El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron HD Remaster Review

El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron HD Remaster releases on the Nintendo Switch like a forgotten treasure. This unique action-adventure garnered a devoted following for its artistic audacity and biblical undertones upon its initial release in 2011. This remaster breathes new life into the cult classic, but the journey from the heavenly realm to your Switch is fraught with breathtaking beauty and earthly limitations. When the game was released, it was able to attract the positive opinion of the critics to an acceptable extent, but apparently, the not-so-high sales caused the game to be forgotten. Because the game has a certain audience it may not be interesting for everyone.

Originally developed by Ignition Tokyo, El Shaddai presented a captivating narrative that casts you as Enoch, an unassuming chosen scribe for a monumental mission: to retrieve seven fallen angels from the celestial expanse. The story draws heavily from the Book of Enoch, an ancient religious text. For players familiar with Judeo-Christian lore, the narrative unfolds with a rich tapestry of symbolism and references. However, the relentless barrage of metaphors can feel overwhelming at times, potentially alienating those without a firm grasp of biblical themes. The story itself is slow, prioritizing atmosphere and symbolic exploration over clear-cut objectives. So patience becomes a virtue when unraveling El Shaddai’s narrative tapestry.

El Shaddai’s gameplay is an intriguing experiment that blends 3D exploration with 2D platforming sections. As Enoch traverses the celestial landscapes, he acquires a diverse arsenal of heavenly weaponry, each with its distinct style and move set. These range from angelic swords and hammers to more unorthodox tools like a transforming shield and a harp that unleashes musical energy blasts.

Combat is initially engaging, with a focus on chaining together light and heavy attacks to overpower adversaries. However, the repetitive enemy design and a lack of combo variety led to button mashing over time. The game heavily relies on weapon stealing, a mechanic where you disarm foes and add their weapon to your arsenal. While conceptually interesting, it disrupts the flow of combat and doesn’t add much strategic depth. Platforming sections, while not the main focus, can also feel clunky and imprecise at times, especially with the fixed camera angles that can occasionally obscure jumps and hazards.

Of course, you should remember that this game is not going to provide an experience similar to the Devil May Cry series. This game may have elements of a few other titles, but overall it has its own vibe. Maybe its battles are not complicated or the enemies and bosses become repetitive after a while, but its simplicity can be attractive to some people. Especially those who are not looking for complex combos and prefer straightforward fights.

El Shaddai’s true strength lies in its visual presentation. The art style is a breathtaking departure from the norm, a captivating blend of watercolors and oil paintings that brings the fantastical world to life. Environments burst with color and boundless creativity, each location a visual symphony for the eyes. They are all rendered in a style that is both captivating and distinct. This is a testament to the power of visual storytelling. However, the Switch port struggles to maintain a consistent frame rate, especially during chaotic battles with multiple enemies on screen. These performance hiccups can be jarring and detract from the overall experience.

El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron HD Remaster is a game of contrasts. It boasts a visual style that is both breathtaking and unique, transporting players to a world brimming with creativity. The story, steeped in biblical symbolism, offers a cryptic puzzle box for those with the knowledge to unlock it. However, the repetitive combat and imprecise platforming can become tedious, and the Switch port struggles to maintain a smooth frame rate at times. Unlike today’s twisty open-world titles, the game is very linear. Of course, various hidden items and collectibles can be found in the game, but in general, the story ends soon. Fortunately, it only costs thirty dollars, which means that you get enough content for the money you pay.

El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron HD Remaster is a niche title that caters to a specific audience. If you’re looking for a visually stunning adventure with a story rich in symbolism, and you’re willing to overlook some gameplay shortcomings and technical hiccups, then El Shaddai is a worthwhile journey. However, if tight gameplay and a clear narrative are your priorities, you might find yourself yearning for a more earthly experience.

The review code was provided by the publisher