What sets the games apart (beyond calling Fez Mario and Hyper Light Drifter Zelda) is that in Fez the world’s secrets exist across the far edges of its periphery, and the pathways there are guarded by complex and intricate puzzles. Incidentally Disasterpeace composed the soundtracks for both games, and his distinct (and excellent) style makes for a notable atmospheric link between them. In this regard it invites comparison to Phil Fish’s Fez beyond that of the clear audio and visual similarities. The world is vast, and overflowing with both secrets and dangers. There’s no dialogue, and everything from your objective to the upgrade system is deliberately unclear. The initial sense of vulnerability is a key component of many classic adventure games, but here it’s matched by a complete lack guidance. After a twenty minute tutorial you’re placed in the middle of the map, and with no explicit guidance you’re free to explore in any one of four equally alluring directions. The moment the training wheels come off is a jarring experience in Hyper Light Drifter. Think Fez meets Dark Souls meets The Legend of Zelda: A Link to The Past, and be very excited. Its striking visuals, open ended design and fast, punishing combat makes for a unique experience, but the comparisons to other great videogames are also plenty. In balancing retro aesthetic with modern mechanics, Hyper Light Drifter stands out as a notable success.
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