My impressions so far. The game is super fun, albeit being short (30 levels and 3 bosses - not including the time challenge levels). I really like the one liners when he defeats enemies and picks up potions/hearts, it certainly adds a cool layer to the game. The gameplay resembles that of Goblin Sword, some of the mobs/traps and hidden areas will give you a sense of deja-vu, although at times they are cleverly done. When it comes to sound and visual aesthetics, I would have to say that Sword of Xolan nails it completely - a pure joy! There are 10 upgrades in total (each costs 1500 gold) and so far I would say they are easily obtainable. I'm currently in Act 3 - Level 7 and I've unlocked 7 of them without much grinding. I would like to note that there are no armor/sword variations or any kind of gear customizations, something I hope the developers will take note in future updates (hopefully). I'd rate difficulty to be moderate, the game starts slow as you can breeze through Act 1 in half an hour tops, then picks up midway Act 2 and the real challenge is definitely in Act 3 where enemies become tougher and more varied. All in all, an incredible experience that any side-scrolling RPG/Goblin Sword fan will enjoy. And for the price of $.99 with no IAP it is a no brainer - GRAB IT NOW! As for suggestions for future content updates: 1. At least 10-20 more levels. The game is rather short! 2. Different armor upgrades, new characters. 3. Some minor performance bugs fixes.
I love platformers, but generally still play them mostly on the console due to lack of tight controls on iOS. The controls here are amazing. I can't even express how impressed I am with how tight they are. I was just playing the Star Wars platformer a few days ago and deleted due to shoddy controls. This is worlds ahead of that. For a buck I consider it easily the best value of any game I have purchased recently.
Game making is an art. Making great games isn't easy. If it was easy, nobody would care about it. If making great funk/pop was easy, we'd all be Michael Jackson.
"Arcadelife verdict: This is pretty much a perfect touch-screen action platformer. Im not saying its a perfect game, or that the iOS devices can finally rival PCs or consoles with this game, just read the sentence and understand it for what it is. There are 30 adventure levels, 3 bosses and 9 speed-run challenge levels. There are permanent upgrades that you buy (with in-game gold) by paying to turn over random cards in the card shop. Its more fun than you deserve, particularly at the low price point." 10/10 Link to the full review: https://arcadelife.wordpress.com/2015/05/21/sword-of-xolan-review-ios-universal/
I couldn't think of an easier and better platformer for any casual/newbie gamer to get them into this genre. The levels and the game's length is just perfect, and so are the controls. Unfortunately, this means for the Pro's out there (and here), it could be a bit underwhelming in difficulty. At level 21 finally, things spiced up...phew. I dare to speak for most of us: Please let this game be a success and that new levels will be added in a not to far future. If they're free, so be it, but Devs, please consider to implement a donation button. I feel a bit ashamed having paid only one buck for such an amazing labor of love! Forgot to say, if you don't want to make the game easier, simply don't buy the cards/powerups.
Awesome game! Definitely my pick of the week. My only request would be to have the keys adjustable because I need more spacing. I inadvertently hit some of the action buttons. A minor quibble for an enjoyable game. Hopefully we'll get more levels soon!
loved and played through goblin sword. started playing sword of xolan. both games feel really similar.
It's a nice game overall with neat gfx, very responsive controls, and pretty good level and enemy design. However the lack of checkpoints is annoying, levels can be quite lengthy so replaying sections and needing to collect the hidden characters can get dull. I think you also lose all the coins you collected in a level when you die.
Games is amazing i have both goblin sword and this they are both great and for two bucks for both u cant go wrong ###########
Proper little gem of a game this. Totally nailed the controls, can't think of a game that's played this well in a long time. Graphics are really nicely done, great little details. Deserves to get some limelight.
I think he means the size, because that's the huge issue I have. The buttons are too small, on the iPhone at least. I keep halting mid-movement because my thumb slides off, or miss attacks or a jump because I mis-tap. It's not a problem 80% of the time but the other 20% of the time it gets me killed.
Not tried it yet with my controller but just to add my name to the party, this is fabulous! Lots of hidden stuff to find. Controls are spot on. This is a crime to be sold for a dollar. Any platform junkie needs to grab this. I love it! 6 out of 5 stars!!!
Perfect game to play on my Logitech Powershell I recently purchased for $12.75 thanks to TouchArcade!
Yeah there is a definitive difference between this and Goblin Sword. I like it....getting a Tolkien vibe from this that I've been missing for a long time. The music, coupled with the fantastic voice acting for the hero really sets this apart.....besides the awesome graphics and execution of controls. I also agree, a total steal for a $1. I raise u a star.....7 out of 5 stars. 7 I say!