Fallen Tear: The Ascension, currently in Early Access, is a stylish Metroidvania that marries classic gameplay with modern mechanics.
The game opens with a nostalgic JRPG moment, where a young boy is awakened by his mother for an important day.
Though it incorporates familiar elements, this game stands out with its gorgeous hand-painted art style and smooth animations.
Exploration and Mechanics
Players control Hira, who gradually acquires abilities like wall jumping, double jumping, and dashing. These moves expand exploration options and enhance gameplay.
Unique to Fallen Tear is the Fated Bonds system, where players recruit characters that grant new abilities, akin to support characters in other games.
The game demonstrates a skilled blend of inspirations from various genres, setting it apart in the Metroidvania landscape.
Gaming Expert
The controls are responsive, allowing for fluid gameplay. However, some mechanics feel unbalanced, particularly in combat.
Navigational Challenges
Despite its engaging mechanics, the game suffers from navigation issues. After the initial tutorial, signposting becomes scarce, leaving players frustrated and unsure of where to go next.
Getting lost is a hallmark of Metroidvanias, but Fallen Tear may leave players too adrift, needing hints to guide them back on track.
Portable Gaming Experience
Fallen Tear is well-suited for portable gaming. It performs well on devices like the Steam Deck, though font size and some performance issues on smaller screens detract from the experience.
A Unique Development Story
Developed by Winter Crew, a studio based in the Philippines, Fallen Tear is notable for its lack of overt Filipino themes, offering a refreshing take on the fantasy genre.
The game features a captivating orchestral soundtrack and quality voice acting, enhancing its storytelling.
While it has room for improvement in areas like story progression and environment design, the artistry and responsiveness make Fallen Tear a title to watch.
With its enchanting visuals and engaging mechanics, Fallen Tear: The Ascension has the potential to become a standout in its genre.
Game Reviewer
Players can look forward to future updates as the developers refine the game, which is currently available on Steam.