GamesPlatformerThe spirit of Crash Bandicoot lives on in “the most ruthless indie linear 3D platformer ever made,” which has already killed me 71 times in a single levelWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
GamesPlatformerThe spirit of Crash Bandicoot lives on in “the most ruthless indie linear 3D platformer ever made,” which has already killed me 71 times in a single levelWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: bad_vertex)
The developer behind PsiloSybil describes it as “the most ruthless indie linear 3D platformer ever made,” and after spending an hour dying nearly 100 times in the opening stages that make up the game’s demo, I’m convinced they’re probably right.
The game’s been in early access for some time and has developed a solid fandom over that time - more than 100 90% positiveSteam reviewsis nothing to sneeze at for a game of this scope. Alongside the 1.0 release, developerbad_vertex tweetedthat this is “the most ruthless indie linear 3D platformer ever made,” and while you might think that’s hyperbole it seems the branding is well-earned.
PsiloSybil - The Definitive Release | Gameplay Trailer (2024) - YouTubeWatch On
PsiloSybil - The Definitive Release | Gameplay Trailer (2024) - YouTube
PsiloSybil - The Definitive Release | Gameplay Trailer (2024) - YouTube
The game - and thefree demo you can grab on Steam- opens with a deceptively straightforward stage. I died just a couple of times. The second level ramps up the difficulty quite a bit, with loads of moving platforms, deadly Amazon delivery drones, and teensy venus flytraps that’ll kill you if they snatch your ankle. On this stage, I died maybe a dozen times.
It was, of course, only after I finished the demo that I sawbad vertex’s tweetwarning dorks like me that “if you try to 100% on the first run, you’re gonna have an awful time. It’s just not that kinda game.” Well, now I know. And I’m hooked, at that. There are a few bits of PsiloSybil I found genuinely frustrating - it’s a little too hard to see your shadow while judging jumps in the uber-dark stage, for example - but the borderline masocore challenges are compelling and bite-sized enough that I wanna see everything the game has to offer.
There are a whole lot more indie delights in our list of thebest Metroidvania games.
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GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1
Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2
Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
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Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
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Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
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1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
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2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
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3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
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4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
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5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
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Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
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Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”
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2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
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3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
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Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
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5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
5
Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”