Dust: An Elysian Tail
Dust: An Elysian Tail is an action role-playing game developed by American independent designer Dean Dodrill and published by Microsoft Studios. It was released for Xbox 360 through Xbox Live Arcade in August 2012, and subsequently for Microsoft Windows in May 2013, for Linux and OS X in December 2013, and for PlayStation 4 in October 2014. A version for the Nintendo Switch was announced at E3 2018 and was released in September 2018.
The game takes place in a world populated by anthropomorphic creatures, where the main character, Dust, comes upon a sentient sword, the Blade of Ahrah, and its guardian Fidget. Without memories of his past, Dust follows Fidget’s advice and aids the population of the world against forces led by General Gaius.
The game is an action-adventure game with Metroidvania-style exploration, requiring the player to gain power-ups to allow Dust to reach new areas. Combat is based on brawler-like mechanics, where Dust can use a combination of swordplay and magic from Fidget to defeat enemies.
Dust: An Elysian Tail was praised for its hand-drawn art style, fluid animation, and engaging combat. It was also nominated for several awards, including the VGX Award for Best Independent Game.
Here are some of the key features of Dust: An Elysian Tail:
- Hand-drawn art style: The game features beautiful, hand-drawn art that brings the world of Dust to life.
- Fluid animation: The animation in Dust is incredibly fluid and expressive, making the combat feel satisfying and engaging.
- Engaging combat: The combat in Dust is based on brawler-like mechanics, where Dust can use a combination of swordplay and magic to defeat enemies.
- Metroidvania-style exploration: The game world is large and interconnected, and players will need to gain power-ups to reach new areas.
- A charming story: Dust tells a charming story about a lost warrior who is trying to find his place in the world.
If you’re looking for an action-adventure game with beautiful art, fluid animation, and engaging combat, then Dust: An Elysian Tail is definitely worth checking out.