Wings of Endless (PS5) | REVIEW | A Charming And Competent Action RPG

Wings of Endless, developed by Isoca Games and published by Jandusoft, is a side-scrolling action RPG that launches on May 8, 2025, for the PlayStation 5, among other platforms. Set in a vibrant pixel-art world, the game follows Hariku, a cocky bounty hunter, and his talking owl companion, Owly, as they unravel the secrets of a long-forgotten war. With it's blend of platforming, combat, and exploration, Wings of Endless aims to capture the charm of retro-inspired RPGs while offering modern gameplay sensibilities. 

At it's core, Wings of Endless is a 2D action RPG with platforming elements, drawing comparisons to games like Hollow Knight or Blasphemous, but with a lighter tone. You control Hariku, who navigates diverse biomes including deserts, marshes, forests, and snowy tundras, each packed with enemies, environmental puzzles, and hidden secrets. Combat is straightforward, but satisfying, relying on a mix of melee attacks, ranged abilities, and dodges from swappable character allies. Hariku's skill tree allows for customization, letting players prioritize speed, damage, or defensive buffs, which adds some depth to the otherwise simple mechanics.

The game shines in it's exploration. The interconnected world encourages backtracking, with new abilities unlocking previously inaccessible areas. Side missions, ranging from fetch quests to mini-boss battles, flesh out the lore and reward the players with crafting materials or gear. Crafting is a welcome addition. letting you create potions for health, stamina, or temporary buffs, though the system feels underutilized due to a limited recipe pool. Puzzles, such as lever-based platform sequences or time challenges, breakup the action, but can feel repetitive by mid-game.

However, the gameplay loop isn't flawless. Enemy variety is decent but leans into reskinned archetypes, which dulls the challenge over time. Boss fights are a highlight, with unique patterns and stunning designs, but some rely on cheap one-hit-kill moves that frustrate more than they engage. The platforming, while precise thanks to the PS5's responsive controls, occasionally suffers from awkward hitboxes or overly punishing spike traps. These issues don't break the experience, but can disrupt the otherwise smooth flow.

The narrative centers around Hariku's transformation from a self-assured mercenary to a reluctant hero uncovering the truth behind an ancient conflict. The story is serviceable, with moments of humor and heart, particularly in Hariku's banter with Owly and other allies. The lore, delivered through environmental storytelling and NPC dialogue, hints at a richer world, but the main plot feels predictable, leaning on familiar "chosen one' tropes. While the writing is charming, it lacks the emotional weight to make the 10-15 hour campaign truly memorable.

Characters are a mixed bag. Hariku and Owly are likable, with sharp dialogue that carries the lighter tone, but supporting characters often feel one-dimensional, serving as quest givers rather than fully realized personalities. The voice acting, limited to key cutscenes, is solid, but sparse, leaving much of the story to text-based exchanges.

The Presentation ...

Visually, Wings of Endless is standout. The pixel art style is crisp and colorful, with detailed sprites and fluid animations that pop on the PS5's 4K display. Each biome feels distinct, and from the sun-baked dunes to the misty marshes, and subtle lighting effects it all adds a sense of atmosphere. 

The soundtrack is another high point, blending orchestral tracks with chiptune-inspired melodies. Each area has a unique theme that compliments it's mood, though the battle music can grow repetitive during extended sessions. Sound effects, from the clank of Hariku's sword to the screech of enemies, are punchy and enhance the action. 

Replay Value ...

The game offers moderate replayability. New Game+ mode increases enemy difficulty and adds rare loot, encouraging players to experiment with different skill builds.  Side missions and collectibles provide additional content, but the lack of randomized elements or alternate story paths limits long-term engagement. At the going price, the 15-20 hours of content (including side quests) feels fairly priced, though budget conscious players might wait for a sale if they're not sold on the genre.

The Verdict ...

Wings of Endless is a charming and competent action RPG that nails the basics, but doesn't quite soar to greatness. It's vibrant pixel-art world, tight controls, and engaging exploration make it a joy to play, especially for fans of retro-inspired platformers. However, predictable storytelling, repetitive enemies, and occasional design frustrations keep it from standing shoulder-to-shoulder with genre heavyweights. On the PS5, it's a visually stunning and technically solid experience that's well worth a look for indie RPG enthusiasts, but it's not a must play for everyone.