Roguelikes are growing in numbers in the indie game market. And why not? Games like Dead Cells have proven quite sustainable – and entertaining – in the long run. Of course, that means dying, learning from your lessons and eventually progressing. But grinding in some cases isn’t as bad as you might think. It all depends on approach. And I’ll admit, Monster Theater’s Atomic Owl has a pretty good one.
You play Hidalgo, a famed Bladewing, who’s on a quest of revenge. He’s taken down quickly by an evil sorcerer by the name of Omega Wing, and will stop at nothing to save his friends and the land from their grasp. As expected, however, the journey is far from easy.
With the help of a talking blade (way better than a singing Frank Sinatra sword), you set out on the journey. It’s a roguelike with Metroidvania elements, so you’ll do a little exploring alongside the hack-and-slash. And yes, you will die, but you’ll use helpful green Meza to power up your super warrior.
The game’s story isn’t quite imaginative as it should be, and the platforming sections could’ve been a little smoother. But Atomic Owl has a lot going for it. The stunning visuals and soundtrack really deliver, while the gameplay keeps you addicted with its combat and fair leveling. Plus you’ll get at least six good hours out of its $20 price tag – maybe more with exploration elements. Adding the game to your collection would definitely be a wise move if you’re a fan of the genre.
Level Up Like a Boss In Atomic Owl
There are two parts to the gameplay here – platforming and combat. I particularly thought that Atomic Owl’s fighting tactics were excellent, and easy to get into. While most games have a more intricate system, this one keeps it simple. And it pays off, particularly with its boss battles. They aren’t too much, but pose an old school challenge that fans of the genre will instantly recognize. You can also switch between various weapons, including a throwable scythe and a giant hammer that can do a massive amount of damage.
Then there’s the platforming. It’s not bad per se, but there are some sections where it can use a bit of work. This includes staying on certain platforms during combat, and one sequence that requires utmost precision and doesn’t quite deliver it. (You’ll see what I mean.) Otherwise, it’s not bad. Maybe a patch can fix these little errors.
Along with the combat, the leveling system is smooth. You’ll collect Meza – mostly green, with a hint of blue here and there – to unlock new abilities for your hero. These are actually useful, becoming permanent with each run.
Then there are Wing Variants. These, sadly, aren’t permanent, but still cool. Ranging from dashes to fireballs to other cool little things, they help over the course of your current journey. Well worth getting if you can snag one.
Overall, the gameplay isn’t entirely perfect, but it’s built on a rocksteady base that players can enjoy. Just remember, patience plays a part in a game like Atomic Owl. If you have that, you’ll have a blast diving back into this one.
This Atomic Owl’s a Good Looker
To go along with the gameplay, Monster Theater packs Atomic Owl with beautiful visuals. With a hand-drawn approach and lavish levels, it really comes alive on the screen. The bigger the better, really, though it also has good performance on the Steam Deck (where the game was reviewed). The character animations aren’t bad either, and the little lighting effects are quite noticeable.
I’m also a fan of the soundtrack, which is wonderfully composed and brings a soothing melody to go along with the on-screen action. Definitely get some headphones for this one. The sound effects round out the package with barely any problems either. There are a couple of songs that are a little bit off, but as a whole, it’s quite listenable.
Flap Those Wings!
Although Atomic Owl won’t take the place of legendary titles like, say, Dead Cells, it’s a welcome new entry in the genre. There are some things that could use glossing over with patches, but the core foundation is promising. The combat is easy to get into, and the extra elements keep things interesting. Plus the journey doesn’t drag out too long, and is a feast for the eyes and ears alike.
The more attempts we get like this to further broaden the genre, the better. Atomic Owl is definitely worth giving a hoot about, even with some wear on its wings
GAMERHUB RATING: 3.5 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
Thanks to Eastasiasoft for providing a review code! The game is available now for Steam/PC.
Need another good Eastasiasoft game? Check out our review of Fallen City Brawl!
