Let’s discover together, in this dedicated review, what are the strengths and weaknesses of Worldless, the debut work by Noname Studios which recently arrived on PC and console
Defining Worldless is really complex, but we can start with three words: courageous, misaligned, hermetic. Developed by Noname Studios, the title recently arrived on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series S and Nintendo Switch remaining, as often happens with smaller productions, away from the spotlight. The first reference that we noticed, but which then disappeared, is to Gris. Subsequently, the title that seemed most similar to us is El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron. Considering the substantial differences between the two, you will understand why we opened by saying that Worldless is really difficult to define: let’s try, however, with this review.
Sightless Conflict | Review Worldless
In Worldless we will be able to explore an imaginative and abstract world composed of two levels: the basal plane, in which entities live, struggle and perish, and an astral plane to which they aspire. A world so interconnected as to be almost disarming and often disorienting, about which we know absolutely nothing. And we will know absolutely nothing about the protagonist either, a fighter who sets out in search of the truth and, more barbarically, a purpose. There will be a strange narrator, whose appearance is difficult to define, but who will not be able to explain anything: what he says will very often be incomprehensible, or rather difficult to decipher.
However, this was what Noname Studios wanted: to create an experience, rather than tell a story. A bit like many other productions, from the aforementioned Gris to Journey, the journey is the true fulcrum of fun and emotion. And precisely for this reason, the introduction of turn-based battles and Metroidvania elements initially seemed excessive, except then blended much better than we thought as the hours went by.
Blissfull Release | Review Worldless
Let’s start with exploration: in Worldless, it is possible to call up a not very clear map that will show us the next area to explore. And to say it’s not very clear, in some situations, is definitely an understatement: it doesn’t help, almost never. For the rest, the Noname Studios title behaves like a good level platformer, with jumps and aerial dashes to unlock, portals that help us travel greater distances and environmental puzzles that allow us to obtain skill points to spend in the appropriate menu. All in an always evocative atmosphere, at times poetic and decidedly magical.
However, it is not a title in which you will have to “simply” move forward as in many walking simulators along this line. In Worldless you will have precise objectives, maps to explore, enemies to defeat, strange crystals to collect and whose function you will only understand much later in the game. Not a simple interactive experience, in short, but a real video game with a strong gameplay component. Predominant, in many respects.
Melancholic Undergo | Review Worldless
We therefore come to the cross and delight of Worldless: the combat system. As already said, the battles take place in turns with our protagonist on the left and the enemy on the right. At each turn, we will have a time available, indicated by the bar located under the protagonist, to launch a series of physical or magical attacks (each entrusted to a different front button), thus lowering the enemy’s HP, but also filling a bar located at the bottom right. Once half filled we can try to absorb the enemy through a simple minigame which will be even easier the more we manage to fill the aforementioned bar. To do this, we can increase the filling multiplier by attacking the enemy with his weak point or with the element indicated on the screen.
In the defensive phase, however, our task will be to repel physical or magical attacks (indicated, respectively, by horizontal and vertical flashes) by using the same two front buttons for attacks. If done in correct time, we can even get a perfect guard that does not consume the shield at our disposal (and which also keeps the indicator level and the multiplier intact). It is therefore very important to always be attentive to what is happening on the screen, precise in your reactions and ready for anything.
Blooming Damnation | Review Worldless
Initially we were a little taken aback, especially because, apart from a few fleeting tutorials, Worldless explains little or nothing about the combat system (and everything else, to be honest), but the more we progressed with the battles, the more we got to grips with the mechanics, the more we noticed details and details that make Worldless’ gameplay truly unique, even in the varied independent market. Of course, if they explained it a little better it would be definitely preferable, but hermeticism reigns supreme.
We tried Worldless, for this review, on an Xbox Series S, without noticing any technical limitations of any kind, despite it not being the best performing hardware of this generation. What is particularly striking about the Noname Studios title is the artistic direction and aesthetics: as mentioned above, exploring its world was a journey as irrational as it was poetic and, let us be banal, simply beautiful in the purest sense of the term. The abstract aesthetic amplifies even further that sense of irrationality and complexity, which makes everything that happens on the screen indecipherable, but at the same time terribly fascinating. Accompanying this highly sought-after aesthetic is an exceptional soundtrack and engaging sound design. Nothing to say, from this point of view.
Existence
We conclude this quick review of Worldless by strongly recommending you live this experience. You will certainly be left confused and, in many situations, you won’t know what to do at all. However, if you manage to put this “small” detail aside, you will be able to look into an abstract and indecipherable world in which to experience a hermetic but damn fascinating adventure. A plus also from the combat system, captivating and difficult at the right point. An excellent debut work that bodes well for the future!
Worldless is currently available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S and Nintendo Switch. Let us know what you think of the title below in the comments and stay tuned with us at techgameworld.com for all the news, guides and reviews on gaming and tech themes! And if you are interested in game keys at advantageous prices, we recommend you take a look at the InstantGaming catalogue!
Pure hermeticism
Points in favor
- Sensational art direction and aesthetics
- Well blended and interesting combat system
- A good platformer
Points against
- Very distracting
- Game mechanics minimally explained