Side Scape

I bought this game as soon as I watched the trailer. It is not exactly beautiful -- but to me it's [i]attractive[/i] in the same chunky, no-nonsense way Apogee's [i]Crystal Caves[/i] still is: plain, pragmatic sprites clearly delineated from the sparsely detailed backgrounds, just enough detail in the symbols to know what they mean. I didn't get it purely for its plainness though, but more for its core idea: the clever melding of shoot 'em up platforming and top-down, four-directional fantasy adventure, explained in the narrative by the dimensional merging of characters from two different games. The level design is smart and careful; on every screen is a dual gamescape, with Sir Knight's floor being Grisham's background, and Sir Knight's obstacles serving as Grisham's platforms. No challenge is really brutal if you've ever beaten an NES game, with each segment being short enough to keep the sense of adventure rollicking along. Translated into literary terms, I would call [i]Side Scape[/i] a punchy little novella that plums its fun and novel concept thoroughly. Space Commando Grisham is the battle beast of the duo, and can open up on the monsters of fantasy land with a laser gun that shoots as fast as you can hammer the button. By contrast, Sir Knight is a little weak and has short reach, but possesses the puzzle-solving power and Zelda-inspired items to get through the dungeons and unlock all the collectable upgrades on the world map. [i]Side Scape[/i] makes me wistful for the very early days of the indie game revolution, for the days of Desura (rest in peace), when Indie Gala was more worth looking at . . . and there was this one site that had a different game every other day for a dollar -- don't remember what it was called. Sure, I like pretty graphics and good art design like everyone else, but there was something special about that time, when something that [i]looked[/i] like it was made by one guy (who obviously didn't go to art school) in the corner of his bedroom after work could get some serious play. (I'm really surprised this genre-melding concept isn't more common in games. The only other one I can think of is the utterly fantastic [i]Concursion[/i] -- which also has in common with [i]Side Scape[/i] a somewhat MS Paint and "crunkulated" art style.)

Great game with a lot of hours of playtime! There are plenty of bosses to make it challenging, and the game concept is very unique. Worth the money!

Don't get fooled by the very old-school graphics and soundtrack: Side Scape is a really clever game, that not only mixes top-down combat and exploration a la NES Legend of Zelda with platforming action, but it also has several interesting puzzles based on both switching the protagonists at the appropriate moments and using weapons and items according to the environment clues. It also has some meta humour, with the 2 protagonists being aware of being in a game and some banter about the different genres they inhabit. My only problem is that the top-down combat is not that great, and some bosses in the beginning of the adventure (when you have just a few weapons and life bars) may be too tough, especially when you're not used to the character switching. For the rest I generally enjoyed it. Also, it is the prequel for the dev's other title [i]Xanthiom Zero[/i], which is still good but much less original, being a heavily Metroid-inspired exploration game.

This game is such a treat! It is 100% as if Samus and Link had a baby, and the game approaches it with an amazing sense of humor. The game mechanics are unique and inventive, as you explore rooms switching between side-scrolling platforming and top-down navigation (within the same room!) It has REALLY good dungeon design, unique character abilities, interesting meta narratives, and funny yet endearing dialogue. Exploration is excellent, and the boss fights are varied and thrilling. I don’t have many critiques, but the last boss is a little bit of a nightmare. I also really would’ve liked a dedicated map page with better detail - the current one is too small to decipher, and detracts from the experience. I whole-heartedly recommend this for either 2D Zelda or Metroid fans. It deserves way more recognition!

This isn't my usual genre but the concept was so intriguing from the get-go that I simply **had** to give it a whirl. The execution is great. The game has some tough bosses, but I unstuck myself by changing up my tactics. Solid music. The length is just right too, no dragging out a concept here. Absolutely worth it.

One of the most creative takes on the metroidvania/zelda-like genres I have ever experienced. While the game is rather short, it accomplishes a lot within the few hours of playtime. The movement feels sharp and responsive, the exploration is fun, and the main gimmick - switching between side-scrolling and isometric control schemes - makes both combat and puzzles more interesting. While the graphics are pretty simplistic, they do their job well. The music in the background is also well made, even if there isn't much variety. The one thing I disliked was the lack of a map and the vagueness of hints. While the world isn't particularly big, it is big enough to occasionally get lost when moving from one side of the map to the other. While the game does have a hint system telling you where to go next, some hints aren't helpful - an example that comes to mind being "find a cave" with no further context. As such, sometimes you can run around for a long time searching for where the game wants you to go. The lack of a map also caused me problems during the endgame. As a completionists, I tried to collect every item in the game. However, since there are no indications where an item might be located, I spent almost half of the 4 hours that my playthrough took running around aimlessly, hoping I would find the missing items. Other than those issues, which ultimately end up being simply annoyances, the game is very enjoyable. I heavily reccomend picking it up even outside of sales if you are a fan of the two blended genres.

"Side Scape" is a great little indie-title with a unique mechanic (switch instanly between 2D platformer and Top-Down Zelda-like) that is implemented very well (after you get used to the perspective switch). Storywise you play two heroes from different dimensions merged together in their quest to undo this: it really taps into meta-narrative, but keeps it's light tone and is solid throughout. Pixelart and spritework are a bit on the amateurish side, sound is okayish and combat with the knight can be a little wonky in early game, but the unique premise and the charming, if rough package should get more recognition! A definite recommendation for everyone who looks for a new Zelda-like of old!

Metroidvania Zelda-like mashup, sounds strange as hell but it is a little gem. Cool concept, nothing truly unique about the playstyles other than the mashup so it should be easy enough for most people to pick up and play. The game has been very fun so far! I saw that the dev also put out a prequel game which is a Metroid-like/vania. I'll finish this one and then jump on over!

This game is fantastic. It's a quirky combination of 2D Exploration Platformers and Top Down Zelda like games. The best part of the game are the puzzles that incorporate changing from 2D to Top Down at an instant. Short and sweet, this was a great time.

I really enjoyed this game. It has a very unique concept that I think was well implemented. It has a lot of engaging dialogue and story elements, and the combat is fun to play.

I haven't played it very long yet, but long enough to see how unique it is. Once unlocked, you can swap at will between two characters. I just beat the first dungeon. It took about an hour to get that far and to beat it. So far I definitely recommend the game.

So far so good! Haven't finished the game yet, but I am thoroughly enjoying myself. I wouldn't be surprised if I learned that the devs had a lot of fun making this one.

Pretty good metroidvania fan game combined with 2D-Zelda switching ability. A hidden gem can't miss if u like games getting new ability to explore map.

Despite what the top tag says, this is not a metroidvania at all, this is a zelda-like. Having said this, this is surprisingly original. In fact it's one of the most original games I've seen since I checked out vision soft reset. Having said that, this has a lot of issues that ultimately prevent me from giving this game a recommendation. Namely that, the map is bad, the music is often bad, sprites can be really primitive, some sound effects are bad. combat with the knight is frustrating. Got stuck in the second dungeon and decided to drop this. I recommend playing Xanthiom Zero instead. It's made by the same developer who clearly learned from the mistakes of this game when he made that. Perhaps someday sidescape can get a remaster.

Great little Metroidvania & Zelda-like. Plays as it looks.

Interesting game concept. You are using the same maps as both a Zelda-like movement character as well as a Metroid-style character.

You like Legend of Zelda? You like Metroid? This game is kinda both. You switch between "Zelda" top down view and "Metroid" Side scrolling view to get through the game. Both playstyles have their advantages and disadvantages. Good mix of Puzzles and Adventure/Dungeons with a couple Sidequests + Fishing Minigame later on. For a first time game this is very good. The Soundeffects were Very loud and it doesnt offer Window mode, maybe some minor patches and the game will be perfect for what it offers. Cant go wrong on this in my opinion. Lenght is around 4 Hours if you care about backtracking and collecting things.

Just finished this game and I'm really surprised it's not getting more attention. Really good throwback game with a fun mechanic. If you're a fan of the original Zelda and Metroid on NES then this game is a must,

Fun and very creative use of mechanics / puzzles but bit clumsy execution. Would love a more polished sequel if they decide to do one.

1000% would recommend!!! It’s all around a great wholesome game! I love the old school vibe. It has thought provoking puzzles and an intriguing storyline. Super impressive that this is the first game from this developer! I can’t wait to see what more is to come from this developer!

To put it simple this is one of the most enjoyable games that is have played in recent years. I am a big fan of metroidvania type games, so I was happy to find this game. However, when I started playing it, I realized that this so much more than just a metroidvania style game. This game has all of the elements that make retro gaming so much fun, it has very fully integrated puzzles that are not like the dumbed down ones that you will find in modern games, as well as, bosses that are scaled to be a challenge with the almost bullet hell esc-gameplay. All of this while at the same time incorporating both vertical game play and horizontal gameplay to make puzzles even more comprehensive and challenging. The art in the game is very impressive for being the first game that the developer has made. I can also tell that there was a lot of though that went into the sound track to mach the environment and and the speed at which the game is going. Over all I would say that this Game is worth the money and is a very entertaining use of your time. This game is a solid First game and has a good story that is very open to expansion. This game is one that I would recommend to anyone looking for a fun Indie game from a small developer.

lots of fun! some frustrations here and there with the design/presentation but it was a good time.

As a short Zelda-like it has many shortcomings, but manages to remain compelling thoughout the short stay. If you enjoyed early Zelda games, especially before LttP, you'll probably enjoy this. This uses a similar major mechanic found in "Toodee and Topdee".

Tight controls and unique gameplay. Perfect bang for the buck. Make sure you're beefed up for the final boss!

Side Scape has truly surprised me! It is a uniquely inspired throw-back to the past era of video games! It combines stunning pixel art with smooth game play! This game offers a well-needed refresh to our modern market. I highly recommend this title for any vintage game enthusiast!

will that was fun! the idea if the game It is so unique I will not say it you need to see it, All in all i had a lot of fun.

Fun and challenging. Reminds me of old-school nintendo games, which is what i like to play!

cheap price cheap feel cheap art cheap / 10

Very well thought out metroidvania with a twist

It's a nice MV! I haven't finished yet; I may update when I do (UPDATE: I did it, 100%! Haven't found the secret easter egg, though). I think I'm most of the way through, judging by the collectibles I've collected. The game's gimmick is that you need to think of the same map as a top-down map and as a sidescroller map at the same time, which would be a spoiler except that, you know, it's the main selling point of the game. That is a pretty cool concept! I hope that other people take this concept in their own unique directions, because it's a cool gameplay mechanic. Now, that said, I would say that this game is not really a must-play. The art and music are... well, serviceable, I guess, and the plot is fairly standard, if not a little meta. That's all OK, really. I don't think game stories need to be, I dunno, Hallownest, and the art doesn't have to either. The game is medium-sized, which is a great size for a palate-cleanser: you get a few evenings of enjoyment, then you move on to your other projects or whatever. I think this game is great for that. It does not disappoint me, and I'm having a fun time exploring and collecting stuff. The overworld is very much not huge, so you won't really get lost even though the overworld map is not a real minimap (it shows the regions and general shape, but not specific features of each one), but there are dungeons and the dungeon maps are quite detailed. There are some cool puzzles too. The upgrades are quite clever. Again, all in all, it's a nice MV that is worth playing, but it's not THE GAME YOU HAVE TO PLAY OMG GOTY. If you're looking for a fun little MV, go play it!

Unique take on the genre. Totally worth your time and money.

Very cool blend of 2 genres.

Nice blend of Old School games

yes