XEL

We all love adventure games that sweep us away to new worlds and new stories. In XEL, you’ll be thrust into an epic adventure with the amnesiac Reid as she struggles to remember who she is and what she is doing on a strange new world. The game has a top-down view for gameplay, and some interesting mechanics to help spice things up. As Reid develops, she can gain the ability to bend the rules of space and time.

One look at the story and graphics, and you’ll likely immediately notice similarities to Zelda’s Breath of the Wild—a game that XEL was modeled after. This game definitely has classic Zelda vibes, but takes it in a new and unique sci-fi direction.

Sophisticated Combat Moves

The combat in XEL has been well developed. Players can run, jump, dodge and even parry blows from oncoming opponents. Combat moves can be upgraded throughout the game to give them more power. Time travel mechanics add a bit more spice to this and forces the player to think through all their moves carefully.

Its interesting to note that the ‘jump’ skill for Reid is automatic. If you get close enough to a river or other jumpable area, she will jump. This frees you up to think more about other mechanics while still having the jump feature.

Dungeons and Puzzle Solving

The game appears to be mainly focused on crawling dungeons and solving puzzles. Doing these things can help you level your character, as well as giving you new items you’ll need to develop your character. As you progress through the game, the mysteries of why you are on the planet and the secrets of the planet itself are revealed.

Charming personality

The demo of XEL provides us a short look into Reid’s personality. The developers seem to have gone the extra mile in giving her a practical and sometimes hilarious personality. As you search for a way out of the initial garden you land in, she’ll give her opinions on everything you are trying to do. Sometimes this is simple, “I can’t reach that ladder.” Other times it is hilarious. “Yuck. Yuck, yuck, yuck, yuck, YUCK! Why is this water so warm?!” Her commentary can often lighten the mood in the game and add a little spice to exploring.

Beautiful Graphics and Sound

The game also does a great job of making the visual and auditory experience of this game enjoyable. The graphics definitely have a Zelda vibe but are beautiful and crisp. The music is notably designed by composer Gidon Wolff, who has also done games like The Barren Kingdom and Potion Party.

His work is beautiful and sweeping in this game, perfectly matching the world of XEL.

Pros:

• Huge world to explore
• Advanced combat skill options
• Unique time travel skill

Cons:

• None known