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SEVERED (WIIU)
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Publisher: DrinkBox Studios.
Developer: DrinkBox Studios. Released: September 2016. Genre: Action/Adventure. Other versions: VITA; 3DS; SWI. Posted 10th September 2021. By Shane Battams © 2021 |
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DrinkBox Studios have carved a rather nice niche for themselves in the advent of digital distribution, seeing success with the likes of Tales from Space and Guacamelee. Severed didn’t threaten to buck that trend, another distinctive and artistic title which took full advantage of the Wii U’s unique quirks when launched in 2016. Replacing fast-paced platforming with slower, darker dungeon crawling in a first-person perspective, it retains quite a few retro stylings that add flair to DrinkBox’s games. It’s a brilliant game that remains consistently engaging thanks to it’s unique combat hook and sombre story, which is a subtle, clever slow-burner.
Severed tells the tale of Sasha, a young girl who awakens in a dark, mysterious realm. Guided only by a shadowy figure and the ruins of her home as a base, she sets out to rescue her beloved family before it’s too late. From the striking image of our protagonist, eyes widened and arm missing, the story is a grim yet quietly compelling exploration of grief, loss and coping mechanisms. Minimalist cut-scenes, dialogue from a two-headed bird companion and a frequently unsettling creature that seems to be stalking Sasha all add up to an ominous atmosphere, but a journey that keeps you compelled throughout.
Combat proves one of Severed's many highlights, with a plethora of foes demanding different tactical approaches
A first-person dungeon crawler, DrinkBox have expanded their passion for a Metroidvania structure like Guacamelee! Starting armed only with a sword, story progression gifts new abilities as you proceed. A mask allows Sasha to reveal certain paths, a charged slash lets her smash tougher objects and a special pair of boots lets you walk literally walk through the clouds. Little teases of secrets encourage you to return later on, with a map helpfully marking secrets and key mechanisms. Severed doesn’t quite break the 10-hour mark, even if you factor in the handful of collectible secrets in each area, but with a £12 price point and (rather uniquely) crossbuy that includes the 3DS version, it still amounts to a good deal.
FOCAL POINT: SLICE 'N' DICE
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Severed’s unique selling point is unquestionably its combat, which takes full advantage of the Gamepad and Stylus combo. Wispy clouds indicate combat encounters, seeing you duel with a handful of unsettling creations each with their own attack pattern, defensive moves and weak spots. You can perform short but quicker slashes or longer yet more damaging ones depending how far you swipe the stylus on the pad, and eventually get a charged shot. But as you earn more abilities, including stun moves and magic absorption, the enemies get more potent to match. Enemies start becoming armoured with crystals, magic barriers prevent Sasha from using spells and boss encounters require careful defence and endurance. It feels consistent, enjoyable and physically engaging. The limb severing mechanic after you earn full focus proves the icing on the cake.
Indeed, limbs prove a huge component of Sasha’s abilities. RPG-style growth mechanics let you upgrade a myriad of trees with improved damage, faster cooldowns and other buffs. But rather than the more conventional XP earned from kills, you use severed limbs that Sasha cuts either from creatures, or scavenges out in the wild. This adds a tactical consideration to combat, as missing key chances to earn upgrade components can leave you feeling underpowered. Giblets found in vases can also be used to create new components, with rarer limbs requiring more giblets as a result. Helpfully, you can easily track what you’re missing in the upgrades menu. Heart and Brain pieces let you increase health and mana respectively, proving valuable to find across the map. The satisfying sense of advancement is a real plus, encouraging you to explore and dismember with equal efficiency.
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Severed, like DrinkBox’s previous works, is buoyed by a striking art style. Dark hues colour every flat surface, transforming environments into unsettling fever dreams. Whether it’s the labyrinthine temple, crystal-covered caves or the unnerving quiet of the wilds hub, everything feels carefully stitched together and comes across beautifully both on TVs and Gamepad screens. Monsters are equally disturbing, with special mention to the initially subdued mage who turns into a two-headed dragon once you’ve dealt enough damage. This about sums up the atmosphere: what’s initially ordinary transforms into the nightmarish and macabre. The sound also adds to this quality, with roaming tracks building tension (such as the xylophone-led “Domain of Crows” theme), only to explode into life when you’re dragged into combat. Sound effects hit the spot, be it the sharp slice of swords, the painful thuds of Sasha being struck and the creak of steps as you walk around its unnerving landscapes.
Severed is a beautiful nightmare: a haunting and profoundly compelling dungeon crawler that hooks you and won’t let go. With a combat system that remains engrossing until the end, an understated story that covers its dark themes with grace and level design that will have you itching for more once you find new abilities, players will find themselves glued to their Gamepads. This indie title feels right at home on Nintendo’s quirky console and even if you could argue it’s a bit short, it never outstays its welcome. If you can stomach a dark and at times unsettling adventure, DrinkBox’s haunting exploration of grief and loss is simply a must.
Severed is a beautiful nightmare: a haunting and profoundly compelling dungeon crawler that hooks you and won’t let go. With a combat system that remains engrossing until the end, an understated story that covers its dark themes with grace and level design that will have you itching for more once you find new abilities, players will find themselves glued to their Gamepads. This indie title feels right at home on Nintendo’s quirky console and even if you could argue it’s a bit short, it never outstays its welcome. If you can stomach a dark and at times unsettling adventure, DrinkBox’s haunting exploration of grief and loss is simply a must.
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VERDICT
"...an engrossing and creative combat system, buoyed by a striking art style. Severed is a beautiful nightmare: a haunting and profoundly compelling dungeon crawler that hooks you and won’t let go.” OVERALL: 9/10 |