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The world of indie games is filled with titles that hark back to the golden age of pixel art and 2D gameplay. Battle Princess Madelyn, developed by the small team at Causal Bit Games, is one such game, offering a nostalgic trip back to the era of Metroidvania classics. Released in late 2018, this game is a testament to what a dedicated team can achieve, even with limited resources. But does its charming retro aesthetic and classic gameplay hold up against modern standards? Let’s delve into the world of Battle Princess Madelyn and find out.

A Classic Metroidvania Adventure

Battle Princess Madelyn draws heavily from the Metroidvania genre, offering a large interconnected world ripe for exploration. Players take on the role of Madelyn, a young princess seeking revenge against the dark forces that have ravaged her kingdom and taken everything from her, including her beloved dog. The game’s core gameplay loop revolves around traversing diverse environments, uncovering secrets, and battling a variety of enemies. Players will need to master Madelyn’s movement and combat skills to navigate treacherous terrain and overcome challenging obstacles. This includes backtracking to previously inaccessible areas as new abilities are acquired, a hallmark of the Metroidvania genre.

The world of Battle Princess Madelyn is filled with a diverse cast of characters, both friend and foe. Madelyn will encounter everything from helpful villagers to menacing monsters and spirits. The game’s bestiary is varied, featuring a range of creatures with unique attack patterns and behaviors. From slimes to multi-legged monstrosities, each enemy encounter adds to the game’s challenging yet rewarding gameplay.

Battle Princess Madelyn

Challenging Boss Battles

No Metroidvania would be complete without epic boss battles, and Battle Princess Madelyn delivers on this front. These encounters often take place in enclosed arenas, demanding strategic use of the environment and mastery of Madelyn’s abilities. Each boss presents a unique challenge, requiring players to learn their attack patterns and exploit their weaknesses. From giant spiders that scurry across webs to charging minotaurs leaving fiery trails, these battles provide thrilling climaxes to each area of the game.

Frustrating Flaws Hold it Back

Despite its charming retro aesthetics and engaging gameplay, Battle Princess Madelyn suffers from several notable flaws. The most prominent issue is the game’s inadequate tutorial and unclear visual design. While the pixel art is well-executed, certain interactive elements blend too seamlessly with the background, making them difficult to discern. This can lead to missed secrets and crucial interactive objects, hindering progress and causing frustration.

Battle Princess Madelyn

Furthermore, the game’s difficulty can be unforgiving. Similar to classic games like Ghosts ‘n Goblins, Madelyn loses her armor with the first hit and perishes with the second. While this mechanic adds a layer of challenge, the sheer number of enemies and lack of temporary invincibility can lead to frequent deaths, especially for less experienced players.

Finally, the fixed camera perspective presents its own set of problems. The camera is positioned close to Madelyn, making it impossible to see what lies directly below her. This becomes particularly problematic during platforming sections that require precise jumps over bottomless pits and environmental hazards. The inability to properly assess the terrain below often leads to unavoidable damage and frustration.

Conclusion

Battle Princess Madelyn successfully captures the spirit of classic Metroidvania games. Its charming pixel art, engaging exploration, and challenging boss battles offer a nostalgic experience for retro gaming enthusiasts. However, its unclear visual design, unforgiving difficulty, and problematic camera hold it back from reaching its full potential. Despite these flaws, the game’s heart and charm are undeniable, making it a worthwhile experience for those willing to overlook its imperfections.

• Developer: Causal Bit Games Inc.
• Publisher: Causal Bit Games Inc.
• Genre: Action
• Release Date: December 6, 2018
• Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, Wii U, PS Vita