Smaller indie games are having a bit of a renaissance, possibly because the cost of triple A games is relatively expensive and the need for smaller games which can be picked up and enjoyed without the thought of committing one hundred and fifty hours of your life to a single story.

The game is visually stunning, using a hand drawn aesthetic

From the times of Jet Set Willy, all the way back in 1984, platformers have always been a staple of gaming and their popularity never seems to wane.

Saviorless, is created by Empty Head Games, a Cuban independent creator. It is a 2D platformer which uses layers to give the game’s visuals more depth as the various background elements move past at different speeds. Given where it was created and the difficulties the team went through is a testament to their determination to produce a good game and a good game is what they ended up with.

Within the game you play the part of Antor, who must traverse the side scrolling environment in his quest to become a savior, though why he should want this is never really explained.

To achieve this, he must travel to the Smiling Islands. The game’s narrative is introduced by way of three characters who act as narrators telling you the story which sets up the game. They also appear during the game pushing the narrative forward.

The popularity of platformers never seems to wane

As you travel across the landscape, some screens have several levels, which may not be instantly obvious. These are important, not only to complete some of the puzzles but also needed for you to collect the letters, which Antor can collect.

Along the way there are NPC’s to interact with as well as mini bosses. Interacting with these, as well as collecting the letters, flesh out the world and Antor’s experience.

The main guts of the game has Antor fighting creatures, solving puzzles, either pulling switches, avoiding blades or timing jumps across disintegrating bridges. If you have played a platformer before there is a lot which will feel familiar, but the presentation is engaging and attractive.

You play as Antor as you traverse the side scrolling environments

The game is visually stunning, using a hand drawn aesthetic which goes from the almost pastels of the earlier levels to the darker hues used in the latter half of the game. All levels have a great deal of detail, and the overall feel is one of a surreal nightmare. This is further complimented by the interesting audio track, making for an overall pleasant gaming experience.

If I have a complaint, it would be the lack of character development for the main character and his relationship with his world and other characters, but perhaps this was a deliberate choice to keep the dream like quality.

8

Charles Packer