I might not be the biggest fan of search-action games, but surely the genre is very popular (and a bit over-inflated). After Lost Ruins, here come Ender Lilies, right now available for PC, Switch, X Box series, and later for PS4 and PS5.
There's nothing much to discuss about the game's structure, you go around self-contained rooms in search for the next boss and/or ability to traverse a previously impassable obstacle; the map is dotted by checkpoints at which you respawn after death with no loss of collected items or character experience (yep, there are levels), but enemies are reborn anew; fast-travel between checkpoints is unlocked early in the game, and the map is kind enough to change room colours if you've collected all hidden items there, and even give you a general idea where an exit might be.
Playing as an (apparently) mute girl named Lily, you wake in a dilapidated crypt with a knight offering his protection. The knight is actually a spirit, and he's immediately summoned at the press of the attack button. It's worth noting that only Lily herself is the hitbox, not the knight, and when you get slower weapons, you can actually move Lily around while the attack animation is still going. This is not a huge mechanic in the game, but it does add a tiny layer of tactic when attacking. Secondary attacks are earned by defeating this game's version of mid-level bosses, and can only be equipped, like other items, at checkpoints. There you can also upgrade primary and secondary attacks with dedicated items; these aren't technically a limited resource, you can find them by smashing pots and crates, but they are randomised drops and they are only found in large quantities in one-use secret areas. Secondary attacks can only be used a certain number of times, and there are two way to recharge them: rest at a checkpoint or find a rare red flower.
Movement is fluid and spot on, with all attacks having a good heft, and it's nice to hit things. The jump is somewhat limited in reach and height, but Lily can grab onto ledges with a very fluid motion; dodge is instant, with plenty of i-frames, and combat is basically centered around dodging attacks and striking back. Character levels do add some damage to the knight's sword but you cannot out-DPS enemies, even those you fought 20 levels before. The game is very generous with permament health upgrades, and Lily can heal by praying, an action that leaves her immobile for a couple of seconds, and is available only three times without resting at a checkpoint. Prayer counters can be replenished by cutting white flower, but just like red flowers for secondary attacks, those are rare.
So far Ender Lilies plays well with no real flaws to speak of, its strong point being movement and combat. An other strong point are the gorgeous graphics, from Lily's sprite to the various locations she will explore. Equal care went into enemies and backgrounds, and the style reminds me of some of Dark Soul's concept art, but this has its own distinct flavour, although it abuses the "dark body, red eyes" approach a bit...there's nothing wrong with it, and everything fits well together.
Music ranges from simple ambient sounds to some nice tracks that change depending on the location you are. Sound effects do their jobs, but I'd say a lot of them are from royalty-free libraries.
I don't know how much of the game I have left, but Ender Lilies is a pleasant game to play.
There's nothing much to discuss about the game's structure, you go around self-contained rooms in search for the next boss and/or ability to traverse a previously impassable obstacle; the map is dotted by checkpoints at which you respawn after death with no loss of collected items or character experience (yep, there are levels), but enemies are reborn anew; fast-travel between checkpoints is unlocked early in the game, and the map is kind enough to change room colours if you've collected all hidden items there, and even give you a general idea where an exit might be.
Playing as an (apparently) mute girl named Lily, you wake in a dilapidated crypt with a knight offering his protection. The knight is actually a spirit, and he's immediately summoned at the press of the attack button. It's worth noting that only Lily herself is the hitbox, not the knight, and when you get slower weapons, you can actually move Lily around while the attack animation is still going. This is not a huge mechanic in the game, but it does add a tiny layer of tactic when attacking. Secondary attacks are earned by defeating this game's version of mid-level bosses, and can only be equipped, like other items, at checkpoints. There you can also upgrade primary and secondary attacks with dedicated items; these aren't technically a limited resource, you can find them by smashing pots and crates, but they are randomised drops and they are only found in large quantities in one-use secret areas. Secondary attacks can only be used a certain number of times, and there are two way to recharge them: rest at a checkpoint or find a rare red flower.
Movement is fluid and spot on, with all attacks having a good heft, and it's nice to hit things. The jump is somewhat limited in reach and height, but Lily can grab onto ledges with a very fluid motion; dodge is instant, with plenty of i-frames, and combat is basically centered around dodging attacks and striking back. Character levels do add some damage to the knight's sword but you cannot out-DPS enemies, even those you fought 20 levels before. The game is very generous with permament health upgrades, and Lily can heal by praying, an action that leaves her immobile for a couple of seconds, and is available only three times without resting at a checkpoint. Prayer counters can be replenished by cutting white flower, but just like red flowers for secondary attacks, those are rare.
So far Ender Lilies plays well with no real flaws to speak of, its strong point being movement and combat. An other strong point are the gorgeous graphics, from Lily's sprite to the various locations she will explore. Equal care went into enemies and backgrounds, and the style reminds me of some of Dark Soul's concept art, but this has its own distinct flavour, although it abuses the "dark body, red eyes" approach a bit...there's nothing wrong with it, and everything fits well together.
Music ranges from simple ambient sounds to some nice tracks that change depending on the location you are. Sound effects do their jobs, but I'd say a lot of them are from royalty-free libraries.
I don't know how much of the game I have left, but Ender Lilies is a pleasant game to play.
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