Nekuia

Nekuia is a 2D side-scrolling action arcade game set in a fantasy world, developed by Blue Gate using the Unity engine. Players navigate fast-paced, visually dynamic levels filled with challenges, blending classic arcade mechanics with modern indie design. Released on Windows in 2016, it emphasizes agile movement, combat, and vibrant fantasy-themed environments.

Nekuia: Review

Nekuia, released in December 2016, is a 2D platformer that stands out for its unique blend of exploration, speedrunning, and reflex-based gameplay. Developed by Blue Gate and published by Plug In Digital SAS, Nekuia offers an intense and innovative experience that rewards players for their agility and precision. This review will delve into the game’s development history, narrative, gameplay mechanics, world-building, art and sound design, reception, and legacy.

Introduction

Nekuia is a game that demands skill and patience. Its fast-paced, die-and-retry mechanics are reminiscent of classic platformers but with a modern twist. The game’s focus on speed and jumps creates a challenging yet rewarding experience. Nekuia’s legacy lies in its ability to push the boundaries of 2D platforming, offering a fresh take on a genre that has seen many iterations over the years. This review will argue that Nekuia is a hidden gem that deserves more recognition for its innovative gameplay and atmospheric design.

Development History & Context

Blue Gate, the developer behind Nekuia, is a relatively unknown studio, which adds to the game’s underdog status. The game was released on December 16, 2016, for Windows, and it quickly gained a cult following among platformer enthusiasts. The development of Nekuia was likely influenced by the resurgence of 2D platformers in the mid-2010s, with games like Celeste and Cuphead gaining critical acclaim. Blue Gate aimed to create a game that would stand out in this crowded genre by focusing on speed and precision.

The technological constraints of the era were minimal, as the game was developed using the Unity engine, which was already well-established by 2016. This allowed Blue Gate to focus on gameplay mechanics and visual design rather than dealing with technical limitations. The gaming landscape at the time was dominated by AAA titles and indie darlings, making it challenging for a small studio like Blue Gate to gain traction. However, Nekuia’s unique selling points helped it carve out a niche for itself.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Nekuia’s narrative is minimalistic, focusing more on the gameplay experience than on storytelling. The player takes on the role of a soul descending into the abysses of Hades, searching for answers. The game’s setting is a fantasy world filled with traps and guardians, each level presenting a new challenge. The lack of a detailed backstory allows the player to immerse themselves in the gameplay mechanics without being bogged down by a complex plot.

The dialogue in Nekuia is sparse, with the game relying more on environmental storytelling. The themes of speed and risk are central to the game’s design. The faster the player moves, the stronger they become, but the risks they take also increase. This theme is reflected in the level design, which encourages players to find new paths as their skills improve. The game’s ultimate levels, which compile all previous levels into one extreme challenge, epitomize this theme of pushing oneself to the limit.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Nekuia’s core gameplay loop revolves around speed and jumps. The game’s physics-based mechanics require precise timing and reflexes. The player must focus on jumping fast but jumping right, as there is no trajectory adjustment once the jump has begun. This mechanic adds a layer of challenge and strategy to the gameplay.

The combat in Nekuia is minimal, with the game focusing more on platforming and exploration. The bosses in the game push the gameplay to its limits, requiring players to use all their skills to overcome them. The game’s die-and-retry style encourages players to learn from their mistakes and improve their skills with each attempt.

The user interface in Nekuia is clean and unobtrusive, allowing the player to focus on the gameplay. The game’s controls are intuitive, with the jump and double-jump mechanics being the primary actions. The game’s level design is intricate, with multiple paths and secrets to discover. The game’s ultimate levels, which compile all previous levels into one, provide an extreme challenge for the best players.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Nekuia’s world-building is impressive, given the game’s 2D platforming focus. The game’s setting is a fantasy world filled with traps and guardians, each level presenting a new challenge. The game’s art style is visually striking, with the graphical ambiance evolving with the player’s speed. The faster the player moves, the more intense the visuals become.

The sound design in Nekuia is equally impressive, with the audio ambiance evolving with the player’s speed. The game’s soundtrack is intense and energetic, complementing the fast-paced gameplay. The sound effects are crisp and satisfying, adding to the overall immersion. The game’s visual and audio design work together to create a cohesive and immersive experience.

Reception & Legacy

Nekuia received mixed reviews upon its release, with critics praising its innovative gameplay and atmospheric design but criticizing its lack of depth and replayability. The game’s Player Score on Steambase is 76/100, indicating a mostly positive reception from players. The game’s cult following among platformer enthusiasts has helped it gain a dedicated fanbase over the years.

Nekuia’s legacy lies in its ability to push the boundaries of 2D platforming. The game’s focus on speed and precision has influenced other platformers in the genre, with games like Celeste and Cuphead sharing similar mechanics. Nekuia’s unique selling points, such as its die-and-retry style and ultimate levels, have helped it stand out in a crowded genre. The game’s influence can be seen in the resurgence of 2D platformers in the mid-2010s, with many games adopting similar mechanics and design philosophies.

Conclusion

Nekuia is a hidden gem in the world of 2D platformers. Its innovative gameplay, atmospheric design, and challenging mechanics make it a standout title in a crowded genre. The game’s legacy lies in its ability to push the boundaries of 2D platforming, influencing other games in the genre. Nekuia deserves more recognition for its unique selling points and its contribution to the platformer genre. For fans of fast-paced, reflex-based gameplay, Nekuia is a must-play title. Its place in video game history is secure, and it will continue to inspire future generations of platformer enthusiasts.