ReSetna is a metroidvania game that, upon initial play, may not immediately distinguish itself within the genre. Its early stages present a setting that feels somewhat uninspired, lacking the unique flair that sets certain titles apart. However, as the journey progresses, the game reveals layers of depth and enjoyment, particularly in its movement mechanics. The fluidity of character control transforms backtracking—a common and sometimes tedious element in metroidvania games—into an engaging and pleasurable experience.
Combat, does it stand out?
Combat in ReSetna, while functional, doesn’t particularly stand out. Throughout the game, players unlock three weapons that can be switched between freely. Despite a commendable variety of enemies, I found myself predominantly relying on the third weapon once it became available. This choice was influenced by its effectiveness and versatility compared to the other options. The game’s bosses present a mixed bag; some encounters are genuinely enjoyable, featuring unique mechanics that require thoughtful strategies, while others fall into predictability, repeating the same attack patterns and reducing the challenge to a monotonous rhythm.
An additional combat feature is the companion robot capable of hacking enemies, essentially serving as the game’s spell system. Regrettably, I often overlooked this mechanic, finding it non-essential to my overall strategy. On the other hand, the upgrade system stands out with its expandable grid where players slot in newly acquired upgrades in a Tetris-like fashion. This design encourages thoughtful consideration of which upgrades to prioritize, balancing spatial constraints and potential synergies by aligning similarly coloured links.
A world you’d want to learn about
As the game world opens up, it becomes increasingly captivating. The story told through logs and collectibles found across the world, is fascinating. The player can learn more about the inhabitants and uncover mysteries surrounding not only the player, But also those around you. All this while traversing diverse environments, from sterile concrete corridors to hazardous sewers and vibrant electronic areas. With great visual and exploratory richness to the experience. Each locale offers distinct challenges and aesthetics, contributing to a more immersive journey.
However, the latter stages introduce elements that detract from the overall enjoyment. A particularly frustrating platforming section demands either exceptional reaction speed or a trial-and-error approach, leading to potential player fatigue. Compounding this is a chase sequence that, due to a bug, resulted in the boss spawning ahead of me, undermining the intended tension and excitement of the pursuit.
Where it went wrong for me
The endgame’s difficulty curve also presents issues. Rather than offering challenges that require increased skill or strategic adaptation, the game resorts to overwhelming players with sheer adversity. The initial boss fight in this segment, for example, inundates a confined space with relentless attacks, shifting the focus from tactical engagement to a test of endurance and resource management. This approach, coupled with persistent bugs—such as getting stuck on enemies after executing a jump dash at certain angles—diminishes the satisfaction of overcoming these obstacles.
Despite these setbacks, it’s worth acknowledging the developers’ commitment to addressing community feedback and implementing bug fixes. While some technical issues persist, the proactive approach to improving the game reflects a dedication to enhancing the player experience.
Should you play it?
ReSetna offers a journey that evolves from initial mediocrity to moments of genuine enjoyment, particularly through its fluid movement and inventive upgrade system. However, frustrating late-game design choices, and technical shortcomings prevent it from achieving greatness within the metroidvania genre. For players willing to navigate these challenges, ReSetna provides glimpses of brilliance amidst its flaws.
