Dust: An Elysian Tail review
:: COMBATASTICPrice: $5.99
Version Reviewed: 1.051
App Reviewed on: iPad Air 2
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Metroidvania is a term I don't like to use, but it's an accurate description of what Dust: An Elysian Tail is.
The highly praised Xbox Live Arcade title, built almost single-handedly by Dean Dodrill of Humble Hearts, has recently come to iOS and it's a fantastic port of a fantastic game.
Prepare for battle
Dust stars an amnesiac cat or rabbit-like character (named Dust) that has happened upon a magic talking sword and its guardian, a miniature flying feline known as a nimbat. Say what you will about the character aesthetics or tired narrative conceit, the real core of Dust lies in its story and, more importantly, its combat.
As Dust goes around the land in search of who he is and his purpose in the world, he comes upon a lot of varied landscapes full of colorful characters that, while cartoony, are in the midst of a lot of pretty heavy turmoil.
Along the way, Dust fights hordes of monsters, all of whom offer rewarding challenges as players master theincredibly fluid and deep combat system.
Let's play dress up
On top of the combat and story, Dust boasts an impressive gear system that makes exploring the world all the more compelling.
If the story dies down or players revisit an area to complete a sidequest, there's always the bonus for players to find new materials and earn coin to further outfit Dust in later levels.
It all works to keep the game constantly compelling, even at its lowest moments.
The bottom line
Dust can be frustrating to play on a touch screen - at least on the harder difficulties. Controller support is coming though and there's little else to complain about. Get this game. It's special.