Saviorless – Review

Saviorless throws you into a cursed land known as the Smiling Islands. This 2D platformer offers a blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and atmospheric storytelling, with a unique twist: you can play as both the fragile child and the monstrous savior tasked with protecting them.

A World of Smiles and Despair:

• Hauntingly Beautiful: Saviorless boasts stunning hand-drawn art with a dark and twisted aesthetic. The environments, filled with grotesque imagery and unsettling smiles, create a chilling atmosphere.
• A Broken Paradise: The Smiling Islands were once a paradise, now corrupted by a mysterious curse. Exploration reveals remnants of the past, hinting at the tragedy that unfolded.
• Narrative Ambiguity: The story unfolds through environmental details and cryptic messages. Interpreting the events and the characters’ motivations is left largely up to the player, fostering a sense of mystery.

Dual Protagonists, Dual Challenges:

• Fragile and Curious: Antar, the child protagonist, is vulnerable and relies on exploration and puzzle-solving to navigate the dangers of the Smiling Islands. The focus here is on platforming and avoiding enemies.
• Monstrous Protector: The Savior is a hulking masked figure tasked with protecting Antar from monstrous foes. Gameplay shifts to fast-paced combat with brutal attacks and heavy weapons.
• Choices and Consequences: Your actions as the Savior can have subtle but meaningful impacts on the narrative and Antar’s fate. Do you prioritize protection or succumb to the island’s corruption?

A Short But Sweet Experience:

• Focused Narrative: Saviorless can be completed in around 3 hours. While some might crave a longer experience, the concise story avoids unnecessary filler and maintains a strong atmosphere throughout.
• Replayability with a Twist: Unlocking the “true” ending requires a specific path during your playthrough, encouraging a second run with a new perspective. Collecting hidden items can also add another layer of replayability.
• Technical Quirks: The game might have some minor technical issues like occasional frame rate drops or frustrating deaths due to hitbox detection.

A Gem for Atmosphere Seekers

Saviorless is a unique and atmospheric platformer that excels in world-building and presentation. The dual protagonist mechanic adds a layer of intrigue, and the ambiguous narrative leaves a lasting impression. However, the short playtime and potential for frustration with some mechanics might not appeal to everyone.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the pros and cons:

Pros:

• Stunning hand-drawn art with a dark and haunting atmosphere
• Unique concept of playing as both a vulnerable child and a monstrous protector
• Choice-driven narrative with potential for replayability
• Focuses on atmosphere and exploration over lengthy playtime

Cons:

• Relatively short experience
• Minor technical issues reported
• Frustrating deaths due to hitbox detection in some cases
• Ambiguous story might leave some players wanting more answers

Final Verdict:

Saviorless is a must-play for those seeking a short but impactful atmospheric experience. If you enjoy exploring hauntingly beautiful worlds, piecing together cryptic narratives, and the challenge of overcoming dangers with two distinct characters, then Saviorless is worth a try. However, if you prefer longer games with more explicit storytelling and less frustration, you might want to look elsewhere.