cathedral is basically 10 to 15 hours of decent exploration, with some decent upgrades to find, which will help you fight some decent boss fights, while enjoying the decent retro audio-visuals. Sadly, that's the best thing this has to offer: a decent time. In a sea of similar games, there's little reason to spend any time in here, unless a collector of all things metroidvania.
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  2. Worth Playing
    Nov 29, 2021
    70
    Cathedral's real sin is that there's not much to make it distinct from other Metroidvanias on the system. It nails the retro look and the need for exploration. The lack of handholding is refreshing, and the combat is rather good, especially for the boss fights. It doesn't have anything else to pull in players, aside from the fact that the world you traverse is absolutely huge. If you're a genre fan who wants something new yet familiar to work with, Cathedral is the right game.
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  3. Starbit
    Apr 9, 2021
    80
    Cathedral is a game that packs a lot of exploration in its action and platforming design, as well as many metroidvania elements and a healthy mix of adventure, combat and puzzles. Along with the quality of its level design and visual presentation, this is a game that will provide an involving experience for many players looking for a tough and demanding experience.
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