GladMort (PS5) | Review | A Brutal Blast from the Past

GladMort is a game that wears it's retro inspirations on it's sleeve, delivering a fantasy medieval action-platformer that feels like it's been ripped straight out of the Neo Geo era, and given modern polish for the PS5. Developed by PixelHeart and Chipsonsteroids, this title, fully funded in a mere 24 hours via crowdfunding, promises a merciless challenge wrapped in pixel-perfect aesthetics. After spending some time with it, I can say it's a punishing yet rewarding experience that's equal parts nostalgic and frustrating, though it's not without it's quirks.

The premise is straightforward but dripping with dark fantasy vibes. You play as GladMort, a cursed knight wielding supernatural powers, tasked with battling through a kingdom ravaged by the "Red Plague", a mysterious affliction that raises the dead and spawns demonic horrors. Across five distinct levels, you'll face off against grotesque enemies and towering bosses, all while navigating treacherous traps and platforms. It's a setup that echoes classics like Ghouls 'n Ghosts or Castlevania, and GladMort doesn't shy away from that old-school brutality.

On the PS5, the game looks sharp, with it's meticulously crafted pixel art popping on modern displays. The environments, ranging from plague-ridden villages to eerie castles, are detailed and atmospheric, capturing that gritty, retro charm without feeling dated. The soundtrack, too, leans into the Neo Geo vibe with punchy, synth-driven tunes that keep the adrenaline pumping as you dodge spikes and cleave through undead hordes. The DualSense controller's haptic feedback adds a subtle layer of immersion, rumbling with each heavy axe swing or spear thrust, though it's not a game-changer here.

Gameplay is where GladMort truly shines, and occasionally stumbles. It's an action-platformer that demands precision and patience. You've got a double jump to navigate tricky gaps and a versatile arsenal of weapons, including axes, spears and flails, each with unique strengths. The combat feels weighty and satisfying when you land a hit, but the difficulty is unrelenting. Take one hit, and you're stripped to your underwear, losing your armor. Take another, and it's GAME OVER, sending you back to the start of a level (or a checkpoint if you're lucky). This "no room for error", design will thrill hardcore players who crave a challenge, but it might alienate those looking for a more forgiving experience.

The five levels in the game are creatively designed, each with it's own flavor of enemies and hazards, from skeletal archers to lava pits. Boss fights are a highlight, requiring you to memorize patterns and exploit weaknesses, think Dark Souls lite with a 2D twist. However, the pacing can feel uneven. Some sections drag with repetitive enemy waves, and the lack of mid-level checkpoints in tougher areas can make progress feel like a slog. It's a deliberate choice to evoke that retro "git gud" ethos, but it doesn't always land gracefully in 2025.

Where GladMort falters slightly is in it's depth. There's not much story beyond the initial setup, and while the gameplay loop is addictive, it lacks the variety or progressions systems of modern platformers  like Hollow Knight. Hidden treasures and weapon upgrades offer some replayability, but once you've conquered the five levels, there's little incentive to return unless you're chasing a personal best.

In the end, GladMort is a love letter to the masochistic joys of retro gaming, polished just enough for the PS5 without losing it's edge. It's not for everyone, and casual players might bounce off of it's steep difficulty curve, but for those who relish a test of skill and reflexes, it's a bloody good time! At it's launch price, it's a niche gem that delivers exactly what it promises, a brutal, beautiful throwback that'll make you curse, cheer, and maybe even chuck your controller.