Feudal Alloy (PS4)

Often times in the heat and hype of Triple A, and indie game releases we see gamers prioritize their purchases more around the hyped bigger releases, than the ambitious smaller indies. I have no doubt most of you chose to skip out on this week's selection of odd PS4 indies in lieu of "RAGE 2". Much like I did. While "RAGE 2" no doubt deserves at least some attention the other developers unfairly face uncertain sales numbers, and unfortunately so in light of said scheduled releases. What if I were to tell you though that a certain indie titled, "Feudal Alloy" was good enough for your money? That it took an old genre that's been rung through the ringer time and time again, and made it it's own unique experience? An experience just as a good as some Triple A releases, if not better. Well, that's exactly how I feel about Attu Games' first indie entry on the PS4 store. I think that not only did the developer give their 110% in effort, but the presentation also reflects such quality. From the voice acted intro narration to the hand drawn, and animated art it all comes together better than a lot of the Metroidvanias I've see on the indie front in the past few years.

Feudal Alloy, as it were, tells the tale of a civilization if bi-pedal humanoid robots operated by fish. Fish who depend on sunflower oil to stay alive, and maintain their robotic parts. Through some talented female voice acting we learn of Attu, a farmer and caretaker of sorts. One of the mentioned robot fish people. He basically grows the majority of the sunflowers on his own farm for the community's oil needs, and takes time out of his day to care of the elders while learning from them. In his time spent caring for the elderly he hears of great tales about war, amazing feats, and lands far far away. He thinks to himself briefly that he couldn't dare do such great things due to the monsters that inhabit the nearby forest. As fate would have it though destiny comes a knocking in the form of some thieves who make off with the villagers' oil supply. Ultimately testing Attu's mettle. Without much thought Attu takes up arms in the form of a rusty sword, and sets forth on a journey to recover the oil, and save his fellow elders from certain doom.

As Attu, the protagonist and hero of the story, you must leave your castle homestead in pursuit of the thieves who took the sunflower oil. Armed with only a sword, and interchangeable/upgradable robot parts you must maintain oil levels, and coolant levels as you traverse the usual maze-like map showcased in most Metroidvania style adventures. You'll find along your way save points, a tent merchant for robot upgrades, swords, single use items, and room after room filled with loot and enemies. Loot this time around comes in the form of circuit upgrades that host new tools for backtracking purposes as well as robot parts, swords, and gold coins among other things. As Attu you'll find that you have three quick use buttons at your command pertaining to bombs, oil (health), and coolant. The bombs come in a small variety, and are used to clear blocked paths as well as deal damage to the various enemy types. Oil is, as previously mentioned, a health restorer in Attu's world. Coolant, on the other hand, comes into play when you overheat from swinging your sword too much.

When it comes down to the loot that you'll find it will come from a couple of different sources including treasure chests, and defeated enemies. The chest are sometimes off in hidden areas, and in plain site while the enemies populate each room in fairly small numbers. The enemies themselves come in a wider selection with their own unique attack patterns that you'll have to learn to deal with. At points in your trek through the cavernous underground of Attu's world you'll also encounter boss rooms that close off until you either beat a wave of enemies or a boss monster. Much like classic Metroidvania experiences. Should you get hit in battle your oil level will deplete accordingly, and you will have to drink down some oil quickly from your supply. In the mix of the fight you might also run hot in which case downing some coolant will quickly get your sword swinging capability back in working order. This required management of oil, and coolant while seemingly intrusive adds an extra layer of challenge to the fight, but something that isn't as unfair as you might think. Attu's platforming movement isn't as stiff as with most hand drawn games, and is actually very responsive in combat making doing what needs to be done quick, and uninhibited. The complimentary shoulder, and CIRCLE button layout for quick use items also helps you stay focused on enemy tactics as well as the combat itself.

Along with the survival aspect, and fight thereof you'll also be finding key items to give to key characters of interest as well as and upgradeable perk tree with obtained skill points for attribute, and functionality boosts. Things like better oil level sustainability, and oil leeching being among the many perks. It is in the touchpad menu system where you'll find this skill tree as well as access to your inventory for gear, and item purposes as well as map navigation, and circuit tool upgrades. You'll even find that your interchangeable gear that comes in three pieces (the fish bowl helmet, the body, and the legs) are listed within the menu. Along with the sword, and single use items. It's this equipment that also has an attached RPG feature to it in the form of beneficial buffs. Things like temperature control, coolant boosts, and armor being among them. You'll learn quick enough that some areas require certain suit pieces to navigate to ward off elemental damage, and such. In some instances you can find gear out in the world, and other times you'll have to backtrack to the merchant's tent to buy better things. The good thing about backtracking, and moving forward though is that there are checkpoints that can be activated before you back out to the main menu for a break. Also to note are the trophies you can earn in-game along the way for achieving certain feats. The usual hidden to disclosed trophies listed in the game's dashboard listing as well as in the game's touchpad menu system.

For those of you looking for extras there's not much outside of the main gameplay experience, but that's most definitely not a bad thing. The game is a decent length. Not too massive of an undertaking, and not too short lived. You do have volume options, and language options for the choosing at the main menu though as well as credited info on the developer via an "info" menu listing.

The Verdict ...

While "Fedual Alloy" might not be "RAGE 2" it is a quality indie game in the Metroidvania vein with high production value. The gameplay is smooth, and enjoyable. The fantasy themed soundtrack, and whimsical cartoon art equally as so. I can't think of anything bad about this game, and that in itself is a feat worth noting. If you can spare a little bit of cash this week, or even soon after I'd suggest giving this indie adventure a go. Not only isn't worth it, but like so many games I come to love it has a moral. That moral lying with Attu's taking up of arms for the sake of older values, and in place of those who keep those values alive. It is with that said that I am glad to give "Feudal Alloy" The Gaming Inferno's seal of approval. Don't miss out!