Mystic Gate is a cruel and fast-paced title that will test the best players around. However, it is this testing nature that makes it a tough game to put down. Whether you are new to the genre or you are a veteran of rogue-lite games, this will chew you up and spit you out. As such, it takes a fair amount of resolve to get through each of the challenging chapters.
This top-down twin-stick adventure was developed by ZOO Corporation and Eastasiasoft Limited and published by the latter. What’s more, it has delightful rogue-lite mechanics and an array of cruel bosses to overcome. Furthermore, there are plenty of perks, weapons, and abilities to keep things fresh. Subsequently, no playthrough is the same, and this keeps you coming back for more.
Mystic Gate tells a teasing tale.
Would you risk your life for one life-changing wish? Well, this is exactly what happens in Mystic Gate! The gods have placed a strange portal within the human realm. Accordingly, every brave adventurer flocks to it to prove their worth. Rumour has it that if you can defeat every monster, you will be granted a life-changing wish. However, failure is all but assured. Furthermore, all of your progress will be wiped out. As such, you have to be brave or foolish to undertake this adventure.
One wanderer wishes to prove their worth as they tackle the challenge with their robotic sidekick. Additionally, with the help of the locals, this loner can earn gems and gold as they improve their skills and abilities. Yet, they’ll still need a lot of luck if they are to defeat every monster and gargantuan boss.
Bullet hell madness.
Bullet hell mechanics usually drive me insane. However, Mystic Gate blends this idea into its intelligent-level design to create a manageable and fun experience. Furthermore, the ability to dash through projectiles and change your arsenal of weapons was fascinating. On top of this, I loved the additional abilities and skills that change the way you approach every playthrough.
The action revolves around the hero and their journey through a deadly world. Each level comprises many rooms and mountains of foes. As such, you have your work cut out for you if you wish to get to the boss. As you explore each arena, you must kill every monster before you can proceed. These creatures drop keys, gold, and health potions. The gold can be invested in new weapons or abilities at the dungeon shop. On the other hand, the keys will open the gate to the boss’s lair. If you successfully slay the beast, you will move on to the next level and relive the hell again.
As you progress through the game, your enemies become faster, stronger, and more aggressive. As such, you must improve your skills and your weapons to survive. When you die, you are kicked out of the dungeon and you can visit the NPCs to be awarded gems and buy new skills. This gameplay loop continues until you rage quit or you reach the final portal.
Mystic Gate takes you on a pixelated adventure.
Mystic Gate is rough, colourful, and wonderfully pixelated. Furthermore, its animation is basic and the projectiles belong to weapons from the 80s. However, I loved it because of this old-school and rudimentary approach. Additionally, the labyrinthine world and the claustrophobic arenas were great to explore.
The fast-paced nature of the game is enhanced by the aggressive and repetitive soundtrack. On top of this, the OTT sound effects were rough but exciting. I adored the loud bangs and the uncomfortable crashes. What’s more, the upbeat music drives you forward even when you know that death is guaranteed.
Don’t go it alone.
Though I was often beaten by the ridiculous pace and the harsh monsters, I adored the control setup. The easy-to-understand inputs were impressive and simple to master. Moreover, you didn’t need a convoluted tutorial to understand what was required. As such, you can jump into the action with no experience of the genre.
My favourite element of Mystic Gate was the couch co-op mode. This cruel game is made a little easier when you team up with a friend or loved one. However, it is still challenging, so don’t think of this as a get-out-of-jail-free card. Alongside the cooperative action, you’ll return to try out each new ability and the large arsenal of weapons. Consequently, this oozes replay value and longevity.
Mystic Gate is a fun indie title.
Mystic Gate kicked my ass repeatedly. However, I couldn’t put it down. I adored the mindless gameplay and the element of luck. What’s more, there are plenty of secrets to discover as you explore the dank catacombs. As such, this is a fun indie title that shouldn’t be missed. Subsequently, I loved it and I recommend that you buy it here! Can you earn your life-changing wish? Jump into the portal, kill every monster, and slay every boss you face.
