Salt and Sanctuary

 Switch
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 63 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 47 out of 63
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 63
  3. Negative: 10 out of 63
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  1. sololeocr
    Jan 11, 2019
    9
    I love it, I bought the game trying to find a metrovania game or similar, some friends recomended this game. I started the game few weeks ago, in the first hours I don't like it so much, the artistic development it was too dark and the I can't understand very well what to do, but later searching over Internet information I really started to enjoy it.

    The bossess fights were improved    I love it, I bought the game trying to find a metrovania game or similar, some friends recomended this game. I started the game few weeks ago, in the first hours I don't like it so much, the artistic development it was too dark and the I can't understand very well what to do, but later searching over Internet information I really started to enjoy it.

    The bossess fights were improved more, each one have his strength and weakeness, different mechanics, the key is to get adapted to change few things on the player, like armor, weapons, and support items, in the end I finished spending over 118hrs only in the first walktrought. I realy want to continue on ng+, change many things on my character. I really like this tittle, I hope a new game from their developers

    Thanks for this game.    … Expand
  2. gq_foine
    Jan 23, 2019
    9
    With over 50hrs+ with NG+ this game is absolutely awesome! I would give this an overall 9 and considered this as The Best 2D Action Dark Souls game there is.. The only caveat is that I haven't played Hollow Knight or Dead Cells. Ignore anything 0-5 they are just trolls.

    This game 2D action game has something unique - gritty, tough, and interesting story, characters and item elements    With over 50hrs+ with NG+ this game is absolutely awesome! I would give this an overall 9 and considered this as The Best 2D Action Dark Souls game there is.. The only caveat is that I haven't played Hollow Knight or Dead Cells. Ignore anything 0-5 they are just trolls.

    This game 2D action game has something unique - gritty, tough, and interesting story, characters and item elements - "SALT". I would recommend any Switch users who enjoy Dark Souls games to try this game. There is frankly some small drawbacks that I didn't like about the game, but let's start out with the positives.

    1) Gameplay - just addicting and fun -
    2) Character, story, and Salt Items - interesting and different
    3) Lots of Boss fights! Be prepared - they don't have a fog to warn you. You could just randomly drop into a boss fight without noticing it.
    4) Plenty of Weapons, Armor, and items to build character.
    5) Unique special abilities to allow you to do different things and go back and get certain items
    6) Music - I really enjoyed the melodies, sound effects, and song.. Great Music overall. I wished it had more of it!

    Negatives/issues -
    *One of the Bosses - The Witch seemed almost as a cheat with spamming "homing" missiles that kil you with one shot. Most bosses are fairly easy and the only boss that I felt was completely unfair was the Witch with her homing spamming missiles.

    *Way too many items in the beginning and doesn't let you really progress slowly to figure out what you can enjoy. You don't know what weapon, item, armor is good which one to upgrade? A bit overwhelming and would have started it slower.

    *Skill Tree is just overwhelming in the beginning and way too much going on to start. They should have revamped the Skill Tree.

    *Buggy, glitch issues like randomly falling off things and other small frame problems in boss fights..

    Overall- the game is absolutely addicting and fun! Be prepared to lose Salt, Coins, and health! Great job and looking forward to the next one!    … Expand
  3. Relyst
    Aug 2, 2018
    9
    Huge Dark Souls fan, impatiently waiting for literally any news about the switch release. In the meantime, 2D Dark Souls will have to suffice. I want to say I'm maybe a third of the way through the game and I've quite enjoyed myself. Pro-tip: parry is god
  4. JorganBigs
    Jun 29, 2019
    10
    Great game with pretty much endless replayability.

    It's a metroidvania and a souls-like wrapped into one, and it does both elements extremely well.
  5. TomMonday
    Jun 17, 2022
    8
    S&S has a hard learning curve, but is engrossing once you figure out your play-style. A perfect mashup of Dark Souls and Metroidvania, with a great soundscape and satisfying control scheme. Basically, you play a highly-customisable character shipwrecked on an island full of monsters who escapes or conquers by becoming a monster themself. Late game, your character becomes so powerful thatS&S has a hard learning curve, but is engrossing once you figure out your play-style. A perfect mashup of Dark Souls and Metroidvania, with a great soundscape and satisfying control scheme. Basically, you play a highly-customisable character shipwrecked on an island full of monsters who escapes or conquers by becoming a monster themself. Late game, your character becomes so powerful that enemies pose little problems – and you also find yourself running around wondering where to go next. (Use online maps and videos if you need.) But any shortcomings are made up by the immersive atmosphere and dialogue and lore and NPCs. A good value for fans of this genre, with high replayability that feels different with each play-through.… Expand
  6. Legrand
    Dec 29, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Me parece un gran vídeo juego, con una dificultad alta y buenos gráficos en 2D, Metroid Ania imprescindible… Expand
  7. Beowulf0711
    Jan 21, 2023
    9
    What can I say? It was 2D Dark Souls with fun bosses, cool areas, and a handful of interesting unique takes on the genre. It's not a perfect game, but it does enough good things to warrant a solid 9/10 from me. Definitely worth a play!
  8. Johnny033
    Aug 20, 2022
    10
    Loved the style, history, game play, the dark atmosphere... It's just insane and everybody should give it a try. As usual, there are some haters. Don't give them credit. Try it by yourself.

Awards & Rankings

64
#64 Best Switch Game of 2018
100
#100 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2018

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. Worth Playing
    May 21, 2019
    80
    While Salt and Sanctuary is truly its own game, with themes and elements appealing to fans of the genre, there were moments when it was too similar to its predecessors, and some unnecessary mechanics were added in an attempt to separate itself from the pack. Sometimes, paying homage to something can get caught up in the fine line of copying. However, it is a title that fits well with a "pick up/put down" pace and gives players a lot of choice in how they wish to play. Salt and Sanctuary provides ample replay value in a fun title that is fast-paced and challenging enough for anyone seeking a "Souls-like" game.
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  2. DarkStation
    Sep 13, 2018
    80
    I can recognize that Salt and Sanctuary is a well-constructed game and that there’s a lot of depth and challenge here for those that crave such things from their entertainment. It just isn't for me and I don’t think it ever will be, as I'm not the target gamer here. From that perspective, I can't give this game any less than 4 stars. It delivers on everything a fan of the Souls series would crave, and does so with style. If that's your thing, dive right in there and go conquer some brutally tough fights.
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  3. Universo Nintendo
    Sep 10, 2018
    90
    Salt & Sanctuary is great in many aspects, with very few weaknesses such as dialogue and story. The game is excellent and it utilizes its references well, delivering a competent game.
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