didn't beat it but it's bettttttttttter than most
This little game has a lot more gravity than you may expect. It plays as a classic riff on Metroid with a standard-but-tight lineup of abilities and a challenging roster of bosses and areas, wrapped nicely in a disorienting-but-cute ultra low-res artstyle and topped with a brilliantly laid-back soundtrack.
That's not the whole of it, though. What escalates ESA from decent to important is tricky, because even mentioning it kinda spoils the fun - be warned.
Of course it's the postgame, a knot of secrets and weirdness that descends far deeper than I think anybody expected it to. This is a polarizingly ridiculous progression, one that requires puzzle solving and codebreaking for which I can't think of many obvious analogues. It reinvigorates that early sensation these games were always meant to evoke - there's no way of knowing what's truly out there, and it's always more than you think.
It all makes ESA feel almost essential for metroidvania enjoyers, with both rock-solid fundamentals and plenty of unique appeal. I've got high hopes for the sequel.
That's not the whole of it, though. What escalates ESA from decent to important is tricky, because even mentioning it kinda spoils the fun - be warned.
Of course it's the postgame, a knot of secrets and weirdness that descends far deeper than I think anybody expected it to. This is a polarizingly ridiculous progression, one that requires puzzle solving and codebreaking for which I can't think of many obvious analogues. It reinvigorates that early sensation these games were always meant to evoke - there's no way of knowing what's truly out there, and it's always more than you think.
It all makes ESA feel almost essential for metroidvania enjoyers, with both rock-solid fundamentals and plenty of unique appeal. I've got high hopes for the sequel.
Super cute lil Super Metroid tribute, highly recommended!
a true hidden gem within the MV genre. it thrives on being a game that gives you a lot of freedom to explore and get lost in the depth of the planet you're stuck on.
there are so many possible secrets that you can find if you are willing to look for them. its art style is maybe a bit simplistic, but it does have strong direction at least. the bosses can be very challenging, but the combat and movement systems are deeper than you'd expect and lead to thrilling moments of triumph when you do overcome those bosses. MV fans MUST give this game a look!
there are so many possible secrets that you can find if you are willing to look for them. its art style is maybe a bit simplistic, but it does have strong direction at least. the bosses can be very challenging, but the combat and movement systems are deeper than you'd expect and lead to thrilling moments of triumph when you do overcome those bosses. MV fans MUST give this game a look!
No lo pude terminar por tiempo, y vaya que es dificil este juego. Le doy un 4/5 por la excelente ambientación y la música.
While it didn't feel like it was bringing anything super new to the table, I still enjoyed my time with the game. Also, yes, this may be slightly better than Axiom Verge.
This review contains spoilers
the best metroidvania. main gameplay is standard fare with a very tight atmosphere but the post-game is just insane (and also has an incredible atmosphere) and puts this game into masterpiece territory. a sequel is on the way!
Super Metroid is a lot like Cap'n Jazz: they dropped a really influential LP in the late 90s, and everybody loved it so much that dozens of people built careers around ripping it off. Every once in a while though, something comes along that truly seems "influenced by" rather than "stealing everything that isn't nailed down from" their respective ancestors: Environmental Station Alpha is once such case. It's spooky, and looks nice; it's got stellar mechanics and a cohesive world. ESA changes enough from the Metroid formula to feel fresh, but it just absolutely nails the alien experience that makes playing and exploring the gameworld so compelling. I may even be doing ESA a disservice by mentioning Super Metroid so often, because it can stand on its own legs among classic games: Environmental Station Alpha is just great.
Aparentemente lo mejor del juego es su post-game pero ya a las 3 horas me aburrió. La idea de tener que jugar por varias horas un Super Metroid más insípido hasta llegar a lo verdaderamente único y especial la entiendo y hasta respeto. Seguro el impacto que me hubiera llevado de haber descubierto el post-game por mi cuenta habría sido genial...pero me aburrí.
Ah sí, su grappling hook es mejor que el de Super Metroid. Fuck el grappling hook de Super Metroid.
Ah sí, su grappling hook es mejor que el de Super Metroid. Fuck el grappling hook de Super Metroid.
the only metroidvania to actually have atmosphere
Don't.
It's a pretty good metrovania and all, very chunky, pretty tough and rough, it's fine.
But please, no matter what, stop right after reaching the ending. Do NOT enter Post-game.
I repeat, DO NOT ENTER THE POST-GAME.
Don't make the same mistakes i've made.
Please.
Save yourself.
It's a pretty good metrovania and all, very chunky, pretty tough and rough, it's fine.
But please, no matter what, stop right after reaching the ending. Do NOT enter Post-game.
I repeat, DO NOT ENTER THE POST-GAME.
Don't make the same mistakes i've made.
Please.
Save yourself.
As an action platformer Environmental Station Alpha is tight. As a metroid-like it is a treat to explore. On top of this the game is filled with lots of little design decisions which alleviate problems of the metroid games; the health system alone is the best way I've seen of bridging the gap between normal players and completionists with respects to challenge I've seen of this type. This is on top of an in depth post game with countless bonus areas and bosses.
While a bit finicky at times, this game beautifully captures the atmosphere of a sci-fi Metroidvania. Exploration is at the forefront here, and is much stronger than any combat mechanics. ~10 hours
Slightly janky movement that can be frustrating at times and disappointing 'regular' enemies - but has a wonderful, creative and atmospheric world that keeps you wanting to explore.
actually based metroid clone
A more non-linear Metroid Fusion. Being short and sweet, I finished it in 6 hours.