ArsGoetia

"ArsGoetia" is a very poorly made 2D retro pixel platformer, one of literally thousands of amateur platformers on Steam. This one has two distinctive characteristics... it's worse than most of them, and there's no apparent up front cost. This features really godawful, lazy pixelcrap "art" instead of real graphics. It's hard to say if this was because the developer didn't have the skill to do the job of creating 3D visuals, or couldn't afford to hire someone who does, but it also doesn't matter. What matters is that this looks bad because of that decision, and that's a major deterrent to gamers. Games like Terraria and Stardew Valley succeeded [i]despite[/i] the bad graphics, not because of them. Not every "free" game really is. There's often MTX, or content locked behind DLC, or donations being requested, or any other number of things that could mislead gamers, but in this case I'm glad to say this really does appear to be a fully free game. Nothing demonstrates a developers belief in themselves and their work than giving it away without any remuneration. This is a service to themselves, and the gaming industry, and should be applauded. Of course, just because something …

Amazing. Challenging and rewarding jump :).

Terribly made 2D pixel platformer.

ArsGoetia is a dark little platformer that I found surprisingly tense because the main objective gives every mistake more weight. I play as a young girl trying to rescue kidnapped children from a mysterious dark realm, and getting everyone to safety means making my way through dangerous traps and maze like areas. I liked the darker fantasy setting because it gives the simple platforming a more serious atmosphere. The platforming is built around timing and observation. I have to move through dangerous environments filled with rapidly moving traps, deadly obstacles and sections that require me to think carefully about my route. I enjoyed learning the patterns because failure teaches me what I need to do differently next time. The game does not simply let me rush through everything without consequence. The maze structure adds another layer that I liked. I have to pay attention to where I am going instead of treating every level as a completely linear path. Looking for the right way forward while also keeping an eye on traps makes the exploration feel more involved. The kidnapped children also give the journey a clear purpose, so I am not just completing platforming challenges for th…