Inexistence Rebirth

Inexistence Rebirth is a 2D side-scrolling Metroidvania set in the dark fantasy world of the Isle of Hope, a land perpetually trapped in eternal night. Players control Hald, a young hero who embarks on a perilous quest to rescue his sister from the evil ruler Claos, who has encased her in a crystal prison and cast her into an endless sleep. The game features challenging platforming, RPG elements, diverse enemies like blob monsters and cyclops, and an interconnected world where players must explore, battle foes, and uncover secrets to save Hald’s beloved sister from the forces of darkness.

Inexistence Rebirth: Review

Introduction

Inexistence Rebirth is aMetroidvania platformer that breathes new life into the 2016 original. Developed by Jonathan Brassaud, this reboot aims to address past shortcomings with enhanced graphics, expanded content, and refined gameplay. Set in a rich fantasy world, it follows Hald’s quest to rescue his sister from the clutches of the evil Claos.

Development History & Context

The original Inexistence was a passion project that, while praised for its pixel art, fell short due to its brevity and lack of polish. Rebirth addresses these issues with a tripled content volume, a new engine, and gameplay improvements. Crafted with Clickteam Fusion 2.5, it showcases what a solo developer can achieve with dedication and iteration.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

The story is classic fantasy fare: Hald must save his sister from the villain Claos. Though the plot is linear, the Cryptic Prison motif and Hald’s determination add emotional weight. Sparse dialogue and generic settings are genre tropes, but the focus remains on action and exploration.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Inspired by Castlevania, the gameplay balances weighty controls with dynamic platforming. New abilities unlock paths, fostering exploration. The skill system adds RPG depth, allowing customization through skill points. Combat is diverse with varied enemies, though bosses lack complexity. The game’s linear structure is a slight drawback, but secrets and backtracking mitigate this.

World-Building, Art & Sound

The pixel art is stunning, with detailed environments and smooth animations. Parallax scrolling and vibrant colors evoke 16-bit nostalgia. The soundtrack replicates Castlevania’s atmospheric tones, while sound effects are impactful if occasionally over-the-top. The world feels lived-in despite some generic locales.

Reception & Legacy

Reception has been mostly positive, with Steam users giving 73% positive reviews. Critics note the game’s visual strengths and Castlevania-like charm but criticize its brevity and lack of depth. While not revolutionary, it holds its own in the crowded Metroidvania market.

Conclusion

Inexistence Rebirth is a competently executed Metroidvania that will delight fans of the genre and Castlevania classics. Its visual splendor and tight gameplay are commendable, but a short playtime and lack of memorable bosses hold it back from greatness. At its low price point, it’s a worthwhile addition to any Metroidvania enthusiast’s library.