Pyramid Quest

You'd hear the name Pyramid Quest and start thinking, "what rigged casino game am I getting into?". Despite the title, the game is a platformer that seeks to enhance the genre's nostalgic features, visuals, and mechanics. Given that the game seems entirely dedicated to gameplay, we'd think it may hit the nail on the head here.

First impressions of Pyramid Quest showcase that the game will be all about running, jumping, collecting, and solving your way to glory. That's a serious return to the platformers of old - not putting much effort into narrative or lore. With such a substantial retro market out there, though, you'd think this kind of game wouldn't be a problem with many. Let's see if Pyramid Quest is any good.

A Treasure Hunter's Job

So what makes Pyramid Quest tick? It's definitely not the narrative, nor is it revolutionary gameplay. We'd say that the simplistic, straightforward approach is what drives the game forward.

That concept wouldn't sound attractive to people wondering why they should invest their hard-earned dollars into this platformer. However, there's more than meets the eye about that idea.

Yes, Pyramid Quest is a simple platformer, but its gameplay is so polished and concise that it's refreshing to play. Players will take on the role of a treasure hunter who has to collect three pieces of an artifact on each level to progress to the next. That's basically it. In between, you'll be met with challenges to overcome, like traps, deadly obstacles, and skeleton enemies.

The uncluttered gameplay brings an angle that platformers don't usually do. Pyramid Quest is surprisingly zen-like. Players not looking to the intricacies and complexities involved in modern platformers could benefit from the relaxed approach to gameplay. The game doesn't even try to advertise itself as a revolutionary platformer, just a pleasant, straightforward experience.

It's weird to think that stripping down to the core mechanics can be so refreshing. The 2.5D visuals bring out some clean aesthetics in the game, too. Perhaps the fact that levels aren't particularly challenging may bother you. However, if you were looking for a game to wind down and simply enjoy yourself, Pyramid Quest may be for you.

It's Simple

You can just creep along with Pyramid Quest without a hitch or hunch, making it arguably one of the more accessible platformers around. Casual players can get more of a sense of achievement with each level rather than breaking controllers from the difficulty of Ori and the Blind Forest. It's the most refreshing alternative - we'd say.

Round-Up - Pros & Cons

Pros:

• An ode to classic platforming games
• A great game for casual players
• An uncluttered approach to gameplay is refreshing

Cons:

• A simple platformer that won't present many challenges
• No narrative or lore behind the game
• Many players will complete quickly