Tower Hunter: Erza’s Trial

I would NOT recommend buying this game at full price, but picking up during a deep discount makes it an alright purchase.

In short, this game had a lot of potential, but the story is really flimsy. Not the end of the world. However, the game itself feels underdeveloped and underwhelming. The rouge elements are pretty weak. For example, the layout of the levels will only change a little after betting the game and going to a new game+.
It looks like the developers are expecting the players to run through this game about 8 times, which is nuts because it doesn’t change enough to warrant doing that. Some of the power ups will take a long time of grinding or just running the game again and again and again. I’m on my second play through and I’m pretty much done with it. I had fun doing it the first time, but nothing changes on the next play through so there’s not much keeping me playing.
What’s worse, in order to get to the final boss and get the full ending, you have to pretty much run through the game that many times to build your character up.
With better rouge elements, more story, more levels, more gameplay, faster access to power-ups, this could have been a really great game.
If you’re looking to kill 10 hours and the game is on sale, go for it. For the love, don’t drop full price on this one.

I can't complain much because the game is very cheap, and the game is very short but the dev makes you play longer to beat the hidden boss
the graphic look like hentai games

the game has a kind of trashy vibe, but it’s fun. the style is similar to a grand chase metroidvania. it does get pretty repetitive, so I recommend grabbing it on sale

Tower Hunter: Erza's Trial is a 2.5D side-scrolling action game developed and published by IceSitruuna, offering a blend of roguelike mechanics and Metroidvania exploration. Released in October 2019, the game presents players with a challenging journey through a mysterious tower, embodying the tale of Erza, a battle maiden bound by a demon's contract that grants her multiple lives upon death. This unique premise sets the stage for a gameplay experience that is both engaging and, at times, frustrating.
The game's visual style is characterized by its toon-rendered graphics, providing a colorful and vibrant aesthetic that contrasts with the often dark and perilous environments of the tower. This artistic choice contributes to a distinctive atmosphere, though some players have noted that the level design can feel disjointed and occasionally nonsensical. For instance, there are reports of shops appearing in illogical locations and secret areas that are marked on the map but lead to empty spaces, which can detract from the immersion and flow of exploration.
Combat in Tower Hunter is fast-paced and relies heavily on player skill. Each weapon offers unique combos and magical abilities, allowing for a variety of playstyles. The dodge mechanic is crucial, enabling players to avoid attacks and maintain offensive pressure. However, some players have expressed concerns about the responsiveness of controls, particularly regarding skill animations that have a noticeable wind-up time, making them difficult to execute effectively in the heat of battle. Additionally, the inability to deflect enemy projectiles with weapons has been pointed out as a missed opportunity to enhance combat depth.
The game's roguelike elements introduce a high level of difficulty, with each death sending Erza back to the beginning of the tower. While this design choice emphasizes the importance of skill and strategy, it can also lead to frustration due to the game's length. With over six levels, each comprising two extensive sections and culminating in a boss fight, progress can feel slow, and setbacks are punishing. This structure has led some players to compare the game unfavorably to titles like Dead Cells, citing longer levels and less fluid progression.
The soundtrack, while generally enjoyable, has been noted for its repetitiveness. With long levels and limited musical variety, the tracks can become tiresome over extended play sessions. Additionally, some technical issues have been reported, including problems with stereo sound effects and glitches that can disrupt gameplay.
In terms of narrative, Tower Hunter presents a story that is both intriguing and occasionally perplexing. The English translation has been criticized for its awkward phrasing and occasional nonsensical dialogue, which can hinder the player's understanding and immersion. Despite these issues, the core gameplay loop remains compelling, with the promise of unlocking new abilities and progressing through the tower serving as strong motivators.
Overall, Tower Hunter: Erza's Trial offers a challenging and engaging experience for players who appreciate difficulty and exploration. While it has its flaws, including control responsiveness, level design inconsistencies, and technical issues, the game's unique premise and gameplay mechanics provide a solid foundation. For those seeking a game that tests skill and perseverance, Tower Hunter presents a worthwhile, albeit imperfect, adventure.
Rating: 7/10

Bought this because it was on sale for $1.75 and I own Frontier Hunter on ps5 and you know what, not too bad. If you like dead cells it's very similar. Some translation/localization errors but other than that it's a good time. combat is wicked fun and the music slaps. oh and I don't know if it's everyone but the games really dark and there's no brightness setting. Had to use nvidia overlay game filters to brighten the image.

A great little roguelike Metroidvania that can melt hours away & has that "just one go" itch to it. So much fun & works great on Steam Deck.

tbh the is fun, i am buying this cuz the discount, gonna finished this game before buying the new one