Maseylia: Echoes of the Past

Maseylia has some damn good ideas in terms of level design, and the world-building is solid. The non-linearity also comes into play more as the game progresses. But especially at the beginning, I think the game could just as easily have been a linear platformer. My biggest criticism, however, is that Maseylia just doesn't feel right, whether it's combat or platforming.

Maseylia stands out with its striking art direction, varied world, and refreshing take on the 3D Metroidvania formula, backed by enjoyable platforming. While its combat and exploration rewards fall short, it remains a promising debut that lays a solid foundation for the studio's future.

Maseylia: Echoes of the Past is Sol Brothers’ first foray into the world of gaming. A classic Metroidvania that makes exploration and its art style its strong points, but fails to impress due to a somewhat slapdash combat system. The story features some original elements, but suffers from a narrative that is at times slow and disjointed. There are a few bugs and technical glitches, which may be resolved in future updates. We’d give this title a solid pass mark, particularly given that the developer worked with limited resources.

Maseylia: Echoes of the Past will not be the most polished game you’ll play, but thanks to its great exploration, interesting world-building and exhilarating platforming, it will be one that’s hard to put down. The abilities you pick up contribute massively to this feeling, as Maseylia contained multiple of the most original and fun powerups I’ve encountered in recent years. If you are out to find a Metroidvania with a difference, then look no further.

Maseylia: Echoes of the Past is a bold, fascinating debut for Sol Brothers—rich in good ideas, yet inevitably still too unrefined to truly realize its potential.