The HD remaster of the game El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron, originally released in 2011, has sparked disappointment among players for feeling even more outdated than it did a decade ago. The game follows the story of Enoch, sent to Earth to fight fallen angels and prevent a flood, with gameplay reminiscent of Devil May Cry from 2001. The combat system is described as generic and repetitive, lacking variety to keep players engaged. Additionally, the game features both 3D and 2D sections with platforming issues, making the overall experience feel disjointed.
While the game’s visually stunning art style may have impressed reviewers in 2011, the director’s focus on art over functionality is apparent in the remaster. The game prioritizes reality-bending visuals at the expense of clear objectives and navigation, resulting in a disorienting experience for players. Despite interesting character designs and weapons, it remains unclear who designed them, adding to the confusion surrounding the game’s overall direction and execution.
With a nonsensical and overly pretentious narrative, El Shaddai fails to deliver a cohesive story that makes sense to players. The game’s emphasis on extravagant visuals further detracts from the gameplay experience, highlighting its outdated mechanics and awkward design choices. Critics of the HD remaster suggest that players looking for a stylish action game with Biblical influences would be better off playing the original Devil May Cry, which offers a more polished and engaging experience.
The release of El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron HD Remaster on the Switch marks a missed opportunity for the game to address its functionality issues and rethink its outdated gameplay mechanics. Despite hopes for quality-of-life improvements, the remaster falls short in delivering a modernized version of the game that could appeal to a new generation of players. The $29.99 price point may deter potential buyers from investing in a game that fails to live up to expectations, earning it a lackluster score of 4 out of 10 in reviews.
Overall, El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron HD Remaster retains the same dated and awkward gameplay experience as its original release, with added visual distractions that hinder player enjoyment. While the art style may be visually appealing in places, it ultimately serves as a barrier to engaging with the game’s narrative and objectives. Players seeking a more polished and coherent action game with Biblical themes are advised to look elsewhere, as El Shaddai fails to deliver a satisfying gaming experience on the Switch platform.
