Duskfade Review: A Beautiful Trip Down Memory Lane

Duskfade by developer Weird Beluga is a love letter to the golden era of PlayStation 2 platformers. The story follows Zirian, a young boy on a quest to save his sister from a mysterious clock tower that has frozen time. With his mechanical cuckoo bird and his late grandfather's sword, Zirian sets out to fix the world and discover his family secrets.

The movement in this game is fantastic. From the start, Zirian can double jump and dive, which makes exploring the world feel fluid and rewarding. The environments are colorful and lush, with each of the four main biomes feeling distinct yet connected. It is a genuine pleasure just to run around and take in the sights.

However, the game hits a rough patch when combat begins. Using the sword makes Zirian feel sluggish, and the animations are slow enough that he often gets hit while trying to attack. The combat system feels at odds with the fast, fun movement that defines the rest of the experience. Boss designs and music are great, but the actual act of fighting often feels clunky.

While the protagonist can be a bit grating early on, the story eventually finds its footing by exploring themes of grief and regret. It is a heartfelt narrative that helps anchor the experience even when the gameplay mechanics falter. Fans of 2000s platformers will likely find enough here to enjoy, despite the shaky combat.