Salt and Sanctuary is a game that gives “Souls-like” a whole new meaning. Ska Studios, the developers behind Charlie Murder, took their time with this hand-drawn 2D Platformer, and it shows. Between the grim art within the level design and the punishing combat system, it’s hard to choose which aspect I’ve enjoyed more.

Salt and Sanctuary seamlessly combines fast, brutal, and complex 2D combat with richly developed RPG mechanics. Discover, craft, and upgrade over 600 weapons, armor pieces, spells, and items as you explore a cursed realm of forgotten cities, blood-soaked dungeons, desecrated monuments, and the fallen lords they once celebrated.

As a lover of the Souls series, I enjoy when games get dark and brutal. The art that Salt and Sanctuary brings to the table is robust in that nature. You’re cast into a grievous world as soon as the game begins and quickly unveil the grimacing villains within it. Each area has its own art style that goes hand in hand with its boss, and its not unclear where they’ve gotten their inspiration from.

The combat system brings every aspect you want in a hardcore game. Salt and Sanctuary utilizes a similar concept, giving you a Grade A brew for a challenging game. The combat system gets down to detail: Weapon Stat Scaling, Equipment Load Percentage, and different Defense types are all implemented. Fat rolling at 70% was a surprise upon first starting out the game. Soon after, you learn the ability of Parrying and Riposte.

Salt and Sanctuary couldn’t hide its inspiration from Dark Souls just as Dark Souls can’t hide its influence from Berserk. Truth is, Salt and Sanctuary‘s homage works so well its almost unfathomable. I’ve barely scratched the surface with Salt and Sanctuary’s progression and depth. During my playthroughs, I found myself itching to push on to the next area after every boss battle. Unfortunately, the local co-op didn’t get enough use at all. Playing with a friend changes most all battle strategies and creates those moments of chaotic fun we all know and love.

This game is great, there’s no denying it. I felt bad enjoying the game so much and trying to find faults in it! Though the music a bit lackluster and simplistic, it still worked! You have to give credit where its due, especially when a two person studio puts every element into a platformer properly. You can’t even complain about the price tag with this much content.

Hands down, Salt and Sanctuary is the most fun and challenging platformer I’ve explored yet. Get it now on PS4, Steam, or Nintendo Switch!

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