PLATFORM: PC, PS4/5, SWITCH, XBOX ONE/SERIES (REVIEWED) | RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW
One for the anime fans here – Yohane the Parhelion is a spin-off from 2015’s Love Live! Sunshine!!, which sees characters from the main series re-imagined in a fantasy setting. Wannabe idol Yohane is now a fortune-teller, and her schoolfriends / bandmates have gone missing in a monster-infested labyrinth. Developed by Inti Creates, who have made a name for themselves in recent years with a string of near-flawless 2D action games, Blaze in the Deepblue features all of the usual Inti hallmarks – eye-catching visuals, tight platforming, unique mechanics and an incredible soundtrack.
The dungeons that Yohane travels through are laid out in a Metroidvania style, with some parts being locked off until Yohane acquires a specific ability that will allow her to pass whatever obstacle might be in her way. Blaze is one of the less intricate games in the genre though, with fewer abilities and smaller areas to explore. You’re likely to reach the end credits in around 6 hours, making it perfect for those who aren’t quite willing to spend hours backtracking through the complex layouts of something like Hollow Knight or Symphony of the Night.
As you free Yohane’s friends from their prisons, they become available to provide backup for the rest of the game, lending Yohane the use of their attacks and abilities. These are all delightfully quirky and fun to use, but switching between them can be very fiddly, especially towards the end of the game – remembering which character performs which move and then trying to switch between them in the heat of battle can be a rather frustrating experience. Having said that, the overall difficulty level is generally on the easy side, so you can always afford to make a few mistakes.
If you’re a fan of 2D action games, you can never really go too far wrong with Inti Creates’ catalogue. Blaze in the Deepblue isn’t quite up there with the developers’ finest entries, and it’s certainly one of the shorter and easier Metroidvanias out there, but the presentation, visuals, sound and gameplay are all perfectly on point. Those with a fondness for the genre or who are familiar with the anime are likely to find themselves in safe hands!
