Elsie Review

Initial release date: September 10, 2024

Developer: Knight Shift Games

Publishers: Playtonic Games, H2 Interactive

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows, Linux, Xbox Series X and Series S

Genres: Platform game, Role-playing video game, Shooter game, Adventure

Engine: Unity

Elsie is a delightful anime-themed roguelike platform actioner that draws inspiration from old classics such as the Mega Man X series. The fact that it is roguelike initially turned me off, as I am a sucker for taut design and trial and error gameplay on titles of this ilk, but I am pleased to say that it is clever, varied, and rewarding to play, and actually benefits from its unpredictable nature, even if it isn’t exactly reinventing the wheel.

Your protagonist, Elsie, is gorgeously realized and plays like a dream, with a vast arsenal of attacks as well as the ability to leap, climb, and slide down surfaces. There is an excellent dodge and parry system that rewards precise timing by allowing you to carry out satisfying counterattacks if they are executed properly. The game’s Knight Shift team has given Elsie and her world a distinct Hispanic flavor, with some fantastic Latin flourishes, appealing characters, and really impressive voice acting woven throughout the design.

There are several different areas to explore, each with its own set of opponents and bosses. Some segments contain light puzzle components, as well as typical platform clichés such as submerged sections and specific requirements that must be met in order to progress. Defeating each zone, during which you discover the attack blueprints of adversaries and rescue NPCS, unlocks new equipment, boosts, and abilities for you to purchase, with permanent upgrades accessible at a cost of some serious grinding for in-game gold.

The roguelike elements are implemented in a very satisfying manner, as you can truly feel Elsie becoming incrementally more powerful, and it’s a real thrill to be able to revisit a previously difficult area and take down a boss almost effortlessly once you’ve got enough upgrades and firepower to make light work of it.

The disadvantage of Elsie is that you go through the game rapidly, which means there will be a lot of repetition in the biomes you play in after you become familiar with them. Thankfully, the wide choice of upgrades, including several incredibly entertaining weapon types to explore with, keeps things interesting. It may be a tribute to legendary Capcom platformers of the past, but it lacks the typically crushing complexity of anything involving Mega Man or Zero. I suppose this would be a suitable title for individuals who enjoy fast runs. There are also a number of quality-of-life options, such as the ability to play Elsie in a fully invulnerable condition, as well as some decent graphical adjustments, such as the inclusive decision to accommodate colour-blind players with a palette swap.

Elsie doesn’t add much new to the roguelite genre, which many of us have been playing for decades, but it is a terrific way to spend a few hours in a world that looks and sounds as lovely as anything from the 16-bit era.

Review Overview

Gameplay: 84%

Controls: 86%

Aesthetics: 88%

Content: 82%

Accessibility: 80%

Value: 83%

Overall: 84%

CHARMINGLY RETRO!

Summary:

“Elsie” takes players on a colorful, retro-inspired trip combining action-platforming and RPG components. The action is fascinating, with a nice balance of exploration and fast-paced combat that rewards timing and ability. The controls are tight and responsive, making gamers feel in control of every action. Visually, the game stands out with a retro pixel art style and bright settings that bring Elsie’s world alive. With a large amount of material and replayable levels, “Elsie” offers a fascinating experience that will fascinate both platforming fans and newbies.