Reviewed on PC 

Disclaimer: Review code provided by PR/publisher.

Every once in a while I’m in the mood to play a retro SNES styled game. So when I was booting up Kraino Origins I was excited to see how this game would scratch that itch and how it would stand out on with its own unique traits. I’m happy to report that Kraino Origins answered the call with both questions. However is that enough to make it a good single player experience?

Let’s dive into it.

Gameplay:

Kraino Origins is a 2D action-platformer that is a real throwback to SNES-Era games. It features a detailed and dope Retro 2d pixel Graphic art style. What is impressive is that this really detailed game was developed by a solo developer. You can tell that a lot of love and care was put into the visuals of this game. Each Level of the game is slightly different and unique.

I’m not going to lie to you this game isn’t for the weak. In Kraino Orgins you have infinite lives and only lose portion of the money that you have every time you die. Do be fooled into thinking infinite lives makes this game easy. On the contrary, you’re going to need those lives. This game goes for blood and everything is out to kill you. Trust me your enemies are going to succeed a lot. At first I thought I was just bad at the game, but then I got an achievement for dying 50 times. That achievement was a relief in multiple ways. Mostly because I knew then that I wasn’t going to be the only one dying an extraordinary amount of times.

The Pros:

 Despite the game’s difficulty you will find this game addicting. I found myself continuously trying over and over to make it just a bit further than I got last time. It’s so satisfying when I do get past a point I was struggling with. That’s what this game does the best, it makes you want to get better and claw your way to the next checkpoint or the end of the level. This game is challenging, but for the most part fair. I didn’t really feel cheated when I died.

Let’s talk about the gameplay. Combat is mostly centered on wielding your weapon, a long reaching Scythe at enemies and platforming to get to the end of each level. Imagine if Mario was a skeleton and was cutting his enemies down with a Scythe and you get the general concept. The gameplay feels like a mixture between Mario, Castlevania, and a bit of Dead Cells. The controls are your standard platformer controls. There’s a standard attack button, a jump button, a jump then attack down button, a spin your scythe to deflect projectiles button. That all the controls the game has, but that’s not a bad thing. The controls may be simple, but it doesn’t stop you from having a great time.

The game is on the shorter side with only eight total levels. This is a huge plus. The game doesn’t overstay its welcome and chooses to be a high quality shorter experience.

The Cons:

A criticism I have of the game is that the controls or the introduction of a gameplay mechanic could have been introduced in a better manner. Just a small nitpick on what is a good game.

Overall/Should You Play Kraino Orgins:

Overall Kraino Orgins is a solid throwback to retro SNES games. The combat is good, the platforming is solid and the 2D pixel art style is great. If you’re a fan of retro games like Castlevania and Mega Man I’d definitely recommend giving this game a try. 

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