Best Of
While side-scrolling action platformers are common in the indie sector,Nocturnalturned out exceptional.
It is a side-scroller action-adventure game based on an intriguing story and unique gameplay design.
Nocturnal 2promises to be better than the original game.
Here is a comprehensive comparison ofNocturnalversusNocturnal 2.
What is Nocturnal?
Nocturnalis a side-scrolling action-adventure game launched in 2023.
It takes players on an adventurous and action-packed quest set in a beautiful 2D world.
The game is developed by Sunnyside Games and published by Dear Villagers.
It boasts smooth cinematics and an overall charming design.
Interestingly, the backgrounds appear hand-painted, and the charming visuals are reminiscent of iconic games likePrince of Persia.
What is Nocturnal 2?
Nocturnal 2: Everything We Know
Nocturnal 2is a highly anticipated sequel ofNocturnal.
Most notably, it switches from a linear design to a more Metroidvania-style design.
Moreover, it expands the original story, introduces new enemy types, and adds more fire abilities.
We were pleased with the reception toNocturnal, but we wanted to do more with the series.
The game is still under development and will launch in 2025.
It will be compatible with Nintendo Switch and PC.
The Seen realm is ordinary, more like the real world, with sunshine and green pastures.
Moreover, ordinary people can die if they stay in the mist for too long.
The creatures in the Unseen realm have always desired to go to the Seen realm.
They eventually breach the barrier between the two realms, bringing darkness and danger to the Seen realm.
Fortunately, fire provides light and weakens the evil creatures lurking in the mist and darkness.
The story unfolds as you progress through the game.
it’s possible for you to piece it together using clues from texts, NPCs, and the environment.
Notably, theNocturnalseries focuses more on the adventure-action gameplay than storytelling.
He returns from a long sea voyage to find his home island of Nahran engulfed in mist and darkness.
Gameplay
Nocturnal 2will retain most of the original versions gameplay aspects.
As such, both games involve exploring theNocturnalworld, solving puzzles, fighting enemies, and collecting crucial resources.
Action is the biggest part of theNocturnalseries gameplay.
You come across diverse enemies during your quest.
Some of the enemies are easy to fight.
Moreover, some enemies are vulnerable to fire, while others are impervious to it.
Interestingly,Nocturnal 2will feature new types of enemies and bosses.
Notably, the fiery sword is your only weapon.
You must set the sword ablaze to see your way in the mist and fight enemies.
However, the blade on your sword is temporary and extinguishes after a short time.
As such, you must keep lighting the sword using candles and torches along your path.
The bottom of the screen features a gauge that measures how long the sword will stay ablaze.
Exploration is also a major aspect of the gameplay.
You must explore diverse environments in theNocturnalworld to collect clues behind the mist and find its source.
you could collect with NPCs to find clues and fill gaps in the story.
Moreover, you’ve got the option to find hidden clues in various environments.
it’s possible for you to use the gold to power up your character and enhance his abilities.
Moreover, you could also earn Phoenix Gifts by praying at monuments dedicated to the Phoenix.
Finally, the gameplay also involves a bit of puzzle-solving.
The puzzles vary in design and are quite creative.
Notably, you need fire to solve some of the puzzles.
Notably, the original game follows a linear path, restricting players from moving backward.
In contrast,Nocturnal 2features aMetroidvania-style playstylewhere you’re able to go back and forth in any direction.
Verdict
Nocturnalis great, butNocturnal 2promises to be better.
The latter will enhance the original games features and introduce a few new ones.
Most notably, it will shift from a linear path system to a Metroidvania-style world.
Moreover, it will introduce new enemies and fire-based abilities.
Cynthia Wambui is a gamer who has a knack for writing video gaming content.
Blending words to express one of my biggest interests keeps me in the loop on trendy gaming topics.
Aside from gaming and writing, Cynthia is a tech nerd and coding enthusiast.