Steam Next Fest may have ended, but the demos continue to captivate players. One such demo worth exploring is Stand-Alone. Developed by Lifuel, this 2D hack and slasher offers a refreshing take on the genre. In Stand-Alone, you assume the role of a robot-powered sheep armed with an immense sword. The game’s premise revolves around avenging your fallen friends, who were mercilessly killed by wolves that invaded your home. As you embark on your quest, you encounter rogue-like elements and face off against various enemies. The demo has received positive feedback, and the game shows great promise.
The Stand-Alone demo provides a substantial amount of content, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in its world. Initially, the gameplay consists of navigating combat zones while following a linear path on the map. As you progress, you become accustomed to the controls and engage in thrilling combat encounters. The combat mechanics are both fluid and visually appealing. Dodging enemy attacks and bullet fire feels satisfyingly responsive, reminiscent of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown’s protagonist, Sargon. The protagonist’s agility and acrobatic abilities, such as double-jumping and wall-hopping, further enhance the gameplay experience. However, the limited attack options available on the horizontal plane can make maneuvering through large arenas somewhat cumbersome, especially when dealing with numerous enemies. The inclusion of vertical attack options would greatly enhance the combat system.
Stand-Alone offers an engaging progression system that allows players to enhance their combat abilities. Throughout the game, you have the opportunity to upgrade your moveset and abilities. Shops provide the option to purchase new moves, which can be mapped to your controller’s trigger and bumper buttons. Additionally, dedicated upgrade terminals allow you to augment your moves with passive effects and combo skills. The demo showcases a variety of upgrade options, each offering different strategic advantages. For example, the Flame Rush attack can be further empowered with combo skills that add additional strikes and a shield. The inclusion of combo skills and passive abilities per ability adds a layered, almost deck-building-like element to the game, reminiscent of Dead Cells. This progression system provides depth and replayability, ensuring players can continually evolve their playstyle.
While Stand-Alone’s demo holds great promise, concerns about the game’s development process have been raised. Observations from Lifuel’s Xwitter feed indicate that the developers have endured grueling work weeks, including 100-hour work weeks for three years. This alarming revelation raises concerns about the health and well-being of the development team. The normalization of crunch in the gaming industry is a pervasive issue that must be addressed. Developers must prioritize their own well-being and implement healthier work practices to avoid burnout and ensure a sustainable development process.
Stand-Alone offers an intriguing and action-packed demo. Its unique concept of a robot-powered sheep seeking revenge against wolves adds an exciting twist to the hack and slash genre. The combat mechanics, although enjoyable, could benefit from additional attack options to improve maneuverability. The progression system with its customizable moveset and upgrade options provides depth and replay value. However, it is crucial for the developers to prioritize their well-being and avoid excessive crunch hours. With continuous development and improvements, Stand-Alone has the potential to become a standout title in the gaming industry. Keep an eye out for its release on Steam later this year, while hoping that the developers prioritize a healthier and more sustainable work environment.
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