Traverse the dazzling lands of this 2D pixel art swordplay known as Crimson Capes. This latest release from Poor Locke thrusts you into a fantasy world of sword and sorcery with an enthralling story that’s sure to reel you in and keep you on the edge of your seat wanting more. 

Upon completing the quick tutorial, you meet Milon the Tempest, a witch-hunter seated at the Left Hand of the King, tasked with taking down a conspiracy of wizards. A mission Knights and Emissaries cannot be affiliated with. The crimson capes are a guild of witch-hunters that complete various assignments throughout the kingdom of Amvros. 

The controls are fairly simple, much like various other souls-like titles. Long story short, you have traditional movements inspired by real-world swordplay, such as parry, dodge, light attacks, heavy attacks, and other abilities, all ruled by realistic physics and recovery times to aid your endeavours, just to name a few. I will admit I misjudged the movement in the trailer, but in a positive way. I didn’t expect such smooth, fluid movement, especially from a 2D side-scroller.

The controls weren’t overcomplicated, which is a big positive for anyone looking to try out a souls-like game. However, Crimson Capes strays far from the norm of button-mashing. While controls are easy to learn, it will take time to master them, such as timing your parry and attacks so as not to drain your stamina. Some boss battles had various little foes or side bosses to defeat before you could take on the main boss.

Each boss battle felt quite fulfilling, even after multiple failed attempts. Scattered throughout the level are various fields of blue flowers, which allow you to rest and replenish any spent stamina or health, but also allow you to set a checkpoint, much like bonfires in Dark Souls. Four playable heroes, each with a distinct weapon class, skill tree, and magical abilities that complement their fighting style, allow players to hone their skills and develop characters to suit their playstyle.

There are also hidden artifacts that can alter your hero’s moveset instead of simply increasing your stamina or health. You can either join the hunt in co-op or become a deathblade, which means you invade and derail other players’ hunts at any given time. Crimson Capes was thoroughly enjoyable, though it took me some time to fully hone my skills. 

Visually, Crimson Capes shines with its 2D pixel art. The scenery is a vibrant mix of bright, dark, and pastel hues that enhance the story and gameplay. Old ruins, caverns, and mystical forests look fantastic in this format, and the visuals left a strong impression. 

Complementing the visuals, the feudal-style soundtrack and the clang of swords create a mystical medieval ambience that deepens the immersion. The audio pairs beautifully with the graphics, resulting in a magical adventure. 

To sum up, Crimson Capes was a great time. Real-world-inspired swordplay, simple controls, epic boss fights, and medieval ambience all come together perfectly to provide the player with an enriching experience and story. Looking back at previous titles from Poor Locke, it is clear they’ve taken the time to perfect their craft and truly give players a memorable experience. 

Written by: Larry