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The indie gaming scene thrives on innovation, often embracing minimalist design philosophies like the rogue-like genre. These games, characterized by procedurally generated levels and permadeath, offer replayability while streamlining development. Sparklite, developed by Red Blue Games, falls into this category, boasting charming pixel art and a vibrant world. But does its gameplay live up to its aesthetic appeal? Let’s delve into this Sparklite review to find out.

A Visual Delight

Thirty years ago, pixel art was a necessity born from technological limitations. Today, it’s a stylistic choice, evoking nostalgia and offering indie developers a cost-effective approach to visuals. Sparklite cleverly utilizes this retro aesthetic, creating a world that’s both charming and easy on the eyes. The soft, slightly muted color palette, reminiscent of faded grasslands, perfectly complements the game’s environments, from monster-infested mines to sun-drenched meadows.

Sparklite environment screenshot

One of Sparklite’s most impressive achievements is its meticulous design. Every element, from the quirky architecture and diverse environments to the imaginative monsters and imposing bosses, exhibits a level of detail rarely seen in indie titles. This attention to detail elevates the visual experience, creating a world that feels both cohesive and engaging.

Sparklite enemy design screenshot

Gameplay Falls Flat

Sparklite’s core gameplay revolves around exploring procedurally generated dungeons, drawing clear inspiration from classic The Legend of Zelda titles. Players traverse various screens, battling enemies and collecting loot. While this formula is tried and true, Sparklite’s execution falters, trapping players in a monotonous cycle of grinding for currency. The gameplay loop boils down to: kill enemies, collect loot, sell loot, earn money, buy upgrades, repeat.

Sparklite gameplay screenshot

The problem is exacerbated by the limited and uninspired upgrade system. Instead of introducing new abilities or altering playstyles, upgrades primarily focus on increasing basic stats like damage and health. Furthermore, the “Damage Reduction” stat becomes so powerful later in the game that it renders other upgrades almost meaningless.

The lack of meaningful challenge further diminishes the experience. Bosses, despite their intimidating appearances, possess predictable attack patterns, making encounters feel repetitive and lacking in strategic depth. Instead of introducing more complex enemy behavior, Sparklite increases difficulty by simply boosting enemy stats, leading to artificial difficulty spikes.

Sparklite boss fight screenshot

Conclusion: Style Over Substance

Sparklite shines in its presentation, showcasing beautiful pixel art and a well-realized world. However, its repetitive gameplay loop, shallow upgrade system, and lack of meaningful challenge ultimately hold it back. While the initial charm might captivate players, the lack of depth quickly becomes apparent, leaving a sense of unfulfilled potential. Sparklite is a game that prioritizes style over substance, offering a visually appealing but ultimately forgettable experience.

Game Information

• Developer: Red Blue Games
• Publisher: Merge Games
• Genre: Action, RPG
• Release Date: November 15, 2019
• Platforms: PS4, Switch, Xbox One, PC

Minimum System Requirements

• OS: Windows 7, 8, 10
• CPU: Intel Core i3-2500K 2.0GHz+ / AMD Phenom II 570
• RAM: 2 GB
• GPU: Intel HD 4400
• Storage: 1.5 GB

Tested System Configuration

• OS: Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
• CPU: Ryzen R7 1700 @ 3.7 GHz
• RAM: 16 GB
• GPU: Gigabyte Rx 560 OC 2GB
• Storage: Samsung 950 Pro 256GB