Hey SwitchUp Family! We had a lot of requests for this one and am really happy to bring you thins review from Mike Foster! Let him know how he did! Mark

I would've never heard of some of these indie games if it wasn't for this channel. Thanks for giving small developers a time in the spotlight. A lot of them deserve it. This looks very interesting and I'll check it out when I get a chance.

It definitely has one or two aspects that seem to fall into the 'you can tell he developed it solo because someone in a team would have spotted this doesn't work' category- the nanogel 'soul' spawning inside the locked-off boss areas, the jump being higher than it is long but the world design not fitting that so you bump your head sometimes, odd spacing of save points. But once you get into it those become small niggles and it's a game I'm really enjoying so far. I quite enjoy that what clearly happened if you see the early game footage is he was developing more-or-less a straight Metroid tribute and then Hollow Knight came out and he's gone 'I've got to grab me some of that' and those two influences have merged together organically to be really its own thing.

The fact one guy made this is insane.

Mike Foster is a great add to the ch! Loved the review

Months later, I come back to this video cause physical version just came out for the Switch I will be able to finally play this beautiful looking game

This is one of the best metroidvanias I've played in a long time, it's basically the M rated metroid we've always wanted. You can tell this game has a lot of love put in it. The dialog, the characters, gameplay, story, just about everything, the mall could have been a bit more diverse but the connection to the characters and works now than make up for that. And the mechanics, so many hidden mechanics that make the game so much fun to play, even to this day it seems like every time I start up the game I find a new mechanic I had no idea was impacting my play through. So many hidden details that you only notice by chance that can change the whole way you play the game, like how if you kill slimes at point blank range or with a melee weapon your gun gets covered in slime preventing it from overheating, or bosses that only show up under very specific circumstances, like the giant robot skull, I was so proud of my self when I finally figured out how to get it to fight me. Literally the only gripe I had about the game was the amount of backtracking I had to do, but the game makes up for that by spawning random mini bosses that only appear on certain treks and new characters to meet along the way that you find by pure chance more than makeup for the back tracking and even make you look forward to it. It's still no hollow Knight, but you can tell just as much love was put into it. I am so glad I played this game

Nice one, I'm really glad you reviewed this. I've had my eye on it since I saw a trailer a bit ago and have watched a good few other reviews, but wanted your take on it! Might have to get it tbh, the vibe looks exactly my kind of thing, even if the controls arent great

Awesome job Mike. Even though I haven't heard of this game, I got a clear understanding of exactly what I'd be getting into

A new subscriber to the channel. Watching and enjoying Mike Foster's first SwitchUp game review. I'm a huge Metroidvania video game genre fan, and this one looks like it's going to be an awesome one to play. The artistic direction of Ghost Song is simply amazing. A score of 83%, is pretty solid in my opinion. I'll definitely pick this game up.

Aaaww yisss! I've been waiting for a review of this game from you guys. 😋

Thanks for the review. A great effort for a 1st time review. Bravo!

Great job! I have this installed on xbox too, haven't got round to playing it yet though lol.

Sounds like a great time and it's not bad for his first review.

Completed it tonight and loved it. Yeah some small issues but the atmosphere is brilliant and the sfx are top notch. Really enjoyed my time with this one.

Top notch review, I'm considering buying this on the E-shop to support the developers. The art, sound and fun combat sold me on this metrovaina. Cheers Switchup. 💯👾

Excellent review. Switch up is a great channel, you guys should be really proud of what you’ve been able to build.

I think Mike's review was really top notch! Well done 👏

Art style looks absolutely fantastic on this one. I do wish the controls were a bit tighter. I feel like I can visually see what you were describing in the review, like you don't have the precise control you likely want. I can still myself picking this up at full price and definitely will be getting it on sale

Liking this while commercials roll! I am so glad You have a review of it.

Great review! Looks like a super fun game!

He did a good Job! I love metroidvanias and I think I'll get this sooner or later. I just have like 10 to 15 games in my backlog because of you guys 🙈

Wow this game looks rly cool. Might pick it up. Nice review from your new guy!

This review is spot-on. In particular, the gripe about the imprecise controls is one that I share as well. I feel like the decision to not allow for use of the d-pad to control the character is a big culprit here. I understand that the developer has assigned other inputs to the d-pad, but I wish they could have found a way around this. The beautiful background art really stands out, especially on the OLED screen. Still, I wish the controls felt better, for all of the immersion created by the visuals and audio, the controls create an unpleasant sense of remove from the action.

Nice one Mike 😁 really good review

This has been on my watch list for so very long so I'm glad it's finally out. That being said I haven't actually gotten it yet because November is absolutely disgusting with new games so this will probably be an after Christmas purchase

Another top notch review. The art style in this one is to die for.

I just started this a couple days ago and enjoying it so far. Having some trouble finding my way down to the bottom of the map for the first major quest but I'm loving the vibe

We need more of these from small developers!! It's on my Wish List and downloaded on GamePass, now I just need to find some time or finish a game so that I can start the song.

My only issue with this game was the lack of fast travel between save points. The max health being minimized everytime you die wouldn't have been such a hassle if it wasn't for this. However, the rest of the game is great! I loved everything else! Great review!

Great review SwitchUP Definitely on my backlog. Although I prefer more polished games I still take the time to go diving for indie gems. The art direction and story looks interesting. Thanks for the recc.

Now this is cool I can get into this gonna pick up soon....after chipping the backlog.....

Felt like a natural review! Well done! Game also is very interesting ☺️

Game looks sweet! Gonna pick up the physical! Thanks switchup! 👍

Well done Mike excellent review :)

Love it, added to my wishlist, I not even sure why haven't bought it yet, keep supporting this developers they certainly deserve it

great review. many thanks

So good Great review! Good job.

Awesome Job noob :D. Love the sound and music in this game, for that alone it was worth experiencing.

This game looks beautiful, but my backlog! Btw, great rec on both golf story (I know I’m late but I’m loving it) and Fez. As you would say, “my word!” I love them.

I love these smaller titles. Such fun can be had, and without breaking the bank. Now finding the time to play them all is another story. 😆

Solid review. Good addition to your team it seems. Love me some Metroidvanias. Only problem is this lesser known title called “Pokemon” comes out today so I’ll be sinking my life into that one first.

Just waiting for a physical release

Salt and Sanctuary with a sci-fi twist? Yes plz!

I hope you guys do a review of Bravery and Greed soon. Looking forward for your take on it. Thanks guys.

Looks pretty cool

I’ll be buying this when I can afford it. Hope it gets a Black Friday sale even though it’s brand new

Started this on Gamepass last night. Digging the atmosphere and the controls feel quite nice. I’m guessing you can grind your way to overpower enemies with buyable power ups?

Damn, I'm such a sucker for Metroidvanias. I'll never get tired of that gimmick. You're quite right: it just doesnt get old. Having said that: I dont love the visuals, but everything else looks just right up my alley. I just hope my backlog can sustain yet another metroidvania - and that I live long enough to go through all of them 😁 EDIT: Oh and kudos to the new guy. Excellent game choice - in pair with the rest of the content -and a very good script! I say it's a keeper!

I backed this project when it was on Kickstarter and was glad to see it finally come out. I got my download code and started playing it for an hour or two on its release day. Since I was in the thick of some other bigger games, I didn't end up sticking with it. It just didn't grab me right away. I'm sure I'll go back and play it eventually, but I was put off by how spongey the enemies are and the control woes mentioned in the review. When you get into a tense encounter you need tight responsive controls, and this game's lacking in that department. I can forgive some of the jank as its this developer's first game, though.

I absolutely Loved this Game

Let's go, love watching these videos on the clock 🤣

Well done Mike and you the SwitchUp guys for recognising both a critically fair review and a good game - much love x

Thanks for the view - looks like a great one!

Review on point

Homing bomb skulls in super tight angles after a boss fight with no save point was a great idea. I’m really enjoying myself.

Would love to see a review on lunistice on the switch from the only people I trust to tell me how to spend my money on switch

🤔 Solid review

Definitely a good title. It still needs a little work I think. It just feel clunky at times and not natural, but it’s worth playing.

It's actually better than it looks, on oled it's gorgeous, but they need to up the frame rate slightly, might take care of the floaty jump, highly recommended though. 👍

This is probably my GotY. I'm playing it on PS5, GamePass, and Switch at the same time.

I thought I could cope with the input lag - it was fine up until I came across some of the more difficult enemies. Currently it’s making it a little frustrating.

20 hours?! Just over 9 for me :P. Had a blast the entire time, though I played it on pc die to the input latency.

Just finished game. Took about 20 hours for me. Some of the areas felt empty and some of the game mechanics are questionable, but the game overall was very fun and quite challenging. The soundtrack is fantastic. I hope Old Moon studios pulls a Team Cherry and releases free DLCs haha

I dig it.

What is that animation system called that so many indie games use? Where all the parts are static images that are stuck together on hinges at the joints.

good review. i just wish the death collection thing, like when you die and need to go back, i wish you could collect that before the boss gate. or let us run in and out and not close us in a deathmatch we're loosing over and over

with a game like this that shows clear promise how do know when or if the switch gets an update? there's nothing in the eshop that tells you a version.

Added to the wishlist, though I'm avoiding buying new games at the moment being as how I will be in Pokémon land soon. Yes, I'm that person. No, I'm not ashamed. And who knows, maybe it'll be on sale by the time I get around to buying it.

My wallet says welcome Mike Foster! Great review!

I had a mix feeling about it wither like it or not because this is the first time i know about this game this week and really great I'll add this to my list.2.3D game Hunter x 3000th Duel Vigil the longest night

Awesome game!

It needs a severe resolution boost on Series X as it is only 1080p which is frankly ridiculous but is otherwise pretty cool apart from it taking way too long to kill some enemies lol. i have put a few hrs into this and would give it a 7 overall. Pretty good game but can get very repetitive too.

This one is a gem.

This is on Gamepass for those interested.

Another one for the wish-list, not that its not worth the money just that my logs turned into a bush, a tree, now a forest ......... recently redownloaded the mummy as you and swutch corner were going on about it. Bought that years ago but didnt finish co it was pretty hard

I think Ghost Song is a good metroidvania, but nothing spectacular , Deadsuit was definitely a intriguing character, I liked him/her/it a lot. I think the game is alot closer to 10hrs than 20. I got lost for hours and still completed the game in 13hrs. The dodge is alot faster than changing direction, I dodged into instead of away from multiple bosses which was annoying. Overall I liked the game 7/10, probably won’t revisit this one but a potential sequel could be interesting

Must buy for sure 😎🤙👍👍

It has its gameplay flaws but I really enjoyed the atmosphere, It keep me hooked to the end.

This is one of two games for the Switch, that, sadly, i deleted after rage quitting more than a few times. Some bad gameplay mechanics really got in the way of me enjoying this game. Oh well, at least i was able to get a few hours in..

Can you start adding an estimate of how long you played the game you were reviewing, on the platform you were reviewing? Ideally at the end, as an easy to find number.

Can you review Nascar Rivale

Is this another one that maybe better on another platform?

Welp. Looks like I gotta add another one to the list.

Definitely getting this one, seems like a blend of Metroid, Hollow Knight and its own.

See, this is how you do a Metroid-style passion project and avoid a Nintendo C&D. They can only stop you from messing with their own properties, but cannot stop you from competing with them! 🤣

Phat!

This game looks god tier

Have you ever checked out Haiku The Robot?

Looks amazing

While I'm a metroidvania fan and this game surely looks like my cup o tea, there's just something off-putting about the way the main character runs. Something with the animation like the review said.

This was a great game, 100% completion for me

Very good game indeed! Sadly is too short. :(

Played it as soon as it came out. I loved it more then the new metroid (was too easy and in your face with hints). Movement not as smooth and precise as I wood love it to be

Switchup, i formally request to write the review for Vanguard Dear Days. Please.

hi guys

What a beautiful looking game. I may have to add it to my backlog!

I'm liking the game so far, but I do have a few gripes with it. One, there's an excess of backtracking, which seems to be there just to pad the runtime. I understand this is common for metroidvanias, but those games usually have many more fast travel points than this one has. And then this game goes an add this mechanic where you cannot use fast travel after acquiring each one of the items you have to fetch to repair the ship. Boo! Two, bosses are generally just bullet sponges. I appreciate they all have their distinct attacks and become harder halfway through the fight, but the only real difficulty they have is just how much HP they have. Battles with them tend to be tedious rather than fun because of it. I'd prefer it if there had been less bosses, distribute the extra movesets to the remaining ones and made them less spongy. Three, the story is just not very interesting, at least so far. Characters tend to talk more about themselves than about the world and therefore it's hard to get a good reading of the universe they inhabit. Still, overall a good experience for now.

Great review but really not convinced that's Switch footage. Been playing this for 10 hours, pre and post patch, and there's still a ways to go to get this one running smoothly. Great game, but laggy and juddery on Switch.

Hello go to rogue legacy 2 its an incredible game !!!