3000th Duelproves that a good game does n’t always have to innovate . Sometimes just delivering a solid take on a well - worn convention can still impress . In this case , Neopopcorn Corp ’s action - adventure statute title blending two of gambling ’s most en trend style , theMetroidvaniaand the Soulsborne genres , into a cohesive , challenging , and , most of all , entertaining whole .

The game ladder down the checklist of prerequisites of aCastlevaniaandDark Souls . Labyrinthine geographic expedition gated by keys and ability ? Check . RPG - style progression ? determine . Failure that result in the loss of all of experience stop , which must then be retrieved ? with child check.3000th Duelwon’t surprisal anyone experienced in either genre , which could make it an uninteresting proposition in a industry overflowing with better , more originative takes on these ideas .

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DOOM The Dark Ages doom slayer with a book with weapons

The more or less smooth presentation,3000th Duel ’s biggest drawback , also makes it easy to write it off as an unimaginative knock off during the former going . Drab , forgettable environs do footling to absorb you into the world . An equally matted patch good add up up by allege “ it exists ” does the biz no favour either . Yet in spite of these shortcoming , the genuinely fun gameplay and geographic expedition makes 3000th Duel better than it perhaps has any right wing to be .

Combat and platforming feel exceptionally fine - tune . Each of the3000th Duel’sthree weapon system types – rapid - striking swords , long - gain lances , and laborious axes/ broadswords – pack a satisfying punch bolstered by ever - evolving jazz band mountain chain . fuddled controls make combine offense with the masked protagonist ’s nimble maneuverability , such as air - dashes and double - jump , a breeze to put to death smoothly . An arsenal of fun spells compliment melee attacks with brawny personal effects , like a onslaught of ball of fire or blow up frosting blast . In a game where combat and navigation make up the majority of the experience , it ’s a assuagement to see that at least those elements have been successfully nail .

A obtuse skill tree enhances these movement with fun abilities . Unfortunately,3000th Duelis queerly linear in its design . Reaching the next tier of upgrades requires players to fundamentally buy every upgrade in the current tree . That means you ’ll be forced to drop precious skill points grouse up weapons or attributes you do n’t apply – or care to . Fans of , say , lance arm will often have to expend time enhancing before reaching the next lance climb . This tire away some of the inflammation in upgrading . It ’s not until you ’re dozens of hours in that the latter tree become declamatory enough to allow some degree of cherry picking fresh perks .

Clair ObscurExpedition 33 cast Official image

3000th Duelis no cake walk but the challenge remains for the most part fair and enjoyable throughout its lengthy duration . Basic enemy , specially in braggart groups , can drop careless histrion with heavily - hitting attacks and crippling position force . Enemy mixed bag does a good job forcing regular modification in scheme , be it different weapon system or spell character . A plethora of really helpful accessory make the endeavor to prevail them feel worth it . Boss battles may have you swear like a Panama hat , but they never feel cheap or insurmountable . Failed confrontations often end with bosses on their last legs ; it just takes an offensive pinch or some supererogatory grinding to baffle their finish lines .   In one of3000th Duel ’s more creative ideas , lose experience , or karma , transforms into a malicious eyeball that must be destroyed to be retrieved . The trinket of this estimate deserves commendation , but it ultimately show to be more annoying than anything . Most of the clock time it feel like an unnecessary redundant vault in an already difficult romp .

3000th Dueloffers a more than respectable take on one of the most crowded genres in game . The game initially fails to garner more than a reaction of spiritlessness , but meet combat and progression honor those who can put up with the ho - hum presentation . Metroidvania fan take care for another good fix – and have deplete superior alternatives – should be more than proud of with Neopopcorn Corp ’s pleasant surprisal of an action plot .

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Key art from Doom The Dark Ages over the level image for Village of Khalim

3000th Duelis useable for Nintendo Switch and personal computer . Screen Rant was provided a digital Switch code for the purpose of this review .

3000th Duel Art Banner

3000th Duel Hero Sword Strike On Enemy

3000th Duel’s Giant Skeleton

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