1 Screen Platformer review: A Retro Challenge with Short Breath and Lots of Rage

Developed by the Return To Adventure Mountain studio, 1 Screen Platformer presents a simple premise: you lead a team of interstellar bounty hunters in search of the Golden Skull of an ancient god, facing challenges in a single platforming level filled with dangers and obstacles. Combining "soulslike" elements with a retro pixel art aesthetic, the game promises an intense and challenging experience but stumbles due to limitations that affect its longevity.

The graphics are simple yet charming, characteristic of pixel art, with clever use of colors to distinguish settings and stages. Despite its simplicity, the game demonstrates visual care and attention to detail. The soundtrack is also praiseworthy—immersive and fitting for the game's atmosphere, helping to keep the player engaged.

Thanks for reading! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Inscrito

In terms of gameplay, the title shines with its three playable characters, each with distinct abilities that add variety to the experience. However, this character diversity is overshadowed by the lack of content, as the game offers only one stage, even with variations in difficulty (normal and hard modes). This limitation makes the game feel repetitive over time, which might frustrate players looking for greater depth.

Another factor to consider is the difficulty. The controls are highly sensitive, especially in "hard" mode, where any mistake can result in immediate death. This makes the game both challenging and punishing. For fans of games where you "die and try again," this aspect might be appealing; for others, it can be a source of frustration (myself included). Additionally, the difficulty in forming a bond with the characters—who are given superficial descriptions—weakens the emotional connection to the plot.

The achievement system is well-designed, being accessible and intuitive. It doesn’t require "breaking your head" to complete, which might appeal to casual players. However, this simplicity might disappoint those seeking more profound and rewarding challenges.

Positive Aspects:

• Well-crafted and visually appealing pixel art graphics.

• Immersive and high-quality soundtrack.

• Challenging gameplay with consistent mechanics.

• Variety in character abilities.

Negative Aspects:

• Limited to a single stage, leading to repetitiveness.

• Overly sensitive controls, especially in hard mode.

• Difficulty in forming connections with the characters.

• Lack of additional content, affecting the game's longevity.

1 Screen Platformer is a fun experience for those who enjoy quick and challenging games but falls short due to its lack of content and repetitive nature. The game demonstrates technical and mechanical quality but would be even more engaging with the addition of new stages, challenges, and deeper narrative elements. For fans of minimalist and high-difficulty platformers, the title offers entertainment for a short period but may not hold attention for long.