ReSetna

The neon-lit corridors of ReSetna pulse with an electric heartbeat, drawing players into a meticulously crafted world where organic life is but a distant memory. This ambitious Metroidvania from the creative minds at Today-s Games delivers a haunting tale of artificial consciousness and survival, masterfully weaving together exploration, combat, and storytelling in ways that both honor and transcend genre conventions.

Mechanical Symphony: Combat and Progression

ReSetna's combat system stands as one of its greatest achievements. The titular protagonist moves with calculated precision, each attack flowing seamlessly into the next as players navigate increasingly challenging encounters. The chip-upgrade system offers genuine depth, allowing players to tailor ReSetna's capabilities to their preferred playstyle. Whether focusing on aggressive combat modifications or environmental manipulation, these choices feel meaningful and impactful.

Where the game truly shines is in its implementation of IXA, ReSetna's drone companion. Unlike many games where companion characters can feel superfluous or even burdensome, IXA proves invaluable. Its healing capabilities and tactical support create a genuine sense of partnership, while its scanning abilities add layers of strategic depth to both combat and exploration.

A World Worth Exploring

From the decaying heights of Polis_13 to the caustic wastes of Acidia, each of ReSetna's seven districts tells its own story through masterful environmental design. The game shares DNA with the atmospheric storytelling of Hollow Knight, but charts its own path through its unique post-apocalyptic setting. While Hollow Knight's world is painted in biological decay, ReSetna's landscape speaks to technological entropy, creating an environment that feels both familiar and arrestingly alien.

The platforming challenges are expertly crafted, demanding precision without feeling unfair. Hidden rooms and secret passages reward thorough exploration, not just with upgrades but with fragments of lore that piece together the world's fascinating history. The mystery of the Signal drives the narrative forward, while environmental storytelling fills in the gaps with satisfying subtlety.

Final Verdict: 8.5/10

ReSetna represents a confident entry into the Metroidvania genre, offering a fresh perspective on familiar mechanics while introducing innovative features that set it apart. While some late-game areas can feel slightly padded and a few boss battles occasionally tip from challenging into frustrating, these are minor blemishes on an otherwise excellent experience.

Pros:

• IXA companion system provides meaningful tactical options
• Sophisticated chip-upgrade system allows for deep character customization
• Environmental storytelling masterfully conveys the world's history and atmosphere
• Combat feels responsive and rewarding, with a satisfying learning curve
• Seven distinct districts each offer unique challenges and visual identity

Cons:

• Some late-game areas feel artificially extended
• Certain boss battles may prove overly challenging for less experienced players
• Environmental hazards occasionally feel more frustrating than challenging
• Navigation can become confusing in later areas without clear mapping indicators
• Some upgrade paths feel notably more viable than others