The opening moments of 2D action RPG Hyper Light Drifter are extremely convincing. Immediately stylish and mysterious, those first 10 minutes or so promise a uniquely captivating adventure. After completing the initial tutorial area though, it quickly becomes apparent that things might not quite be as straightforward as they seem.
Originally released on PC and consoles back in 2016, Nintendo Switch owners now get the chance to play a remastered and expanded “Special Edition” containing an exclusive gameplay area and additional new weapons and items.
The story is purposely left to interpretation. There’s no text or dialogue, with plot points instead represented by static pixel art images, and what these might represent is completely up to individual players to decipher. Actually playing the game is similarly abstract, with very little assistance available to guide players through the various objectives. The entire world can be explored right from the start, giving an initially welcome sense of freedom that unfortunately can quickly turn to frustration.
HLD is absolutely stuffed full of secrets and hidden paths, but they’re generally so well-hidden that only those with the keenest eye will find many of these areas. Gearbits (upgrade currency), keys, modules (for unlocking boss rooms) and monoliths (for… reasons) are tucked away in the most obscure places imaginable, and while not all are essential (although some absolutely are), most can make the game a lot easier if you collect enough of them. We’re all in favour of collectables, but HLD struggles to make the hunt interesting. Soon enough you’ll be literally running head first into every single wall just in case anything’s hiding behind there, becoming annoyed at the distraction rather than enjoying the diversion.
The various neon-coloured environments are truly breathtaking at times, despite the 16 bit-style pixel art’s limitations. Plus points are also scored for the challenging combat, which gets increasingly enjoyable as additional weapons are found and upgraded (assuming you can find enough of those sodding gearbits). We’d hesitate to recommend this one to everybody, but RPG fans with an eye for detail and extremely high tolerance levels might want to give it a look.
HYPER LIGHT DRIFTER – SPECIAL EDITION / DEVELOPER: HEART MACHINE / PUBLISHER: PLAYISM / PLATFORM: NINTENDO SWITCH / RELEASE DATE: 6TH SEPTEMBER 2018
