Minoria
Minoria is the latest and most ambitious game from Bombservice, and a spiritual sequel to the Momodora series, from the same studio. Fans of Momodora will find familiar aspects in the design and gameplay elements, as they master the ins-and-outs of parries, dodges, and a variety of different spells. The presentation has evolved to an HD format, with aesthetics mixing 2D hand-painted backgrounds and cel-shaded characters. The story takes place during the fourth Witch War. It is a time of fanatical religious fervor. The Sacred Office, a powerful organization leading an Inquisition against heresy, purges the sinners who threaten humanity. Those responsible for conducting a mysterious ceremony that contradicts the rules of the Church are labeled “witches.” Set forth with Sisters Semilla and Fran, missionaries in the Church’s service, on their journey to thwart the witches’ ceremony and protect the common-folk from heresy that endangers the status quo.
Steam User 4
While originally I didn't really hit it off with the game with its controller issues and weird semi-3d graphics it eventually won me over. While the artstyle lacks the charm of Momodora its serviceable and the gameplay, movement, mechanics, story and characters are solid. There is little replayability here and a single run will last 6 to 8 hours depending if you are gonna go for achievements and no-hit bosses but that single run is satisfying enough for this price.
Steam User 3
Good little metroidvania title. It doesn't try to be more than what it actually is and just focuses on being a simple story centered around cute characters with decent gameplay.
Pros:
- Mechanically well done boss fights. The non-humanoid bosses are a bit on the simplistic side, but each of the witches are quite varied in their movesets and each have a different feel to them to fight. Additionally, flawless victories net the player unique items in game. Also several mini bosses, and they're pretty unique as well.
- Pretty art style and aforementioned cute characters. The latter of which is pretty much the central draw of this game and many others, but the devs accomplished it in a very tasteful and endearing manner, which I cannot say for most of said others with the same draw. Actually managed to get invested in the fate of the little 2D nun waifus.
- Two endings and NG+. It's pretty easy to power through the game again all leveled up too, no grind at all and I was able to 100% it in short order.
- Really good soundtrack. Carries the play through up to higher level than it would otherwise be. Mostly really calming and with a gentle ambient quality to them that prevents stress from building up. Very pleasant to listen too while playing and worth sifting through to add my favorites to my personal music library. Extra, extra kudos.
- Surprise vibe checks. Took me by surprise in a good way. Combined with the above gentle soundtracks, and they're lovely.
Mehs:
- Early level design felt rather bland and didn't really grab me. It picks up later on, but the music kept me going until the story started picking up.
- Not enough enemy variety. There's some, but it's mostly several iterations on the same concepts. Reuse of the same basic mook types gets dull.
- A bit too stereotypical in story. Not a bad thing, but not a good thing either. Some of the lore was a bit cringey, and there are some contradictions going on between the conclusions the game nudges the player towards and the actions actually committed in in the story. Again, the characters themselves where mostly interesting, which allowed me to overlook the story-beats I disliked.
Cons:
- Price to play ratio. I purchased the game and soundtrack bundle while it was on sale for about half off. Quite happy with my purchase, but I don't feel like full price is a good deal, particularly for such a short game. Everyone is different though, make your own judgement.
- Reinitiating speech with vendors. Pressing circle (Dualshock) should let me go back to the 'shop' and 'talk' options, instead you have to strike up conversation again to go through each option. Just a small thing, but annoying.
- I can't save Almu.
For what it is, it's worth it. Sometimes you just want a simpler experience with a game, and that's exactly what Minoria is. No deep lore, or crazy build options, but also no grind and no stress. Just a short game reliant on a simple but efficient gameplay loop, cute stylized characters and gentle, pretty music.
Steam User 4
Scratches that same itch as Momodora, its like... Moremodora
Steam User 3
Although it is not as great as other classic Metroidvanias, this one is good enough if you buy it on a sale. However, if you still haven’t played titles such as Hollow Knight, any 2D Metroid, or Castlevania Aria of Sorrow, do yourself a favor and go play those first. Then come back for Minoria.
Steam User 2
A Pure Child of Symphony of the Night!
Evokes the fondest side scrolling memories... Great art, great controls, great story, fun enemies, cool items, adorbs character design, writing and development, well managed progression, some secrets, a Joy for the Metroid Vania fan!
Enough talk, Have at you!
Steam User 1
A classic Castlevania type game from the makers of the Momodora series. While the length is on the shorter side it definitely makes up for this with smooth gameplay, superb musical score and dark story involving blood, torture, war, heresy and persecution.
Here's hoping that this game continues with a prequel or sequel because by the end of the game you are left wanting to know more about this world.
Steam User 1
Plays just like it's predecessor with a nice animation style and challenging gameplay.