Morkull Ragast’s Rage, brought to us by Selecta Play, Astrolabe Games, and Disaster Games, is a captivating hand-drawn 2D Metroidvania that turns the tables by letting you play as the villain. Intrigued? Let me take you through what this game has to offer.
In this unique gaming experience, you’re Morkull, quite aware that he’s merely a video game character, manipulated by you, the player, and brought to life by the developers. Your mission—simple enough but grand in its scope—is to help Morkull break free from the Ragast. Once he’s out, his aim is nothing short of world domination, fitting for the self-proclaimed God of Death and Darkness! The game tips its hat to old-school classics while borrowing elements from more modern titles like Hollow Knight.
Navigating Morkull through this world is straightforward. Use the left analog stick or D-Pad to move around, the B button to jump, and the A button for interactions. Basic attacks are your Y button’s domain, and for those heftier strikes, employ X. Defensive maneuvers involve using a bone shield (R button) that not only blocks but also rebounds projectiles if timed perfectly.
Got a battle bruise? The L button’s your go-to for a quick potion fix. Tactical dashing using the ZR button helps evade enemy strikes or bridge seemingly impossible jumps. A smart peek above or below with the right analog stick can be your savior before impulsively leaping into danger, and don’t forget to check your map by pressing the – button; this is Metroidvania, after all.
Triumphing over foes rewards you with Anima, essential for trading at save points to enhance or acquire new powers. Mastery in combat is within reach as you unlock combos or the quirky Power of Friendship. This unexpected addition by a developer grants temporary invincibility when health dips below 15%, turning the tide in precarious battles. Other perks include monitoring enemy health, gaining extra potion slots, and more.
Progressing in the game sees Morkull’s abilities blossom, opening up previously inaccessible areas. However, these enhancements come at a cost to your precious purple bar of energy. Take the Noob Crusher, for instance—activated by pressing down on both the left analog stick and D-Pad along with Y and X—demolishes breakable floors, providing vital access to progress, particularly for your first boss encounter.
While Morkull Ragast’s Rage sets the stage for an enticing journey with its villainous twist and homage-laden approach, it sadly misses its mark in some key areas. Maps, in particular, are a letdown; frequently inaccurate in showing your location in larger rooms and failing to pinpoint spots where new abilities could clear paths or score extra skills—pretty fundamental lapses for a Metroidvania map setup.
Movement controls tend to be rigid and irresponsive, enemies don’t offer the variety you might expect, and combat ends up feeling uninspired and monotonous. The level designs become a burden with excessive switches and keys, while graphical bugs—such as flickering floor seams and random invisible barriers—pose frustrating disruptions. Despite these shortcomings, the game is now available on the Nintendo Switch, priced at $17.99.
In summary, Morkull Ragast’s Rage promises an intriguing experience with its unique villainous charm and artistic design, yet struggles to deliver consistently on the gameplay front. This Nintendo Switch review copy was kindly provided by Selecta Play, offering genuine insight into Morkull’s adventurous rage.
