The gaming landscape has seen a significant resurgence of titles drawing inspiration from classic graphic styles and game design. Recent examples include my reviews of Worm Jazz, Spinch, and the Kingdom series.
However, the Swedish-developed Alwa’s Legacy distinguishes itself as a genuine action-adventure experience. Beyond basic platforming mechanics, it offers a compelling narrative. A key element setting Alwa’s Legacy apart is its Metroidvania-style world design, allowing players to freely explore and revisit previously discovered areas to progress, rather than being confined to linear progression.
The visuals are remarkably well-crafted, demonstrating a strong commitment to the retro aesthetic. I frequently found myself appreciating the detailed environments. The audio, encompassing both music and sound effects, is also of exceptional quality.
The release of Alwa’s Legacy on the Nintendo Switch feels particularly well-suited, offering the advantage of portability. The game performs equally well in both docked and handheld modes. Text and UI elements are appropriately scaled for comfortable viewing, and the controls are precise and responsive.
In conclusion, Alwa’s Legacy delivers a compelling, engaging, and visually appealing gaming experience. Its primary limitation in achieving broader appeal lies in its adherence to the retro platformer genre, which may not resonate with all players. Appreciation of Alwa’s Legacy is contingent upon an affinity for this style of game.
