Voidwrought

Genre: Metroidvania

Players: 1

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Review:

Voidwrought is a Metroidvania released in 2024 on PC and Nintendo Switch. This is one of those games that’s lore-heavy and plot-thin, with players taking the role of a body-possessing glob of black ichor called the Simulacrum, who has been charged by the gods to take back the ichor being hoarded by monsters that were presumably once men but who turned their back on the gods. Or something. Yeah, I couldn’t really follow or invest myself in this game’s world very much, but in short this game doesn’t seem to be a struggle between good and evil so much as a struggle between a dark god and those corrupted by that god’s power.

For what this translates to in terms of the overall feel of the game, Voidwrought ends up being a Metroidvania that’s a little reminiscent of Hollow Knight, in elements from the dark and kinda’ creepy world to the melee-focused combat to the meaty squishing sounds when you connect with an enemy. This game doesn’t copy all of Hollow Knight’s schtick, but at the same time it doesn’t really do much in its gameplay to truly set itself apart within the genre.

That said, what’s here is solid. The abilities you earn are enjoyable, the world is challenging but not overly so, the enemies are interesting, and the bosses are impressive obstacles to learn the patterns of and overcome. There’s not much I can add in regards to the gameplay here – this is just a good Metroidvania.

The presentation has some interesting elements to it, at least. The 2D visuals don’t have nearly the same level of style as Hollow Knight, but they’re still interesting-looking and do a good job building the overall creepy vibe of the game. And the soundtrack is perhaps the one standout area here, with somber atmospheric music filled with Tuvan throat singing, choral elements, instrumental elements including what sounds like some Middle Eastern instruments, and even some metal music during particularly intense moments. For a good example of this, check out the game’s Main Theme, Chambers of Reflection, Trial of Stars, Gold for Eternal Solitude, and The Mirrorways.

Overall, I think it’s unlikely that Voidwrought is going to be anyone’s favorite Metroidvania, because very little of what it does feels truly original, but just about everything it does, it does quite well, particularly its soundtrack. Fans of the genre should find this to be a solid addition to your collection, and Hollow Knight fans in particular will likely find this to be a good way to pass the time while they wait for Silksong.

tl;dr – Voidwrought is a Metroidvania about a being of ichor in service to a dark god seeking to reclaim the remaining ichor from monsters it has transformed and empowered. This is overall a pretty solid Metroidvania, even if very little it does seems particularly new. If you’re a fan of the genre, you’ll probably enjoy this one.

Grade: B

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This game has been nominated for one or more of eShopperReviews 2024 Game Awards:

Runner-Up: Best Metroidvania

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