Ebenezer and the Invisible World

Ebenezer and the Invisible World is a captivating Metroidvania adventure game set in a darkly reimagined Victorian-era London. You play as Ebenezer Scrooge, the famously miserly businessman made iconic by Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. However, this Ebenezer has been reimagined as a spectral warrior who battles against evil forces threatening 19th century London.

Intriguingly Reinvented Characters

At the start of the game, you meet a team of quirky "Movement Ghosts" who lend Ebenezer their unique abilities. This allows him to access new areas of the city as the story progresses. It's a clever implementation of the Metroidvania gameplay style. The cast includes trapeze artists, professors, and mountaineers - each with their own distinct personalities and quests to complete.

These reimagined versions of classic fictional characters are one of the highlights of Ebenezer and the Invisible World. As you progress, you learn more about their tragic backstories and what tethers them to the mortal world. It adds an emotional weight to the experience that you might not expect from a platformer.

Evocative Hand-Drawn Visuals

The art style is another standout feature. All the visuals are hand-drawn, with gorgeous frame-by-frame animations. The color palette is suitably dark and moody, bringing the ominous atmosphere of 19th century London to life. Flickering gas lamps illuminate the rain-slicked streets, while eerie supernatural enemies lurk in the shadows.

From the iconic landmarks of central London to the twisting back alleys of the East End, the world is stylishly realized and a joy to explore. The visuals strike a perfect balance between capturing the feeling of a Dickens novel and establishing an otherworldly, ghostly realm.

Accessible Gameplay with Metroidvania Depth

At its core, Ebenezer and the Invisible World features classic 2D platforming action that most players will quickly grasp. Running, jumping, and attacking spectral foes is smooth and responsive. But the gameplay also offers substantial depth for those looking to truly master the experience.

The non-linear, interconnected map allows you to progressively unlock new areas Metroidvania-style as you gain more abilities. Along with platforming challenges, each area features environmental puzzles and hidden secrets to uncover. Finding rare crafting materials allows you to create useful items and gear to aid your quest.

The combat also provides plenty of variety. Each Movement Ghost has their own way of interacting with the environment, giving you numerous options to approach each encounter. Overall, the gameplay strikes an excellent balance - offering an accessible, enjoyable experience yet substantial depth for those who want to fully immerse themselves in the world.

Review: 8/10

While comparisons could be drawn to classic 2D Castlevania titles, Ebenezer and the Invisible World has plenty of unique ideas to stand apart. The reimagined take on Dickens' characters and lore makes for a story that both fans and newcomers can appreciate. Add in responsive controls, gorgeous visuals, and Metroidvania-inspired depth, and this is a game that comes highly recommended. For those seeking a darkly delightful Victorian action-adventure, Ebenezer and the Invisible World is a must-play.

Pros:

• Intriguing interpretations of classic Dickens characters
• Evocative hand-drawn visuals
• Accessible gameplay with substantial depth
• Non-linear Metroidvania-style progression
• Smooth, responsive 2D platforming action

Cons:

• Story may be too familiar for some Dickens fans
• Backtracking through previous areas can feel tedious
• Combat lacks variety in enemy design
• Crafting system feels underdeveloped