Dust: An Elysian Tail

Dust: An Elysian Tail is an action RPG fighting game developed by indie studio Humble Hearts and published by Microsoft Studios. Originally for the Xbox Live Arcade, the game has since then been released for Windows, OS X, and Linux and is available through digital distributors GoG (DRM free) and Steam.

dust to dust, get it? get it? themes!

This is a game that came out way back in August 2012 on the Xbox Live Arcade and in May 2013 for Windows and wow is it a pretty game. 

You play as Dust, an amnesia wrecked half-past hero who wields ultimate powers of beat-the-shit-out-of-everything granted by his sentient sword Ahrah. Accompanying Dust and Ahrah is a nimbat (a quick Google search yielding not too much) named Fidget. Together, you'll traverse the world of Falana and help or beat up anthropomorphic animals and monsters of various convictions, slowly unraveling just who you are and just what kind of horrible things you did in the past.

i'm glad they had full voice acting

The gameplay of Dust: An Elysian Tail is solid. The game's combat meshes well with the RPG elements in the game: chain combos together to yield more experience, use experience to progress your character. Attributes include max health, damage, defense, luck, the usual. The game doesn't go out of its way to innovate in the traditional RPG mix, rather relying on what has worked- it's simple and effectively executed in Dust: An Elysian Tail.

Dust: An Elysian Tail beholds a picturesque aesthetic that reminded me of Bastion. The post processing effects of the game add a new dimension to the presentation: wind, water, and weather effects all seem to jump into life. The world also boasts healthy amount of variety: Dust, Fidget and Ahrah will traverse large plains and mountains, ominous underground caverns, and dark forests, all complete with their own themes and styles.

vwooshzheeooshzoozoosh

Sound design for the game also compounds the the painterly graphics. The amount of detail in the sound work was astonishing- Dust's footsteps echoed as he stepped in puddles in caves and smoothly transitioned as he exited. The game also displays the work of HyperDuck Soundworks and Alexander Brandon in a fitting soundtrack that mirrors moments of peace and action. The game's overarching aesthetics combines elements of eastern and western fantasy to provide a vivid and rich experience.

that guy is australian

How combat plays out reflects the aesthetics of the game marvelously- I would argue they are the crown jewels of the game. Combat is sleek and fast, heavy hits and explosions are mirrored by crescendos in the music, and the animations are gorgeous and responsive. I also enjoyed the ARPG component of the game where some levels would pit Dust against many enemies at once- it is so satisfying to chain over 300 hits together and blow everything up. Dust's combos are easy to pick up but have a high skill ceiling if you plan to use them all in a devastating combination, but for the most part you'll be fine using maybe two or three. 

 hud can be moved and scaled

Puzzle elements are also present in the game. There are many hidden secrets and treasures marked on the map for players to find and some of them can prove to be challenging. The game utilizes puzzle elements to seal off areas for until Dust has unlocked a certain ability and manages to pace the game well and prevent the player from being overwhelmed. They also provide a reason to go back to completed areas to seek out those treasures usually consisting of money, items, and sometimes even better.

If I had to pan the game for any reason, it'd most likely be the writing. Dust: An Elysian Tail explores redemption and mercy as well as undertones discussing racism and genocide and I think the script did a good job of keeping things fair and representative. The game even talks about how at times, even one's best cannot avert disaster, but it only matters that one gives one's best, even if only to inspire others. So where's the problem? you may ask. 

let me play the game fidget

I felt the script held some awkward, unfitting fourth wall breaking moments. Fidget also will stop all gameplay just to say things like "What is that?" or "Ahhh! Scary monster!" It interrupts the flow of combat and I'd much rather prefer the dialog to play in-game instead of having to stop everything for two lines of Fidget talking. The characters in the game are many and varied and for the most part you're going to love them or you'll hate them. Some are just horrendously awkward but you'll get the chance to get to know everyone as Dust travels across the land and some will grow on you.

Dust: An Elysian Tail is masterfully crafted and wonderfully presented. It's sleek and fast while being paced and tempered at the same time. I wholeheartedly recommend this game.