Duskfade

Duskfade is the epitome of a flawed gem. There's an excellent game in here, but Weird Beluga hasn't quite managed to find it yet. Duskfade thus feels like a great 'proof of concept' release where, despite the jank, it provides a strong foundation for a potential sequel to build upon.Gorgeous graphical design, enjoyable platforming, and a heartfelt story all make this one a worthwhile endeavour, even if the combat can get tiresome and navigation frustrating. I'd suggest picking up Duskfade if you're feeling particularly nostalgic for the early-2000s era of gaming, though perhaps this is one to hold out for a modest sale before grabbing it.

Duskfade is a throwback for sure, and it knows exactly what it wants to be. It hit all the notes for me, and I really enjoyed my time with it.

Whilst the game is primarily aimed at a young audience, the spikes in difficulty make it unsuitable for that very same audience. And that’s not even mentioning the gameplay glitches: whilst they’re rarely noticeable, they’re frustrating when they do occur. Nor can you rely on the storyline to keep you going, as the adventure never really takes off. And that’s a real shame, because this game from Weird Beluga is full of good intentions.

Duskfade is a game for everyone. It's enjoyable, entertaining, and it enters a genre that's not very common here, which in itself makes it valuable. Comparisons are odious, so let's be clear: don't come looking for a Kingdom Hearts, because it isn't, and in fact, it manages to differentiate itself quite a bit despite the obvious similarities that might be apparent.

Duskfade isn't the best platforming adventure you'll ever play, and it falls short of some comparable titles, but there's one thing to keep in mind about this game... It delivers what it sets out to do .

Duskfade is a standout platformer that consistently plays to its strengths from beginning to end. It’s challenging in all the right ways, emotionally resonant, and refreshingly original, which is a welcome break from sequels and familiar franchises. If you’re looking for something new that delivers both heart and solid gameplay, Duskfade deserves a spot on your radar.

Duskfade hits the mark perfectly: it brings back the genuine magic and carefree excitement of PS2-era action platformers, while updating the formula with a more modern and fluid structure. Although the game has a few limitations, what really stands out is the passion and care put into it by the development team. After reaching the end credits, we can say that Zirian and Cucù’s adventure is much more than just a “nostalgia trip,” proving itself to be a little gem capable of entertaining both veterans of that era and new players from start to finish.

It’s worth mentioning that Weird Beluga is a small development team. The amount of passion and effort that has gone into Duskfade is clear from the offset. It’s a callback to the (in my opinion) greatest gaming generation in the best possible way. Importantly, though, it still feels like a modern title. Despite the combat being a bit on the simple side and the opening hour’s worth of story being a bit all over the place, Duskfade is a game well worth playing. Especially if you’re a fan of the PS2 era! Therefore, Duskfade receives a timely ThumbCulture Gold Award!

Duskfade might not reinvent the clockwork, but it certainly knows how to make the hours fly by. It’s a gorgeous, heartfelt adventure that leans heavily into the nostalgia of classic platformers, and honestly, that’s a big part of its charm. I’ll definitely be going for the 100% completion in the days to come and will lovingly revisit this colourful world many times over in the years to come! Duskfade had me hooked from the first gear to the final tick, and I’m already wishing I could turn back the clock and play it again.

"Duskfade" absolutely lives up to the high expectations. Exploring the world is a joy, unlocking the story of Zirian's family—her grandfather, sister, and the cloud beings—piece by piece, and getting emotionally swept away. The combat sections between bosses can sometimes feel a bit repetitive, but unlocking new abilities adds enough variety to make it bearable. The boss fights are phenomenal, and I wish I could replay them outside of the story. Maybe even on a higher difficulty level, because they're genuinely fun! Anyone who enjoys 3D action-platformers should definitely give "Duskfade" a try!