$20 Game of the Week: Odallus The Dark Call (PC)

For the past few years, there has been a trend in gaming. More and more newer games have been taking a classic retro approach to the point where you’d swear the newest release was an NES game rather than something you see on Xbox One, Steam, or PS4. Games such as Shovel Knight, Hotline Miami, and Retro City Rampage have relied on a minimalist retro design rather than utilizing the latest graphical engines. You know what? I’m cool with it. Guys like me grew up playing games like these, and it’s always nice to see a throwback to gaming’s classic era. Odallus – The Dark Call is the latest entry to utilize this style of game design, and fans of classic gaming will love it.

Developed over a period of two years and kickstarter funded by Joymasher (Oniken), Odallus tells the story of Haggis, a soon-to-be retired warrior who springs back into action when his son is kidnapped by demons. The game’s exploration heavy environments and gameplay will remind players of games like Castlevania and Faxanadu. Players will use upgradable weapons and unlock special abilities to explore the landscape, similar to classics such as Metroid. You’ll want a joystick to play this game, and if you can find one of those imitation NES pads, that will give players an even more authentic experience. At $14.99, it’s a bit pricey, but if you love nostalgia, this passion project is a must buy for PC gamers. I’m eager to see more of what Joymasher has to offer classic gaming fans.