Oblivion Override

For years now, the term ‘Metroidvania’ has felt like it has been over-used. Many games come out, use one or two minor features from these kinds of games, and proclaims itself the ‘new’ Metroidvania to look out for. One title that seems to stick pretty faithfully to the concept of the most popular and successful titles of this kind, though, is Oblivion Override.

Does this game manage to change or innovate? Has Humble Mill managed to find something a little different that helps their title stand out from a very crowded field?

Exciting and energetic roguelike fun

First things first: Oblivion Override is fun. It has a fast pace to it, and it is very easy to get to grips with its rapid movement. If you are looking for a game to try and compare it to, you would definitely notice similarities with Dead Cells. The art style and gameplay can feel very similar, albeit the setting is quite different.

However, it is fair to say that Oblivion Override tries to add something a little bit more on the combat side. While Dead Cells has lots going for it, the sheer size of the game can make it hard to really feel focused. By contrast, Oblivion Override is a more focused game – it is smaller, with less items and skills to pick up. That, though, works in its favour. What Oblivion Override lacks compared to the majority of its competitors in terms of size, it makes up for in simply being fun to play.

Satisfying combat paired with consistency (8/10)

There is much to like about Oblivion Override, not least the fact that the combat feels so smooth. Moving around the map, evading, and attacking all feel like very easy things to plan out. At the same time, the ability to dash around ensures that combat is never too slow. You always need to be on your feet here.

This makes Oblivion Override bring a sense of jeopardy that helps titles like this really shine. The main criticisms of Oblivion Override come on the story and lore side. When compared to other titles in this genre, it simply lacks the polish and the storytelling flair that has made many of its contemporaries stand out.

The world itself is interesting and the art style does a lot to make it pop, but there is nothing like the same energy that you would hope for. Compared to other titles in the mix, Oblivion Override simply lacks the same connection to its characters or world. If you are simply looking for a fun gameplay experience with enough replayability to keep you coming back, though, Oblivion Override is definitely worthwhile.

Pros

• Fun and frantic gameplay that ensures you always feel involved and engaged
• Combat is smooth and feels easy to get to grips with, even at the very beginning
• Intriguing art style and focused gameplay ensures runs are consistently enjoyable

Cons

• Story and world lacks the same immersion that other rival titles offer
• A little on the small side, which can make it feel ‘easy’ to complete