Infernax | PS4 Review

Infernax was a game I was really looking forward to. The trailer showcasing the numerous ways to die, all those weapons, and tons of monstrous bloodletting opportunities that would make any horror fan giddy with anticipation was right up my alley. I loved the pixel art, the creature design, and overall the fact that it looked to be another proper Metroidvania inspired adventure fashioned after a certain classic Castlevania (or Legend of Zelda) title. To a point I was not disappointed in this regard, but what I saw in the trailer looked quite a bit different from what I actually experienced, in the end. What you'll find with Infernax is a heavy nod to 'Castlevania II: Simon's Quest'/"The Legend of Zelda II: The Adventure of Link". Both in control, and features. I'd call it the mature alternative of those games with light RPG elements, to boot. In fact, where mature content is concerned, there lies in the opening screen a warning asking the gamer if they are cool with blood, copious amounts of violence and gore as well as half naked demons ... of varying degrees of attractiveness, no less. After you get past that screen it's GAME ON!!! ...

With the most minimal of story intros carried by static art panels we find, in a retro cinematic display, a crusader of Dukedom named Alcedor who has returned from his conquests in the Holy Land to find his kingdom of Upel plagued by evil. An evil presence brought forth in his absence by a courier of sorts carrying the book of a madman which held incantations that would ultimately summon the powers of darkness. A threat Alcedor will come to face singlehandedly. Opening up at Alcedor's return we are gradually introduced to the villagers, knights, and holy men of the kingdom through textual conversations, and interactions. At first though they lie in hiding as a demon comes promptly knocking at the castle gates, as if on cue. A demon you must dispatch before the village, it's services, and it's quests will become available. 

Once Upel's main hub opens up you'll find access to wares, and quests that will benefit you as you continue onward, and outward on your journey to rid the land of evil. Wares include basic equipment, and HP/MANA upgrades that cost gold. Gold coins are dropped generously by the demons you kill along the way. That, and through treasure chests or quests that offer up rewards in exchange for services rendered. Speaking to the villagers, and people of interest will open up side, and main quest opportunities that are each in their own right, fruitful endeavors. Rewarding you handsomely with each completion. 

As Alcedor, the hero of the tale, you have at disposal a mace or other weapons that you will find through your actions, and efforts as well as a shield. The mace, or main weapon is how you'll deal damage to enemy demons. The shield on the other hand will block projectiles/attacks when you aren't pressing the attack button. Additionally you have access to spells, skills, and single use potions for mana and HP. The spells offer both offensive and defensive options that require a certain amount of mana to cast. Skills, on the other hand, are without restriction and add to the mechanics that are tied to Alcedor's available actions. Lastly the potions act as the only way to restore health, and mana between save shrines. Speaking of save shrines these placeholders act as both a save point, HP/Mana restoration stop, and an upgrade station. The upgrade aspect of it will allow you to spend earned EXP points on three different upgrades including power, health, and mana. These upgrades can be upgraded several levels for added benefit in combat. When it comes down to the life and death of it all Alcedor does have a limited stock of HP, and limited lives with which to continue. Once exhausted you'll see a blood red fatality animation performed by the creature that killed you. All before a GAME OVER screen starring your corpse, and two different respawn options pops into view. Those options including Classic, or Casual ...

In Infernax difficulty comes in two varieties. Classic or Casual. Classic is your basic unforgiving playthrough with no real added benefits. You lose all gold gained upon death, but maintain all equipment and upgrades that you gained before you saved at the shrine. Casual, however, includes a couple of perks including the ability to keep gold after death, and more save points. Casual is, more or less, the way to see the game through to the end with little hassle while Classic is the traditional retro experience for the more experienced Metroidvnia player. Being a game with multiple choice situations regarding certain NPCs, whether to kill or help them, you'll also find multiple endings with an affinity towards both good and evil. I believe, in total, there are around four possible endings. It definitely adds to the replay value.

When it comes to extras Infernax has it's own Book of Demons called "Demonology", or bestiary, if you will. It showcases images, and details of demons and humans you have slain. There's also a secret shrine feature, and a secret code feature. Adding some replay value to the otherwise straightforward adventure. 

Visually, Infernax is on par with 'Castlevania II: Simon's Quest' as well as "The Legend of Zelda II: The Adventure of Link", but more so Castlevania II. The platforming is fairly basic like that game, and the villager questing options similar, if slightly so. Even the combat scenarios show a hint of Castlevania inspiration. What sets it apart above all this though is it's mature visuals, and themes. Killing creatures will coat Alcedor's body in blood until he visits the save shrine, and kneels for prayer. Ultimately absolving him of the sins of battle. There's that detail, and the gore effects of lesser and greater demons that will spill forth when killed. Exclusively to this game is also the Alcedor fatality animations brought on when he is killed. This flashy red screen of death does indeed deliver what was claimed in the original game trailer. There are tons of ways to die, and once you do you'll have a front seat point of view as it all transpires in gory detail. 

Sound-wise, Infernax is as you'd expect seeing as it is retro inspired. It's accented by a sort of chiptune soundtrack, and basic sound effects for all the actions, environmental, and menu sounds. It's actually one of the more impressive soundtracks I've heard from a retro inspired indie of this caliber. That intro KICKS ARSE!! ... ARSE, I tell ya!!!

The Verdict ...

Infernax had me believing this was some kind of grueling adventure made hard by tough enemies. That there were so many ways to die I should expect to die often. This is not really the case, especially for an experienced gamer like myself. Even on Classic difficulty all enemies are very basic in attack patterns. The only difficult ones being the ones that constantly summon mobs or use massive screen covering magic attacks. Most of the time though you can get the hell out of Dodge quick enough to avoid both melee attacks, and projectiles. As far as the RPG elements go the additions in Infernax do feel like a proper fit. Definitely a different take on the old school Metroidvania formula. Things like the upgrade system, and ability to find lots of different weapons really gives the game it's standout identity. That and the blood and gore effects, of course. All things considered Infernax is not a bad entry into the genre at all, but I do feel the trailer was a wee bit over hyped. Thankfully the hype didn't mislead in a truly bad way. If you fancy a go at a competent, and maturely crafted Metroidvania adventure this might be the game for you. It definitely looks to cater to fans of that type of experience, and for what it's worth, it does well enough to be approved by me!