Akatori Impressions
Contrast Games' Akatori combines rewarding platforming and crunchy combat with visuals that evoke classic 32-bit adventures.
Akatori. Credit: Contrast Games / Espirit Games
Akatori, the new 2.5D Metroidvania from Contrast Games and publisher Espirit Games, launched today on Steam. Xbox and PlayStation console releases follow on August 12 and 14 respectively. The game combines rewarding momentum-focused platforming and crunchy staff-based combat. Though it’s not without some rough edges, I’m enjoying my time with it so far.
From Steam:
Welcome to the vast and mystical world of Akatori, a captivating blend of classic metroidvania and intense action platformer. You will play as Mako, a teenage girl raised in the Firebird Temple, who embarks on a journey through all the worlds to save them from the Amber Storms that are infecting and distorting all living things.
A mysterious red bird sealed in a staff will accompany you on this adventure. While its background and motives are yet unknown, the staff it can transform into may prove useful: it can be a weapon to crush enemies or a tool to navigate and explore every corner of the places you'll visit.
Akatori. Credit: Contrast Games / Espirit Games
I've spent several hours with the game already, and I’m struck by how good it feels to move through its world. Mako jumps, dashes, vaults, glides, and slides to navigate the sprawling environments. It feels particularly good to hook onto walls with the staff as you climb through the world’s often vertical design. Combat is straightforward, though pulling off combos with the staff carries a satisfying crunch.
Akatori is beautiful to look at. Its expressive pixel-art characters move through 3D environments that evoke the look of classic 32-bit era 2.5D games. Backgrounds are rich in detail, with subtle animations and effects that give the vibrant world a sense of life.
The game isn't without rough edges. Playing on Normal, I ran into frustrating difficulty spikes, especially because enemies hit so hard. I eventually pushed through each roadblock, though not without some gritting of teeth. I’ve also noticed some collision detection issues with environmental hazards; sometimes I take damage when I feel I shouldn’t, while at other times I’m certain I should have taken a hit and I don’t. The writing is also less than stellar. Conversations are awkward in a way that suggests translation problems, occasionally bordering on unintelligible. It undercuts scenes that are clearly meant to be funny.
Even so, the core movement and platforming have kept me pushing forward. Akatori launched on Steam today, with console versions arriving soon.
Contrast Games' Akatori combines rewarding platforming and crunchy combat with visuals that evoke classic 32-bit adventures, even if some rough edges remain.