Knock knock! Open up the doors to your game library, as a new Metroidvania with a fresh steampunk twist has arrived. Gestalt: Steam & Cinder was released on July 16, 2024, from Metamorphosis Games and Fireshine Games. This indie title has been capturing attention with stunning visuals, unique world-building, and engaging combat action. Learn more about this game with this Gestalt: Steam & Cinder review.
A Steampunk World Brought to Life
In the vast underground city of Canaan, the players control Aletheia, a skilled “Soldner” or bounty hunter. Aletheia investigates mysterious vaults beneath the city, unfolding the game’s narrative as it discovers strange powers. Face the dark forces threatening to plunge the world into strings of chaos.
Visually, this innovative steampunk title is a feast for the eyes. Its aesthetic is beautifully realized through the detailed and vibrant pixel art. It has diverse and atmospheric environments, as seen in industrial cityscapes and forgotten vaults. Character animations, particularly Aletheia’s fluid movements and attacks, have been praised for their smoothness and attention to detail.
Dynamic Combat and Progression
The combat system is one of the game’s standout features. It combines close-quarters melee attacks with a limited-ammo pistol, producing a dynamic and strategic approach to encounters. Players must carefully balance building up energy through melee strikes to power up long-range attacks. They should utilize dodge rolls and positioning to avoid enemy assaults.
The upgrade system in Gestalt: Steam & Cinder is particularly noteworthy. Unlike traditional skill trees, the game presents players with a full matrix of abilities from the start. You unlock core abilities as you progress through the story. Players can choose which paths to prioritize for a personalized playstyle. The complementing system, equipment, and crafting mechanics provide satisfying game progression.
Exploration and World Design
Exploration in Gestalt takes cues from classic metroidvanias while adding its own twists. It separated the world into distinct zones, each with its own visual identity and challenges. Though ability-gating here is not as prevalent as in some other titles in the genre. This design choice helps to minimize excessive backtracking while still rewarding thorough exploration.
Audiovisual Excellence
Visually striking with an impeccable soundtrack? This game has everything to offer. The game’s soundtrack received high praise, with each featuring a unique and memorable theme. The twang of the guitar and synth beats combined perfectly to complement the steampunk setting and the a. There are also distinct audio cues for several hazards and hidden collectibles, furthering the sound design’s quality.
Conclusion
Even for a polished and engaging entry in the metroidvania genre, it still has its minor flaws. There is uneven boss difficulty and unskippable cutscenes that somehow affect the gameplay. If you like action platformers, metroidvanias, or steampunk aesthetics, Gestalt: Steam & Cinder is a must-play title. It offers a concise yet satisfying experience with approximately 5–6 hours of playtime. Leaving you, hunters, eager for more adventures in the world of Canaan!
