11/10/2023 0 Comments Salt and sacrifice opencriticBut, something about UnExplored: Unlocked Edition just didn’t play right with me. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good rogue-lite, dungeon crawler. Bosses in particular always manage to look imposing as they ready up for an attack.I feel like I’m going to anger a lot of people with this next statement: I didn’t enjoy UnExplored: Unlocked Edition. Even so, it’s still hard to argue that the developer hasn’t put a lot of time and effort into realising this Souls-inspired world. Although distinctive, it has that “teenager doodling in a exercise book” look about it that will no doubt put some gamers off. For a long time now Ska Studios has adopted the same art style. ![]() One aspect of Salt and Sanctuary which may prove divisive is its visuals. Part of why those games are so well loved is the abundance of resources created and shares amongst their communities as players guide each other through difficult sections, construct unique builds, and demystify some of their more vague items and descriptions. However, just like the Souls franchise, it is bound to garner a dedicated following. This is compounded by the harsh gold and Salt penalties imposed upon death, as well as the distance between checkpoints. It’s an unapologetically hardcore brawler that can throw you into long periods of despair, especially when butting heads with a particularly tough boss. It goes without saying that Salt and Sanctuary can be oppressive at times. Thing is, if you’re killed again, that Salt will be lost forever unless you naughtily manage to reboot the game quickly enough. The only way of getting it back is to hunt down the enemy that killed you, forcing players to run the same gauntlet to prove your worth. Die whilst exploring and you’ll lose every grain of Salt before being beamed to the nearest sanctuary. As you acquire Salt (Souls, basically) you’ll level up and start fleshing out different branches, unlocking new proficiencies and stat buffs.ĭuring play, the same risk/reward trade-off seen in From Software’s franchise is also employed here too. Salt and Sanctuary gives plenty of room to experiment using various character builds thanks to its expansive skill tree. This switching mechanic also allows players to alternate between two weapon types seamlessly, going from mauls and bows to daggers and staves, for example. While on the offensive you have your basic light and heavy attacks, with the option to carry a weapon in one hand or both. ![]() ![]() You’ll often spend those first few attempts floundering aimlessly until you finally nail a rhythmic pattern. Without the luxury of being able to circle your opponent in an open three dimensional space, there is arguably a smaller window to dodge attacks and find openings. With one or two exceptions, these encounters are as fiendish as they are intense, giving even some of the toughest Souls bosses a run for their money. In order to successfully “clear” a zone, you’ll have to take on its reigning boss character. The similarities to Souls don’t just end there, either. ![]() We’re not just talking about enemies either, with devious traps tucked away out of sight. Some areas, for instance, will be inaccessible until you come across a specific traversal technique such as wall jumping or manipulating gravity.Įach locale emits a foreboding aura and is chock full of nasties. Although there’s the roleplaying systems running through its veins, Salt and Sanctuary will occasionally surprise players with the odd bit of 2D platforming. This approach to structure gives it a distinct Metroidvania feel, similar to recent games like Guacamelee and Axiom Verge.
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