Kingdom Shell is a charming atmospheric metroidvania that blends pixel art nostalgia with souls-like combat mechanics. This 2D platformer tells the story of Elias, a half-blood warrior who must save a kingdom overrun by nightmarish creatures after its magical protective Shell shatters.
The game's hand-drawn pixel art is genuinely beautiful, creating a dark fantasy atmosphere that draws you into its mysterious world.
Combat feels satisfying with combo-based melee fighting, dodging mechanics, and a variety of spells to master. The exploration is rewarding, with hidden areas, secrets, and over a dozen boss fights (including secret encounters). The "inspiration system" also lets you customize your playstyle, which adds nice replay value.
If you enjoy games like Hollow Knight or Blasphemous, Kingdom Shell scratches a similar itch.
It's a solid indie title that doesn't reinvent the genre but executes its ideas with care and polish.
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