The game industry has certainly changed over the years, to the point that developers can lose their job on the flip of a dime. If a game isn’t even remotely successful, or something doesn’t pan out, anything can literally happen to their job. Or, worse yet, they can feel burnout pushing themselves beyond their means. That’s the message somewhat conveyed in Acclaim’s The Prisoning: Fletcher’s Quest, a humorous yet somewhat frustrating Metroidvania-styled adventure.
Developed by Elden Pixels, the journey involves a “hero” who’s really trapped in a nightmare of his own making. What follows are a set of procedurally generated rooms, in which you have to survive using quick platforming skills and timed shooting from your (mostly) useless pistol. I don’t want to go too much into the plot, lest I give away some of the game’s best laughs.
It’s a curious project that the developer hid away for years. But now that it’s seen the light of day…I’m torn. On the one hand, it’s an interesting story, and the difficulty will certainly be welcome for some. But on the other, it takes a good while to get going (or even surviving), and there’s very little to do once you’re done. And that, sadly, is only within a matter of hours.
There’s some neat retro-inspired design here, along with a killer soundtrack. Plus the jokes are plentiful and the boss fights offer inspiration. But The Prisoning: Fletcher’s Quest is an acquired taste, and could’ve benefitted from more length and exposition. As it stands, it’s still worth checking out, but don’t expect to be revisiting once you’re done.
The Prisoning: Fletcher’s Quest Follows the Development Circle
This game is literally like nothing before it. Sure, there have been Metroidvania games before, but none based (somewhat) on a true story about developer burnout. It’s a clever idea, and, to an extent, done very well.
You start by dropping into a game world completely naked, but promised to be a chosen one of sorts. But first, you need to find clothes and weapons, as well as a way around compromising dangers. That’s easier said than done, forcing the game to drag until you finally get through the first few rooms.
Thankfully, the sense of humor within the game works well. This is mostly due to side characters that talk with you (including a helpful food booth clerk), and let you know what you need to do. They make the pill a little easier to swallow, though it’s still a tough digest.
The gameplay will likely appeal to a certain few. It’s tough for most players out there, but dedicated ones that blow through Mega Man games for breakfast will likely indulge. There are some good ideas at play here, and the procedural generation is done well, though not everyone will be on board.
I should also mention the boss battles. Aside from a final encounter that goes way too long, they’re very nice. One in particular has a shark that takes forever to plow down, to the point that even he notices. It’s good stuff.
The Prisoning: Fletcher’s Quest is a mixed bag overall. There’s some stuff here that works reasonably well, along with stuff that will likely turn off most of the audience. I did enjoy what I encountered here, but I just wish there was more of it.
How’s The Prisoning: Fletcher’s Quest’s Presentation?
Next, let’s talk visuals.
The Prisoning goes with a retro-inspired design that, honestly, works on the same level as an NES game. The level designs are inspired, even with procedural approach; and the enemies are pretty good, if not amazing. And, again, those bosses look good.
As for the audio, the soundtrack is one of the best things going for the game. It’s an absolute delight to listen to, though there could’ve been a few more tunes thrown into the fray. The sound effects are all right, but need more variety.
Should You Go Forth With Fletcher’s Quest?
That is a good question. The Prisoning: Fletcher’s Quest isn’t a bad game. It innovates when it comes to story and approach, and there are moments that are simply awesome. But, again, its difficulty will turn off a number of you; and it takes a good while to really pick up steam. Plus the fact there’s very little to come back to after conquering it – in a short amount of time – is a huge drawback.
If you’re down for a punishing Metroidvania experience with an admirable approach, Fletcher’s Quest might just be for you. Just remember, the journey isn’t easy. But, hey, maybe that’s the point.
GAMERHUB RATING: 3 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
Thanks to Acclaim for providing us with a review code! The Prisoning: Fletcher’s Quest is available now for Steam/PC/Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch!
Need more old-school platforming goodness? Check out our review of Aero the Acrobat!
