Smelter

Smelter is one of the most interesting and cool-looking action games in quite some time. While it is easy to look at the “retro” style visuals and think that you have this game all figured out. What we have here is a game that is (to borrow a phrase from the Transformers) more than meets the eye. This game is flying under the radar which is a real shame as it truly is offering something cool and unique.

In The Garden Of Eden Baby!

The story and premise of Smelter is really cool and one that I do not think has been used in a game before. The main character in the game is Eve, yes Eve as in Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden. She lives an awesome life until the Garden is invaded and Adam ends up missing!

She sets out to find him in this strange new world, but there is a strange entity called Smelt that fuses with Eve to help her find Adam. It is truly very cool stuff and again, I cannot think of another game that offers a setting like this.

Mixing Strategy With Action

When you see a video of the 2D gameplay, you can see that Smelter is very fast-paced. There are different skill sets and many upgrades that you can obtain as you progress through the game. It is balls to the wall action and if you like your platformers to be all about action and keeping an eye on what is coming, Smelter is going to be a game you have a lot of fun with.

I think you could make the argument that Smelter could have just been a 2D action-platformer and that would have been more than enough. However, this game also utilizes top-down strategy elements too where you need to build bases, attack the enemy, and so on. It is very interesting and breaks up the gameplay, but even these strategy sections are not slow-paced like you would think.

More Like 32-Bit

If you read the description for this game, the developer of Smelter talks about how this is inspired by games from the 16-bit era. I have to say that as far as the visuals go, that is doing the game a disservice. This has more in common with 32-bit era games. The sprite work here is fantastic and the framerate does not skip a beat! The game also has these amazing animated cut scenes which look like they are from a TV series.

A Rocking Good Time

Smelter features an epic soundtrack that features work by Evader and Manami Matsumae who worked on Mega Man and Shovel Knight so you know what you are in for here. The soundtrack is perfect for this style of game as it pumps you up and makes you want to keep on going.

Pros:

• The story of the game is really cool
• I thought that Even was a very interesting character
• The mixture of two gameplay styles is a great idea
• The visuals and the soundtrack are awesome

Cons:

• The strategy sections may not be great if you are here for the platforming!
• Will this come to console?