Got a couple new pieces to share
Got a couple new pieces up on Entertainium. First up, Hoptix, an excellent platformer that's entirely built around the joy and expression of movement. It's currently in early access on Steam, but already feels extremely well put together.
Hoptix takes inspiration from momentum platformers like the Sonic the Hedgehog series and Spark the Electric Jester. Like those games, Hoptix lets you dash through stretches of levels at top speed, running through loops and soaring through the air, grind on rails and launch off ramps. The best parts of those games are where you’re able to just zoom through a level in one smooth motion. That’s a big part of the appeal. In omitting any sudden stops or fail states, Hoptix is able to focus on the core strengths of the momentum platformer without the stop-and-go elements that often get in the way, making it easier to explore how expressive the form can be.
Second, I reviewed Neva, the latest from Nomada Studio. It's a very pretty game. The art is absolutely striking. All around solid game, too!
Nomada’s hallmark as a studio is the outstanding art of their games. Gris was stunning with its detailed watercolor world and Neva is just as arresting. Every inch of Neva is gorgeous. It trades the intricate detail of Gris for a softer lineless look that makes its depiction of nature pop. Neva swings from intense, saturated hues that overwhelm the eyes to softer tones that capture the majesty of Neva‘s surroundings. I was utterly taken every step of the way, always basking in the radiance of the scenery. It’s absolutely gorgeous.