Saviorless | PS5 Review

Very rarely do we get a game that is so epic in scale it reminds us of childhood favorite films. The kind of experience that lasts for generations as a cult classic among all who bare witness to it. I think Dear Villagers has that epic dark fantasy tale in their grasp with this latest Metroidvania, "Saviorless". 

Not unlike "The Neverending Story" we get a guided protagonist in the way of the androgynous long haired Antar. A young boy who is seeking a fabled heron as he makes his way to the Smiling Islands. A place of legend where one could become the savior. Keeping him from ever finishing his tale though are a family of three narrators who insist on having Antar repeatedly seek that which he desires. Thus controlling both Antar, and the story being told for all time. It is a metaphorical take on the dangers of free will versus guided fate as there are two other joining protagonists who break free of the narration later on in an attempt to complete their own destinies. All while Antar continues forth through gauntlets of perilous puzzle driven platforming stages as the potential savior.

Saviorless is a Metroidvania experience divided up into three distinctly different story arcs told by the in-game narrators as they try to intervene in each protagonist's journey. Guiding them to a satisfying conclusion that does not break their golden rules. 

You begin playing as Antar, the controlled protagonist, who has set out after a fabled radiant heron who is evading his approach. Through Antar we find a plot involving the breeding of herons to birth a captive radiant heron for similar reasons. Nento the leader of the breeding efforts ends up inadvertantly unleashing a plague of worms upon himself, and his comrades in the process though ultimately leading to their gory demise. It is from this morbid starting point that Antar ventures forth into the lands before him avoiding certain death while simultaneously collecting the pieces of pages chronicling his foretold adventures. In each and every stage Antar must collect all pieces of the page, and present it to the chronicler in order to fully complete his role, and unlock the rewards necessary for finishing what he started. 

Beyond Antar there exists two other characters with their own unique mechanics tied to the Metroidvania platforming traversal. One such character is the donkey-like deity version of Nento. A fight driven character that must attack special urns, and destroy objects to maintain his life force while combating key threats such as bosses and lesser creatures. It is through Nento that you get your first glimpse at the dangers that come with free will, and the pursuit of controlling one's own destiny.

Lastly there's the rabbit masked Savior who is the culmination of guided fate and free will combined. Like Antar he dabbles in puzzle platforming, and like Nento he deals damage through combative means. Unlike Antar or Nento though he is trying to escape the Smiling Islands. His goal being that of rescuing the children from all enemies. 

All three protagonist's tales are interwoven, but told separately with their own endgame in mind. All set within the same world, and all involved in the Smiling Islands mythology to some extent. Be it becoming a would be savior, one fulfilling their own destiny, or one who escapes fate altogether having already become the savior of the story. The latter retroactively righting the wrongs from start to finish.

The Presentation ...

Saviorless is a beautifully animated 2D Metroidvania experience with hand drawn animations that bring every part of the world it encompasses alive. From Antar to the narrators, and the other two protagonists we get to witness a near cinematic masterpiece that is both guided, and free for off the beaten path exploration. The world itself is fantasy fully realized, and the characters the tools by which the world is brought to life. Like a story being told, and experienced from within the player will get to see things from multiple perspectives. All to the tune of fantasy worthy music that only serves to heighten the sense of high adventure.

The Verdict ...

Saviorless will more than likely be a sleeper hit. It will likely go under many gamers' radars as other titles make their big debut this coming month. Like "The Neverending Story" though I think this has the potential of leaving it's mark as one of the greatest fantasy games ever to grace consoles, especially in the genre. It is a beautiful game throughout, and though there might be instances of frustration due to the demanding nature of puzzle platforming it is wholly satisfying to see it through to the end. Each new chapter, and stage within each protagonist's tale comes to life vibrantly solidifying the underlying message. That message being the pros and cons of guided fate and free will. I do hope you give this wonderful indie a chance when it hits the PSN Store on April 2nd!!! You won't be disappointed!!!