The satisfying grapple physics, infuriating enemy spawns, and strange-but-fitting art make Umihara Kawase a very interesting game. Having different continuous routes is also a great idea that I somehow haven't seen present in any other platformer. But I do think the difficulty is a little overkill when there are zero checkpoints. If not for save states, I would be at this game for another 10 hours . . .


. . . or whenever my resolve gave in.


I'm glad to have enjoyed Umihara Kawase's unique identity. Cruel bosses, difficulty spikes, random spawns and all.

[Credits rolled on Field 55]