Doomblade Review: Is It Worth Playing?

What is Doomblade?

Doomblade is a 2D action-platformer with a strong emphasis on momentum-based combat and exploration. Developed by the independent studio Muro Studios, it was released in 2023 for PC and other platforms.

The game casts you as Gloom Girl, a silent, diminutive creature who discovers a sentient, talking weapon known as the Doomblade. This weapon, which is also your primary means of movement, has its own malevolent personality and agenda.

The premise is straightforward: you are an unwilling pair, bound together, tasked with overthrowing a tyrannical deity known as the Master. The narrative is delivered through environmental storytelling and brief interactions with the blade itself, creating a dark, oppressive atmosphere where your only companion is a tool of violence that may not have your best interests at heart.

Gameplay

In our view, the core of Doomblade is an inventive and demanding fusion of movement and combat. The central mechanic is that your character is permanently attached to the Doomblade. You do not walk or run in a traditional sense.

Instead, you must launch the blade at specific anchor points in the environment - be they enemies, crystals, or other marked objects - and then zip towards it. This creates a constant, fluid motion that feels less like platforming and more like navigating a deadly pinball machine. Mastering this dash-attack is essential, as it is used for traversal, engaging foes, and escaping danger.

The learning curve is steep. Early moments can feel disorienting as you adjust to the unique control scheme, which requires precise aiming and timing. The game is unforgiving; mistakes often lead to taking damage or falling into environmental hazards.

However, as you persist, a satisfying rhythm emerges. Combat becomes a dance of targeting priority enemies, chaining dashes between them, and using acquired abilities to manipulate the battlefield. You unlock new skills that expand your mobility, such as a downward slam or the ability to slow time, adding welcome layers of depth to both exploration and fights.

The level design is generally strong, with interconnected areas that gradually open up as you gain powers, encouraging backtracking to previously inaccessible zones. Some players may find the constant reliance on a single, core movement action repetitive over time, but for those who click with it, the gameplay offers a distinct and challenging flow.

Who is Doomblade for?

Doomblade is squarely aimed at players who enjoy challenging, skill-based action games with a focus on precise mechanics. It is a solo, single-player experience.

The difficulty and control scheme make it unsuitable for casual players seeking a relaxed platforming adventure. It will most appeal to those who relish mastering complex movement systems and who don't mind repeated attempts to overcome tough enemy encounters or tricky traversal sequences.

Genre comparisons

In terms of similarities, the game's structure of gaining abilities to unlock new areas is reminiscent of the 'Metroidvania' genre. Its fast-paced, dash-centric combat and dark fantasy aesthetic may draw comparisons to titles like Hollow Knight in its demanding nature, though the core movement mechanic is entirely its own.

The permanent weapon companion and dark tone also share some thematic DNA with older action games like Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver. If you are a player who values unique mechanical ideas and a steep challenge over accessibility or narrative depth, Doomblade is worth your attention.

Graphics and performance

Doomblade employs a hand-drawn visual style that is both grim and striking. The art direction effectively conveys a world of decay and cosmic horror, with muted colour palettes punctuated by the vivid purple glow of the Doomblade and enemy weak points.

Character and enemy designs are imaginative and fit the oppressive mood well. The animation is fluid, particularly the core dash attack, which sells the sense of speed and impact.

On PC performance, the game is generally well-optimised. It ran smoothly on a range of tested hardware without noticeable frame drops or technical hiccups that would disrupt the precise gameplay.

The visual clarity is important during chaotic combat, and the game maintains this effectively. We did not encounter any major bugs or crashes during our playthrough. The interface is clean and unobtrusive, keeping the focus on the action.

Value for money

The game's length will vary significantly based on player skill and desire to find all secrets. A straightforward playthrough to reach the conclusion may take around 8-10 hours. For completionists aiming to find every upgrade and hidden area, this could extend to 12-15 hours.

Given its niche appeal, the value proposition hinges entirely on how much you enjoy its unique mechanics. At its standard price point, it offers a concentrated, challenging experience without filler. However, if the core concept of dashing from anchor point to anchor point does not captivate you within the first hour or two, the entire experience may feel overly long.

In our view, the price is justified for its target audience - players seeking a distinctive and demanding action-platformer - but it is a harder sell for those with only a passing interest in the genre.

Verdict

Doomblade is a game defined by a bold, singular vision. Its unique movement-based combat system is both its greatest strength and its largest barrier to entry. When the rhythm clicks, navigating its dark world is a thrilling and satisfying challenge.

The atmospheric art and intriguing, minimalist story build a compelling world.

Bottom line: A well-executed, niche action-platformer with a steep learning curve. Not for everyone, but unforgettable for the right player.

We would recommend Doomblade to seasoned players of action and Metroidvania games who are explicitly looking for a new mechanical challenge and are not afraid of a steep initial learning curve. It is a game for those who find joy in mastering complex systems.

Conversely, we would advise caution for players who prefer more traditional, accessible platforming controls, or those who prioritise deep narrative or character development. The notable discrepancy between its high critic scores (like its 85 Metascore) and its mixed user rating on platforms like Steam highlights this divide.

The negative user feedback often centres on the unconventional controls and high difficulty, which are intrinsic to the experience. In our view, Doomblade is a well-executed, niche title. It is not for everyone, but for the right player, it offers a memorably intense and distinctive adventure.