Death is a bit of a taboo. There are few things guaranteed in life, but death is one of them. However, though we know our fate, none of us knows when our time is up. Consequently, we must enjoy every moment and cherish the good times when a loved one passes. This is the ethos behind DE-EXIT – Eternal Matters. It is a strange and surreal experience that blends Voxel graphics with a rich, unusual, and heartwarming plot.
Developed by Sandbloom Studio and published by HandyGames, this is a Voxel adventure title. What’s more, it comprises stealth mechanics and a plethora of puzzles, and it has some amusing and memorable characters at its core. Yet, unlike its peers, it has no concept of combat. Accordingly, you’ll do your best to avoid conflict as you hide in bushes. Furthermore, you’ll use your special powers to manipulate your environment and overcome any obstacles you face.
DE-EXIT – Eternal Matters crosses boundaries.
I love it when developers tastefully touch upon sensitive subjects. Thankfully, the team behind DE-EXIT – Eternal Matters has done just that. Their excellent delivery of a plot about the afterlife is touching, rewarding, and absolutely captivating. Moreover, the journey you undertake is interesting, unusual, and filled with bizarre characters.
You control a being that awakens in a strange place. Neither alive nor dead, you begin to explore your surroundings. With dreamlike aesthetic and weird characters, you soon realise that something is off. Furthermore, you are given the title “Lux” and the locals expect you to become their heroic guardian. This role puts you in harm’s way as you battle “The Corruption” while trying to reactive the pillars. Sadly, it is a thankless task, but without your help, this strange afterlife will crumble and your new existence will be lost forevermore.
Drip-fed mechanics and a familiar gameplay loop.
DE-EXIT – Eternal Matters may be a strange game. However, it follows a reassuringly familiar gameplay loop. Additionally, none of the action is overwhelming as new elements are gradually added to the mix. Subsequently, you can enjoy the weird world while focusing on a vast number of puzzles that must be solved.
Lux is armed with a powerful artefact. This strange tool allows him to light up a room, smash wooden structures, move items, and manipulate his surroundings. This key mechanic is at the centre of everything you do. Whether you move boxes, grow mushrooms, or create new pathways, it is essential. However, there are hidden monsters that are revealed by your torch. These cruel entries are the result of “The Corruption” and must be avoided at all costs.
This is where the stealth element comes into play. If you use your torch too much, or you wander into their path, they will attack. Yet, if you stay hidden and crawl through the grass, you’ll avoid their gaze and survive another day.
So many puzzles.
This surreal world is full of danger. But it is also full of morons as well. The hapless locals get themselves into all sorts of bother. Consequently, you have to clean up their mess while completing your main objective. You’ll help to power a massive antenna, thwart a giant feline and much more. Alongside this, you’ll have to think logically to solve each puzzle.
Many of the problems focus on pressure plates, boxes, and manipulating your surroundings. Though this sounds repetitive, there is enough variety and challenge to keep you entertained. On top of this, avoiding the hidden beasts and interacting with each colourful character adds layers of depth to the action.
DE-EXIT – Eternal Matters is a Voxel masterpiece.
Whenever the words Voxel graphics are uttered, people automatically assume the graphics will be poor. However, DE-EXIT – Eternal Matters bucks this trend as it’s a Voxel masterpiece. The surrounding world is brilliantly sculptured and varied. Furthermore, each character looks unique and vibrant. Alongside this, the cinematic is wonderfully polished and exciting to look at.
These standards are maintained in the incredible audio. Thanks to some brilliant acting and an excellent script, the story will make you laugh and cry. Alongside this, an emotive soundtrack enhances the atmosphere while crazy sound effects add a layer of whimsical magic. In short, the audio reinforces the surreal element while driving the story forward.
Brilliant controls.
Thanks to the drip-fed mechanics, DE-EXIT – Eternal Matters is exceptionally easy to understand. Furthermore, the simple UI and excellent button layout make this remarkably straightforward. However, it doesn’t undermine the complexities of each puzzle, nor does it simplify the encounters with each invisible creature. Accordingly, it’ll test your resolve and methodical mindset from the off.
Like many titles in this genre, this one has plenty of replay value. Thankfully, there are plenty of hidden documents to find, large spaces to explore, and a massive central hub to call home. Additionally, there are plenty of people to help as well as a decent-sized main campaign. All told, this will keep you entertained for hours.
DE-EXIT – Eternal Matters is a quirky adventure title.
I adored this death-inspired title. Not only does it tackle some sensitive subjects, but it also celebrates what it is to be alive. Alongside this, the writing is excellent, the acting is warm and amusing, and the graphics are brilliant. What’s more, the puzzles are intriguing, and I loved the stealth mechanics. However, the lack of combat will annoy gamers that want a more aggressive experience. This is a minor issue that doesn’t taint the final product. Accordingly, it was fantastic and I recommend that you buy it here! Can you become a guardian and save the day? Use your torch, manipulate your surroundings, and help everyone out.
