GigaSword

The proposal developed by Studio Hybrid and Akupara Games is recommended, especially if you like indie games.

GigaSword is a monumental achievement, proving that a one-person studio, with the support of a passionate fanbase, can deliver one of the best metroidvanias of 2025.

GIGASWORD is a difficult retro action-platformer. It won't hold your hand and it requires focus. But the journey is a rewarding one and one that's built on a strong foundation of lore and hard-hitting action.

I adored my time with GigaSword and ultimately didn’t want it to end. It is the special type of game you stay up late devouring, go to bed thinking about, and wake up wanting to play more. The classic metroidvania loop of exploring, finding abilities, and breaking new ground is beautifully complemented by a deceptively simple puzzle mechanic that had my synapses firing left and right. And bashing enemies to bits with your massive sword is pretty awesome too.

Despite my issues with the adventure, GIGASWORD is still a tremendous Metroidvania experience. It’s frankly hard to believe this was made by a solo developer, it’s that good. Not only is it one of the best examples of the genre I’ve played in recent memory, it’s also a game that’s a glowing love letter to the NES era of gaming. Here’s hoping the issues I mentioned above get fixed so that everyone can fully enjoy this puzzle platformer.

Fun action-puzzle Metroidvania in which your huge sword plays a big part

Gigasword presents a unique approach to Metroidvania gameplay, requiring players to navigate the map with and without the giant sword to progress. However, some aspects feel unnecessary, such as having to retrieve mineral loot after death or the inability to access fast travel within the map. Players are forced to revisit the very sections that initially offered the game's innovation. Many common enemies are repeated, and certain boss battles are significantly more challenging. A technical issue on the Switch prevents players from experiencing the full game.

A metroidvania that favors puzzle-solving over action, but that don’t assume that makes it less difficult

GigaSword is a Metroidvania with great puzzle platforming and pretty rough... everything else.

There’s something special about GIGASWORD. Beneath its technical flaws and occasional frustrations lies a game built with real care, a throwback that manages to feel both familiar and fresh. It’s rough around the edges, certainly, but every pixel and puzzle carries the mark of a creator swinging for something big. I genuinely enjoyed my time with it, even when its issues got in the way, and I hope future updates can smooth out the experience so more players can appreciate what’s here. Like its protagonist burdened by his colossal blade, GIGASWORD stumbles under its own weight, but still manages to stand tall in the end.