games / Reviews
EL Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron HD Remaster (Switch) Review
Image Credit: Crim
Loading...Back on the Xbox 360, I remember El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron through the demo on the Marketplace.
It was an odd action title that had a great art style, enjoyable combat system but what felt like an odd narrative. However, I never did pick it up to explore the world more.
Now, 13 years later, I finally got a chance to check out the full game with the HD Remaster. While some parts of El Shaddai hold up great over time, some design decisions that were questionable back then still don’t hold up well today.
The game centers around Enoch as he tries to hunt down a group of fallen angels called watches. This is the simplest explanation I can give for a very convoluted and complex story. While entertaining, prepare to ask a lot of questions while the story progresses, and get confused more than once.
Before getting into combat, I need to touch on the two types of gameplay there are: 2D and 3D sections. The 2D sections are definitely the weaker sections, with some clunky platforming and enemies that go down in a few hits, but often seem more interested in trying to disrupt your platforming through the level.
Meanwhile, the 3D sections often jump between running through areas with some platforming included, then fighting a few waves of enemies before repeating. It cam sometimes get a bit repetitive, but the combat sections are fun due to the mechanic the game uses.
During combat, you’re constantly having to cleanse your weapon of the negative energy accumulated from attacks to do stronger damage. However, you can also steal weapons from enemies. The different types of weapons have varying strengths and weaknesses, and often you’ll need to steam multiple weapons during encounters to have better strengths against remaining enemies.
What has to be the key of the game, though, is its art style. Each area has a unique and beautiful style, which looks even more impressive with the HD remaster. Honestly, what kept me pushing on through the game wasn’t the gameplay or the story, but instead seeing what amazing art will be featured next in the game.
