Overview of Elsie
Developed by Knight Shift Games and published by Playtonic Friends and H2 Interactive, Elsie is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. The review was conducted on the Nintendo Switch platform.
Gameplay and Mechanics
Incorporating elements reminiscent of the Mega Man franchise, Elsie revolves around shooting, jumping, and dodging. Players control Elsie, equipped with a variety of weapons, enabling diverse combat styles—ranging from automatic guns to elemental tactics like fire and ice.
A standout feature of the game is its roguelike mechanics, emphasizing adaptability in gameplay. Each run begins without player advantages, as upgrades come via RNG-driven “chips,” which can be combined to create unique abilities. For instance, players might enhance bouncing bullets to increase damage upon ricochet—a strategic layer encouraging experimentation between runs.
Story Context
The narrative follows Dr. Grey, a creator of robots made to tackle natural disasters. After her androids turn against humanity, she builds Elsie to save them. While the plot is straightforward and lacks depth, characters exhibit personality, albeit feeling somewhat one-dimensional. The narrative, peppered with humor, may occasionally falter, missing deeper engagement.
Visual and Audio Presentation
Visually, Elsie employs a charming pixel art style that successfully evokes nostalgia while matching its energetic gameplay. The soundtrack features chip-tune melodies that complement the visual aesthetic, although the voice acting may not meet all expectations, occasionally feeling misaligned with the game’s vibrant tone.
Accessibility Features
The developers have prioritized accessibility, providing a variety of options to accommodate different player needs, including colorblind assistants and enemy outlines to enhance visibility. Such features ensure a welcoming experience for all players, making the game more user-friendly.
Performance Concerns
One significant drawback highlighted in the review is the inconsistent frame rate. Players have reported frame drops, especially during combat. Although the majority of gameplay maintains around 60 FPS, dips can occur, leading to potential interruptions in gameplay flow. Additionally, game crashes have been noted, which can severely affect progression, particularly in a roguelike setting where losing progress is frustrating.
Final Thoughts
Despite its technical issues, Elsie remains engaging and addictive, drawing players in with its dynamic combat and compelling roguelike mechanics. While stability concerns may deter some on the Switch, better performance is anticipated on platforms like the PS5. If players are willing to overlook its flaws, the game offers a fun and rewarding experience.
Recommendation
Given the mix of enjoyment and technical setbacks, Elsie is recommended with reservations. Players should consider their platform choice, ideally opting for the PS5 for a smoother experience.
Special thanks to Playtonic Friends for providing a review code for this coverage.
