Solar Ash Review (oliver.brace)
Solar Ash marks a significant departure from Hyper Light Drifter, and I have mixed feelings about it.
Judging the game on its own merits, it is undeniably fun with a serviceable story and brilliant mechanics. However, compared to Hyper Light Drifter, several notable changes stand out:
Story:
I have mixed feelings about the story. Unlike Hyper Light Drifter, which hinted at a greater narrative without fully explaining it, Solar Ash is more straightforward. This shift may or may not appeal to you, depending on your preference for storytelling.
Transition from 2D to 3D:
The move from 2D to 3D is another mixed bag. The developers have done an excellent job translating the mechanics, and the main character is a joy to control. However, the addition of a third dimension introduces complexity. Navigating to certain areas can be tedious at times, though the overall experience remains enjoyable.
Secrets:
The approach to secrets is also different. In Solar Ash, secrets are fewer and harder to miss but are crucial for understanding the full story. This contrasts with Hyper Light Drifter, which had numerous, well-hidden secrets that felt more rewarding to discover. Again, this depends on your personal preference.
Overall, Solar Ash is a fun game with its own unique strengths, but it inevitably draws comparisons to Hyper Light Drifter. Whether you'll enjoy these changes depends on what you value more in a gaming experience.
I think Solar Ash won't stick in my mind as much as Hyper Light Drifter did (for whatever that is worth)