Helvetii | PS4 Review

We all miss Vanillaware games. I know I do. There's nothing quite like them. At least not until now. Using a slightly similar setup as a game like "Muramasa: The Demon Blades" we find a Red Art Games action roguelike with high replay value. Centered around a mixed mythology including that of the Helvetii tribes, and featuring three uniquely designed characters this epic journey is both beautiful and bold. As either Divico a sword wielding war chief, Renart a scythe wielding fox turned into a man, or Nammeios a staff and crow wielding druid you face off against beasts of lore as you loot, and make pacts with assisting deities. Forwarding the plot through campfire conversations, and inquiries at Bob's shops.

Laid out like a dungeon roguelike in the vein of experiences like "The Binding of Isaac", though 2D in nature, we find the world in which our heroes/heroines must battle as they make pacts, and take advantage of various looting opportunities. Each character in Helvetii has a base set of combat options alongside their health and mana pool including an evasive dash, unique combo strings that change with direction input, charged attack, projectiles, and the ability to summon Divine Icon assists at the cost of mana. Outside of all that each character has a distinctly unique mechanic tied to a parry, attack interruption, or a strength buff. Divico can interrupt choreographed enemy attacks, for example, while Renart can parry said attacks, and Nammeios buff themselves for bonus damage damage against the attackers. 

With these mechanics efficiency is king. Think 'Devil May Cry'. Racking up uninterrupted combo strings in sectioned off battle arenas against multiple lesser enemy types and larger than life boss fights means the difference from scoring an S rank or failing, and getting an E ranking. Each stage in the game consists of a collection of connected areas with their own random enemy and boss encounters as well as looting options. Looting comes in the form of chests and locked chests as well as Divine Icon shrines where for a cost of health (HP) you can make a pact for dual Deity assists, and passive perks. Additionally there are shops run by a a talking owl named Bob wherein you can by stat changing items, as well as keys, and health refills among other things. Further inquiries at Bob's via the "Talk" option allows for a deeper dive into the associated mythologies adding to the otherwise undisclosed mythos. Whenever a stage is completed, and the boss beaten performance will be tallied up according to the amount of each alphabetical ranking you achieved in the arena and boss fights. Rewarding you with special points that can be spent on permanent Sigil unlocks which give starter perks such as extra health and keys.

In addition to the randomized roguelike gameplay loop the lore, and character backstories are hinted at through optional campfire character conversations. It is also at these intermittent campfire sessions that you can opt to rest and heal before the next stage or gamble coins in a game of dice for more coins. Coins of course can be spent at Bob's for his wares. In the way of challenge "Helvetii" also offers two difficulty settings including Normal and Hard. There's even a Seed Run option alongside the New Game option where picking up where you left of is made possible. Finding the seed password in-game requires pressing the "OPTION" button. It will be displayed in the top left corner of the screen.

Interestingly enough Helvetii isn't without it's surprise onboard artists. This kickstarted indie project includes music composed by Dale North, and voice-over contributions by Emi Evans of NIER, and NIER: Automata fame. Visually the game mildly captures that Vanillaware look with special effects that give off a similar vibe. Even the paper puppet like animations of enemies and characters have a familiar appearance in that regard. 

The Verdict ...

Those looking for a Vanillaware usurper won't exactly find that here, but for what it's worth the game, and it's replay value is enough to warrant a purchase. It's main selling point is it's 'Devil May Cry' style of combat, and it's similarities to dungeon roguelikes like "The Binding of Isaac". It's simple, but addictive fun with a proper challenge. The fact that no two playthroughs are the same makes it a worthy title to pick up and play whenever the gamer wants. For either short lived or lengthy sessions. Do know that there is a limited physical edition out there for ordering as well. 

Visit my YouTube channel for gameplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXmgkMZcDHE