Windblown

Windblown is a very well-made game that, despite its current stage of development, offers a great and entertaining experience. It combines a charming art style, dynamic gameplay, and solid technical execution, giving it real potential. Roguelike enthusiasts, in particular, will appreciate the fast-paced action and varied gameplay options. Some shortcomings, such as a weaker story or occasional chaos during action sequences, are easily overlooked thanks to the game’s overall fun and accessibility. Unfortunately, the cooperative mode—which didn’t work for me—was a major disappointment; otherwise, I wouldn’t have hesitated to give the game a higher rating. However, there’s still plenty of time, so we’ll see what kind of hit we’ll have on the day of the actual release.

Not only does co-op (for up to three players!) make the game feel a lot lighter, but it’s done extremely well, too. One of my biggest gripes with co-op experiences is when you feel like whoever you’re playing with is holding you back, even if that’s just your perception. I can get frustrated when the cameras are locked together, or when your teammate leaves you in the dust. Windblown addresses these problems and so many more. Your cameras are independent of each other, but if you get separated, you can teleport directly to them in just a few seconds. Also, there isn’t much room for fighting over loot, as most of it’s shared equally between the team. You can even find boosts that benefit everyone!