Duskfade Proves There is Still Plenty of Room for Classic 3D Platformers
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Polygon reviews Duskfade, the debut 3D platformer from Weird Beluga that blends classic Kingdom Hearts style combat with Super Mario inspired movement.
Developer Weird Beluga has officially entered the 3D platformer conversation with Duskfade, a 20-hour adventure that wears its inspirations proudly on its sleeve. If you have been missing the kinetic energy of classic action platformers and the particular combat rhythm of early Kingdom Hearts, this debut title hits all the right nostalgic notes while keeping things fresh for modern players. As reported by Polygon, the game drops you into the role of Zirian, a young hero tasked with rescuing his sister from a mysterious clock tower that has materialized in his hometown of Tick Town.
Mechanically, Duskfade leans hard into what makes movement in games like Super Mario Odyssey and Jak and Daxter so satisfying. Zirian handles like a dream once you master the flow of air dodges, double jumps, and midair attacks, turning simple traversal into a rewarding puzzle. The combat pulls heavy inspiration from early Sora adventures, pitting you against shadow creatures called inkies using a traditional sword. While standard mob fights can sometimes devolve into frantic dodge and swing routines due to a finicky lock on system, the boss encounters step things up with clever environmental mechanics and distinct phases that require genuine strategy.
While the story swings for classic, family friendly beats that might elicit a few groans from older players, the sheer joy of the platforming and level design easily carries the experience. It even manages a few unexpected deep cuts, including a surprise reference to Lost that will give elder millennials a chuckle. For cross platform players looking for a tight, self contained single player adventure that values movement and charm over endless live service grinding, Duskfade is well worth adding to your rotation.
Original reporting by Ford James at Polygon.
Tags: Duskfade, Polygon, Gaming News, Platformer, Reviews
Original article: Polygon