TL;DR
Cathedral might look like another retro throwback, but this game delivers a surprisingly polished and challenging Metroidvania experience. You play as an amnesiac knight on a quest filled with tight controls, satisfying combat, and a non-linear world begging to be explored. While the music can get a bit repetitive, the game masterfully balances fun and difficulty, making it a must-play for retro fans and a great entry point for newcomers. Discover why this Switch port is earning rave reviews in the full article!
The market is saturated with modern games sporting retro aesthetics, targeting the large and affluent demographic of grown-up retro gamers. While we at Senses appreciate this trend, the initial appearance of Cathedral in our review queue didn’t immediately pique my interest. However, after viewing the trailer and considering Swedish Elden Pixels‘ track record with the Alwa games (although they are the publisher, with development handled by Skåne-based Decemberborn Interactive), I decided to delve in.
Players assume the role of a nameless knight, awakening with amnesia. Though taciturn, his actions speak volumes. Armed with a great sword, crossbow, and shield, he embarks on an adventure reminiscent of both Ghouls ‘n Ghosts (currently receiving a remaster from Capcom) and the Metroidvania genre.
I’ve always been drawn to platformers, fondly remembering countless hours spent playing Ghosts ‘n Goblins on my Atari 1040STE. Its brutal difficulty notwithstanding, it remains a personal favorite. The recent influx of retro-styled games highlights developers’ attempts to capture the engaging gameplay and challenging difficulty that defined Ghosts ‘n Goblins and its contemporaries. However, many modern efforts fall short.
Until now. Cathedral presents an exceptionally enjoyable and challenging experience. The visuals are appealing, complemented by fluid animations. The controls are responsive, perfectly balancing entertainment and difficulty. Furthermore, the game embraces a non-linear, Metroidvania-style world, allowing players to freely explore. Towns offer opportunities to purchase upgrades and essential items, vital for confronting the formidable bosses that await.
While Cathedral initially launched on PC in 2019, its recent port to the Nintendo Switch feels like a natural fit. The game performs admirably in both handheld and docked modes, with legible text and well-defined details even on the smaller screen.
My only minor critique concerns the music. While stylistically consistent with the game’s retro aesthetic, it can become repetitive and somewhat grating over time (unlike certain other classic retro soundtracks). This is unfortunate, given the overall quality of the game.
In conclusion, Cathedral is a highly recommended title. It caters perfectly to enthusiasts of retro platformers, offering a nostalgic experience for seasoned players. Simultaneously, its balanced gameplay and intuitive mechanics make it accessible to newcomers to the genre. The near-perfect calibration of “fun” and “challenge” positions Cathedral as a strong contender for a top score.
Review Highlights: Q&A
What genre of game is Cathedral?
Cathedral is a retro-styled platformer and Metroidvania game featuring a non-linear world for players to explore freely. The gameplay takes inspiration from classic titles like Ghouls 'n Ghosts and Ghosts 'n Goblins while incorporating responsive controls.
Who developed and published the game Cathedral?
The game was developed by the Skåne-based studio Decemberborn Interactive. It is published by the Swedish company Elden Pixels, known for their work on the Alwa games.
How does the game perform on Nintendo Switch?
The game performs admirably in both handheld and docked modes on the Nintendo Switch. In addition, the text remains fully legible and the graphical details stay well-defined even on the smaller screen.
What weapons and equipment does the main character use?
Players take control of a nameless knight who wakes up with amnesia. The protagonist is armed with a great sword, a crossbow, and a shield to tackle obstacles and fight formidable bosses.
Are there any notable drawbacks mentioned in the review?
The primary minor critique centers on the background music. Although stylistically consistent with the retro aesthetic, the soundtrack can become repetitive and somewhat grating over time.
