Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Enlightenment drops you into a fast-paced, forced-perspective top-down world that immediately evokes memories of classic dungeon crawlers like Gauntlet. You guide Hasrinaxx through winding corridors, ancient ruins and fiery caverns while blasting foes with magical projectiles and strategically avoiding traps. Movement and combat feel tight and responsive, making each skirmish a lively dance of dodges, blocks and well-timed spellcasting.

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Where Enlightenment really distinguishes itself is its robust spell system. Although Hasrinaxx can only carry eight spells at a time, you’ll discover a roster of 32 unique incantations as you explore. From defensive fireshields that let you wade through molten passages unharmed to devastating Deathlight blasts that clear out nearby enemies, each spell serves a clear tactical purpose. Dropping and swapping spells on the fly encourages on-the-spot decision making, especially when you’re up against foes that exploit a particular weakness.

Adding to that complexity is your ability to summon and directly control one of four elemental beings. Whether you call forth a raging Fire Elemental to scorch a pack of goblins or a nimble Air Elemental to scout ahead, these allies heighten the strategic layer. Coordinating their attacks with your own spells transforms encounters into dynamic puzzles, rewarding players who adapt their approach as creature types and level layouts shift.

Finally, item pickups and health orbs are expertly placed to maintain tension without tipping into frustration. You’re frequently pushed to conserve resources, decide which spells are essential for the upcoming area and make split-second judgments about when to engage or retreat. This careful balance keeps the adrenaline pumping, ensuring every corridor holds the promise of reward or peril.

Graphics

Enlightenment’s visual presentation marries retro charm with modern flourishes. Levels are rendered in richly detailed pixel art, but particle and lighting effects lend a sense of depth far beyond what you’d expect from a purely nostalgic title. Flickering torchlight dances across stone walls, while your spells leave vivid trails of color that burst and dissipate realistically.

The forced-perspective top-down camera is more than a stylistic choice—it enhances readability and spatial awareness. You can clearly discern enemy positions, obstacles and environmental hazards, even in the most densely packed rooms. This clarity is crucial during high-pressure moments when one wrong step can spell doom.

Character and enemy designs are equally striking. Hasrinaxx’s druidic robes have grown darker and more intricate in his black-art-tarnished state, and the denizens of Acamantor’s lair range from grotesque undead knights to ethereal elementals that shimmer with energy. Boss creatures receive particularly lavish animations, showcasing multiple attack phases and unique visual cues that telegraph their devastating moves.

Whether you’re weaving through lava flows or wandering through moonlit groves, the color palettes shift dynamically to match each environment’s mood. Occasional weather effects—such as drifting snow or cascading embers—provide atmospheric polish, making every region feel distinct and alive.

Story

Enlightenment picks up a century after Hasrinaxx the Druid famously sealed away the evil warlord Acamantor. Time has not been kind to our hero: driven by obsession and a thirst for power, he’s dabbled in black arts, surrendered his Druid title and now stands older, wearier and haunted by regret. When Acamantor returns, it’s not just a battle of light versus dark, but a reckoning of Hasrinaxx’s own fractured soul.

Narrative progression unfolds through brief but evocative in-game vignettes and text-based journals you uncover in hidden alcoves. These entries flesh out both the Druid’s tragic fall and the rising threat of Acamantor’s necromantic army. While the storytelling isn’t overly cinematic, it strikes a satisfying balance, letting you piece together lore at your own pace without disrupting the action flow.

Dialogue encounters—often delivered via parchment-style text screens—introduce supporting characters like a beleaguered sister of the Druidic order or a cryptic elemental sage. They offer guidance, side quests and moral quandaries that deepen your connection to Hasrinaxx’s quest. The themes of redemption, hubris and sacrifice resonate strongly, reminding you that true power often carries a dangerous price.

Boss confrontations serve as dramatic story beats, each accompanied by chilling monologues from Acamantor or cryptic prophecies hinting at the Druid’s ultimate fate. These narrative flourishes ensure that every victory feels meaningful and every setback invites you to reflect on the cost of vengeance and redemption.

Overall Experience

Enlightenment delivers a compelling blend of arcade-style action and strategic depth. The core loop of exploring labyrinthine levels, assembling the ideal spell loadout and summoning elementals creates a satisfying sense of progression. Even seasoned dungeon-crawler fans will find fresh challenges in mastering the nuanced interactions between spells and enemy types.

Replay value is high, thanks to optional side chambers teeming with rare spells and elemental upgrades. Experimenting with different combinations—such as pairing a water wall with an earth-bound Elemental for crowd control—keeps subsequent playthroughs engaging. You may find yourself returning to earlier chapters armed with new arcane tools, uncovering secrets you missed on your first run.

Performance is rock-solid on both PC and consoles, with virtually no frame-rate dips even when dozens of enemies and particle effects fill the screen. Sound design further amplifies the immersion: the crackle of arcane bolts, echoing chants of summoned elementals and a stirring orchestral score propel you forward through every dark corridor.

In the end, Enlightenment offers a rewarding journey for anyone who loves action RPGs with a twist. By blending classic top-down gameplay with an intricate magic system and a morally driven story, it stands out as a title that’s both nostalgically familiar and refreshingly ambitious. Whether you’re in it for high-octane combat, lore exploration or strategic spellcraft, this game has something to captivate your senses and challenge your wits.

Retro Replay Score

7/10