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.
