Kalevania

Great and fun game about Finnish folklore Kalevala

A game made in Finland by one person about Finnish mythology and folklore, specifically their epic poem the Kalevala, and starring the protagonist, an epic bard whose name I cannot spell. I don't know much about it so it's interesting to learn stuff. As for the game itself, it's an old-school platformer with long sprawling levels and magic acting as secondary powers to bypass traps and obstacles. First impression is not great, to be honest, but after the first two introductory stages it gets much better with some clever ideas, nice challenges and a few secrets. Since most of the platforming is structured around the "bogo" jump (I think it should say "pogo" btw), I suggest to learn the stages by going back as soon as you can to the initial town stage and buy power-ups such as double jump and armor. It's not too hard but it can get challenging if you keep the base stats (also it's cool that you actually wear the items you buy). All in all it's a very nice retro-style title with some cool chiptunes. P.S. what the heck is a Sampo?

For those (as here on end) usually not into platformers / vania-type games, this is a surprise! Witty humor, swift controls and uplifting music draws you right in on the get go. Ancient Finnish culture is cleverly utilized with many of its main ingredients. From Kalevala to Kantele - from Sauna to Sampo via Runo singing / everything in between. Game can be very challenging at parts but never defeating - it is clear what to do and there's an element of reward after a grinding success. Väinämöinen throws magic spells, shoots, loots, sword pogos and also tries to woo women without any talent to that one, none whatsoever. One J.R.R. Tolkien took his main inspiration from Finland's epic past ending up with Lord of the Rings (meant as an equivalent to serve as England's national epic in a way), of which some prolly have heard. Kalevania is equally EPIC in funny. And this is "only" a platformer for the uninitiated. Next level challenge for the developer then? THE BOCK SAGA...

It's fun for a few hours for a few euros. Hopefully the dev will keep on doing things like this.

Fun :D

I had a great time with Kalevania. It's like an NES game that plays much better. It combines a bunch of mechanics from different games into one great experience. I'm not sure what the story was about, but it seemed neat. Highly recommended!