Lapis x Labyrinth

But it's easy to ignore those complaints when the core gameplay is this fun and flashy. I went into Lapis X Labyrinth expecting a breezy dungeon crawler and that's exactly what NIS delivered.

Nippon Ichi Software has hit a great formula that avoids the worst excesses of repetition or frustration. An addictive mix of 2D exploration and combat, Lapis x Labyrinth is a cavalcade of colour and complex systems that doesn't outstay its welcome through a sizeable 20-hour campaign.

Lapis X Labyrinth is an incredibly average hack and slash with not much going for it. You enter a dungeon, beat up enemies, gain new weapons, loot and skills, and then repeat ad nauseam with little incentive to keep going or play this for long bursts at a time. On Switch, at least you do have pick up and play possibilities, but I found even when playing this game in those sessions, it just wasn’t that engaging.

Lapis x Labyrinth is an excellent palate cleanser. I think the long haul of trying to actually finish the game could dip more into a mindless march, rather than the frantic energy the first time Fever Mode is activated, but the game overall can be a fun distraction in between more dramatic or demanding titles.

Lapis X Labyrinth is a drug for the eyes of the fan of niche games, and I only hope that the reader who has arrived at this text with doubts now wants to try it. But careful, that hooks.

The swift progression through levels and missions, combined with a highly appreciable visual style and polish provides plenty of satisfaction. It won’t do much for those looking for a strong challenge or deep gameplay, but it succeeds in what it sets out to do.

It's fun, but I'm not sure how much I'll come back to it. The repetition can't be avoided when playing for any real length, both in gameplay and level design. Lapis x Labyrinth has too many concerns that prevent me from giving it a broad recommendation at $29.99. But I can't deny that it offers some short-term, if shallow, fun, so bookmark this one for a future sale if it sounds interesting to you.

With solid music, fun gameplay, and the cutest stack I’ve ever seen, give Lapis Labyrinth a shot if you’re in the mood for a hectic platforming dungeon delve!

WORTH CONSIDERING - Time limits and ridiculously repetitive gameplay are the bane of Lapis x Labyrinth. The redeeming qualities are the explosive Fever episodes and the totem pole like party formation. After the first area, the game’s difficulty spikes and can make for some frustrating failures. Proceed with caution, but for the right type of player it can be a fun and rewarding experience.

If the thrill of collecting loot and the joy of upgrading your party is enough for you, then definitely make sure Lapis x Labyrinth is on your radar. If you hope for a little depth in terms of narrative development and refined combat, you won’t find it here. But you will find a lot of chaotic fun. With its bite-sized levels and constant rewards, it’s the perfect game to pick up and play in short bursts on Nintendo Switch.