DIYgamer

The Little Gnome Who Could… Emberwind [Review]

For a while now we’ve been talking about Emberwind, a fantasy platformer with traces of RPG elements mixed in for good measure. It even managed to make it onto a list we wrote that was supposed to be for 2010 indie games only (back before a release date was announced). So suffice it to say, we were a little eager to get our hands all over it in order to bring you guys a review. Well, we got it, we reviewed it, and now here’s what we’ve got for you.

Before we jump right into the review, allow me to explain the game a little bit. Emberwind is a platformer set in a medieval fantasy setting. While it has all the usual traits of platforming — jumping, “coin” collecting, points — it also has a spot of RPG elements tied in as well. While hardcore RPG enthusiasts probably won’t be getting their fix from Emberwind, the game does allow for some character growth by way of attacking and health. As you kill more Gremlins you’ll increase your health and as you find specific  runes you’ll increase your attack power. Nothing too advanced — this ain’t no Dragon Age afterall — but enough to keep the game more interesting than a traditional platformer.

Gameplay

As mentioned above Emberwind is a fantasy platformer with elements of RPG thrown in for good measure. Before we tackle the RPG aspects, however, let’s focus on the platforming part a bit. There’s little not to like about Emberbwind’s platforming. The game controls almost as well as any Mario game and has the added bonus of having special attacks in addition to the standard button-mashing attack. For example, running and doing a quick double click of the space bar will send your gnomish warrior into a ball attack that will decimate any who lie in your path. It’s small touches like this that make the game’s platforming aspects truly stand out from the pack of merely jumping over and around enemies.

Of course the game is pushed even farther than the likes of traditional platformers with its unique RPG elements. As stated above, the RPG in Emberwind won’t appease die hard fans of the genre but it does go a long way in adding to the game’s platforming and with it, Kindle Elderwood, will gain many beneifts like extra health. Believe me when I say that leveling up to get the added health benefits are a must-have in this game.

Emberwind is not too easy and not too hard. The game provides many challenges throughout the level with multiple types of Gremlins to fight, cannons, siege tanks, etc. all barreling your way. However, while you may die numerous times in any given level beyond the first two, the game provides many checkpoints that allow you to continue your game from. Additionally, the checkpoint system works similarly to that of BioShock where, once you “respawn” the primary level will still be the same as when you died meaning you won’t have to go clearing out the level again.

While Emberwind mainly focuses around Kindle Elderwood and his own endeavors to fight back the Gremlin horde, he won’t be doing it alone. TimeTrap actually added a nice feature into the game that allows for varying magical attacks. Throughout the game there are different sprites that you can collect. You can only hold one at a time, but they give differing abilities. One shoots fireballs, another will put enemy Gremlins to sleep. It was a unique way to further add on to the game’s fighting and one that increases the playability of such a title.

The level design in Emberwind was created exceptionally well. In the beginning of the game the levels were simple enough for you to get the hang of the game, but soon after the levels get inexplicably more advanced. There is no set path in any level — aside from the first — and there are multiple ways to complete each level. Likewise, TimeTrap has seen fit to include many secrets in each level that range from hidden runes and sprites, to full blown caverns that contain treasure. Needless to say, the level design in this game is top notch and one that truly outshines the Mario games of yesteryear.

Style

Emberwind is a traditional 2D platformer and, while I’ve seen other platformers like it look better, Emberwind is still no slouch in this regard.  The enemies are unique looking and have varying abilities to go along with what they are carrying ( for example, a Gremlin with a shield will actually use the shield). Additionally the setting for the game looks really good. I currently play on a 24″ monitor and I can attest that the level of detail is absolutely on par with any current platformer available today… even the New Super Mario Bros. Game, although Emberwind does not sport the same type of 3D effects that NSMB Wii does.

Additionally, the music in Emberwind is very good. Each section of levels has an epic song attached to it which is orchestrated very well. While the game’s sound effects are about as standard as they come the music really does help put you in the mood for some heroic questing.

Story

Emberwind borrows heavily from the medieval fantasy genre for it’s story. Which is fine because theres a lot to work off of with it. Emberwid’s story, specifically, is encompassed around an invasion by the Gremlins — think Goblins — of the fair city of Grendale. As (mis)fortune would have it, however, it would seem that all the city’s knights seem to be MIA, so it’s up to you, as Elder Kindlewood, to put a stop to the menacing horde. Is the story the most original? Not really. But it’s a fun adventure game and the story certainly sets up the mood of the game.

While the story may be a bit generic, although good, it’s the characters that I really like. Emberwind has a very unique hero in Elder Kindlewood. I mean, how often do you see a Gnome being used as the primary hero in a game? Likewise, the game employs a rather unique companion for Elder Kindleoowd in Wick, a large Owl that flies Elder all around the world. Both are very unique heroes to a setting that would ordinarily be filled with stereotypical knights and soldiers.

Everything Else

There’s not much more to add onto Emberwind. The game does not feature any multiplayer, nor does it contain anything beyond the primary game. But it doesn’t really require it as well, so I have a hard time holding these things against it.

Emberwind is a great game, clearly, as I actually didn’t find anything I didn’t like about it. Now, that doesn’t mean it’s perfect in all aspects, but contained within is a great platforming adventure with no real faults. For that reason I have a hard time not recommending this game to anybody who enjoys a good platforming title, especially those who aren’t interested in dropping $50 on New Super Mario Bros. Wii. Just a thought…

[The developer/publisher of this game gave DIYgamer.com a free copy for review purposes. This, in no way, affected the outcome of the review]