Sundered Guide: Exploring the Depths of a Metroidvania Masterpiece

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of gaming under my belt, I can confidently say that Sundered is a game tailored for those who love the thrill of exploration and the satisfaction of mastering challenging games. With its intricate progression system, choice-driven narratives, and stunning visuals, it’s a Metroidvania like no other.

In Sundered, immerse yourself in exquisite hand-drawn art, smooth animations, and a spine-tingling soundtrack, transforming it from just a game into a unique experience. However, don’t be deceived by its beautiful aesthetics; hidden beneath is a demanding Metroidvania that will put your skills and determination to the test. As Eshe, you’ll venture through an ever-changing underworld, fighting waves of grotesque monsters and encountering powerful bosses. But the true challenge comes from the decisions you must make. Will you yield to the alluring power offering strength or hold onto your human essence?

Key Takeaways

Sundered offers a fresh take on the Metroidvania genre. Explore a vast, interconnected world, master challenging combat, and make choices that directly impact the narrative.
Eshe’s journey is shaped by your decisions. Will she succumb to the allure of power or cling to her humanity? The path you choose determines her abilities and ultimately, her fate.
Prepare to be captivated by Sundered’s beauty. From the hand-drawn art and animations to the haunting sound design, the game draws you into its atmospheric world.

What is Sundered?

Developed by Thunder Lotus Games, creators of Jotun and Spiritfarer, comes the game Sundered. It skillfully combines Metroidvania features with a strikingly enchanting visual style. Upon assuming the role of Eshe, the main character, you’re immediately immersed in a world that straddles devastation and an unsettling allure.

Picture this scenario: You find yourself fighting tenaciously through a ferocious sandstorm, every step you take being a triumph over the harsh conditions and the unknown. This is the welcoming scene in the game called Sundered. The game promptly unveils its central conflict: endure a harrowing battle for both sanity and survival against age-old horrors.

In Sundered, there’s no walkthrough guide – you’ll explore three diverse areas filled with distinct obstacles and adversaries. What makes Sundered stand out is its “Resist or Embrace” system. This isn’t just a gameplay feature; it’s a continuous decision that affects both your journey and the storyline. Will you choose to uphold your humanity or succumb to the temptation of the corrupting force?

Everything unfolds amidst breathtaking, handcrafted artwork. These surroundings aren’t merely landscapes; they’re personalities that add depth to the game, inviting you further into the ominous world of Sundered. Eager for more? You’ll find even more as we delve deeper.

Meet Eshe

In Sundered, you don’t merely play a game but embody the character, Eshe. She stands at the heart of a harrowing struggle for both survival and sanity amidst a world teetering on the edge of ruin. However, Eshe isn’t a seasoned warrior; instead, she’s someone you can relate to, initially an average individual navigating through extraordinary situations.

A peculiar twist unfolds when Eshe discovers the Mysterious Shaped Object, which is oddly both a talking tool and a compass. Essentially, it’s like having a confusing, yet helpful friend always by your side – that’s what the Shining Trapezohedron essentially boils down to. This puzzling relic becomes an ever-present ally, guiding Eshe’s journey and influencing her decisions.

The compelling aspect of Eshe’s adventure lies in the recurring dilemma she encounters: To Resist or To Embrace. As you navigate Eshe through the perilous underworld, conquering formidable adversaries, you’ll amass Elder Shards. These shards possess immense power, and you are confronted with a crucial choice: annihilate them to safeguard Eshe’s human qualities or harness their dark influence for unfathomable might. This decision carries significant consequences, directly affecting Eshe’s skills and molding her storyline progression.

Resist or Embrace: Sundered’s Core Choice

In the engrossing game titled “Sundered“, you encounter a crucial decision that influences both the gameplay and the storyline: Decide whether to Oppose or Align with the potent Elder relics retrieved from vanquished bosses and mini-bosses. This key feature introduces an extra dimension, creating a bifurcated journey that is customized according to your choice.

Incinerate Elder Shards

Opting to burn the Elder shards signifies a dedication towards counteracting their corrupting power. By making this choice, you ensure Eshe’s essence remains human and open up distinct branches in her skill tree, as suggested in the Sundered review. This route enables tailored character progression, enabling you to shape Eshe’s abilities according to your preferred gaming style.

Corrupt Your Powers

Instead, you could opt for the temptation of the Elder shards. Making this choice gives you the ability to corrupt current skills, dramatically increasing their strength. Yet, this route isn’t without consequences: it strips Eshe of her humanity. Choosing the shards sets a darker course, challenging the equilibrium between power and the core of one’s character.

Explore the Underworld

Replayability and Dynamic Exploration

Among the many things that hook me into Sundered, it’s the dynamic world that stands out. The game map carries a familiar Metroidvania vibe, where different areas are interconnected and become accessible as you advance. However, what sets it apart is an intriguing twist: though each region retains its overall structure, the internal paths within those regions change with every playthrough.

Imagine each region as a jigsaw puzzle with changing pieces. Each time you meet your demise or return to your sanctuary, the puzzle pieces inside reorganize. This ensures that exploration remains engaging and thrilling, even during repeated gameplay sessions. You’ll find yourself frequently adjusting your strategies and understanding the overall flow of each area in order to endure.

Death and Rebirth

In the game Sundered, death isn’t a final goodbye. It’s merely a transition in your adventure. Upon dying, you are returned to the Sanctuary, a place where you can enhance your skills and gear up for your next plunge into the abyss.

In your upcoming journey, you’ll revisit familiar territories, but don’t be fooled – they’ve changed. New routes will emerge, and you may encounter stronger adversaries. This continuous cycle of death and renewal is a reminder to learn from past errors and discover fresh tactics for surmounting obstacles. To survive the escalating enemy attacks, it’s crucial to strike a balance between advancing and taking time to upgrade your abilities.

Defeat Bosses, Collect Shards

In the vast, hollow expanse of Sundered, powerful bosses stand watch over precious Elder Shards. Battling these formidable foes isn’t for the timid; instead, it offers epic clashes that display the game’s breathtaking graphics and difficult combats.

Each time you defeat these colossal foes, you earn fragments called shards, which hold ancient might and offer you a dilemma: resist or yield. Resisting means annihilating the shards, preserving your humanness but giving up an opportunity for growth in power. Yielding to the shards corrodes your talents, making you formidable, yet at a price. Will you surrender to the temptation of power or hold onto the vestiges of your humanity?

The ongoing struggle in Sundered’s storyline and game mechanics between resisting and succumbing to the corrupting power of the fragments is crucial. Each decision you make, whether to resist or embrace, has long-term effects on your character’s development and ultimately determines the story’s ending.

Master Combat

As a devoted fan, I can attest that Sundered never backs down from tough battles. Navigating the mastery of Eshe’s skills, handling adversarial engagements, and managing resources effectively are all key elements to staying alive in this game.

Skill Trees and Abilities

In this game, you’ll advance Eshe by navigating a skill tree that might remind you of Salt and Sanctuary. However, it’s not just about putting points into any skill that catches your eye. Some paths will remain inaccessible until you discover specific artifacts or meet certain requirements.

At the highest level of the skill hierarchy, you’ll discover advantages that work similarly to items you can equip. If you’re seeking faster recovery or perhaps a greater probability of critical hits, these perks are your solution. However, keep in mind that most perks come with a trade-off – a disadvantage you should consider thoughtfully.

Survive the Hordes

Brace yourself as adversaries in Sundered are known to gather in enormous, disorderly groups that can be quite challenging. You’ll feel like you’ve got the situation under control, but then another wave surges even more intensely than before. This ongoing tension fosters an exhilarating dynamic of risk and reward for venturing deeper into unexplored territories. Will you test your luck by venturing a bit farther, knowing a larger and more formidable group is hot on your heels?

Stamina and Combat Depth

In Sundered, the widely-used stamina system regulates your actions, whether that’s dodging or attacking. This shared resource is vital to consider since your protective shield, your primary defense mechanism against receiving damage, also depends on it. Consider your shield as a recharging health bar; you’ll find it indispensable in the game.

Experience Sundered’s Visuals

Hand-Drawn Art and Animations

Get ready for an amazing experience! The graphics in Sundered are exceptionally stunning. Its art style, similar to games such as Symphony of the Night and Guacamelee, has a dark, moody feel with plenty of fearsome creatures populating it. However, what sets Sundered apart is its dedication to traditional hand-drawn art and animation. Every frame seems to come alive, bursting with intricate details.

Environmental Storytelling

One of the things I love most about Sundered is its use of environments to tell a story. As you explore the underworld, you’ll begin to piece together the game’s lore through the art and the objects you discover. Think Salt and Sanctuary: environments whispering secrets to those who pay attention. Even the skill tree is more than a menu—it holds clues and information about the game’s world. This subtle storytelling makes Sundered captivating.

Listen to the Sound of Sundered

In the vast, empty chambers and eerie passages of the game ‘Sundered’, sound isn’t merely an additional feature – it plays a vital role in shaping the entire experience. The game skillfully employs audio to envelop you within its haunting atmosphere, direct your actions, and intensify the suspense.

Picture yourself wandering through an old, decaying structure, the only audible sound being a soothing, peaceful tune that stands in stark contrast to the devastation surrounding you. This is the impact of Sundered‘s sound design. It crafts an environment that’s both enchanting and eerie.

In the game Sundered, sound effects aren’t just for creating atmosphere; they serve as crucial warning signals. For instance, they let you know when a dangerous projectile is approaching from an unseen area or if a hidden trap is about to be triggered. Eventually, you’ll come to depend on these auditory cues as much as your visual perception to stay alive.

Additionally, there are the background noises – the faint sounds that give the environment a sense of reality. You could hear the rustling of hidden creatures in the shadows or the far-off growl of a formidable foe, hinting at forthcoming obstacles. These seemingly minor elements contribute significantly to creating an immersive experience, making the game feel more engaging and vivid.

In the game Sundered, one of its most powerful sound applications lies in creating suspense. Picture yourself battling through countless adversaries, with the cacophony of conflict reaching a climax. Suddenly, silence. A distant, ominous gong reverberates through the chambers, hinting at a greater peril approaching. This technique masterfully keeps players on tenterhooks, as they are constantly aware that danger might be lurking in every nook and cranny.

Unravel the Story

Discover the Story

Immerse yourself instantly into the thick of things! You’ll encounter Eshe amidst a fierce sandstorm fight. Although I won’t spoil the plot details, expect an unexpected twist and find Eshe navigating a haunting underground realm teeming with bizarre beasts. It’s reminiscent of Lovecraft, but boasting stunning hand-drawn visuals.

In these hidden subterranean remains, Eshe discovers the Shining Trapezohedron, commonly known as “Trappy.” This enigmatic object isn’t merely quirky; it packs a punch, aiding Eshe in battling countless adversaries. Beyond its combat prowess, Trappy functions as your tour guide, dishing out tidbits of history and mythology that help you comprehend the tale of the Valkyries and Eschatons – two warring clans who are fanatically pursuing supreme power.

The Weight of Your Choices

In the captivating game, Sundered, the struggle between yielding to and rejecting power is subtly integrated into every facet, making it incredibly engaging. As you vanquish bosses and mini-bosses, you’ll amass Elder Shards. These shards represent an offer of increased power; if you accept them, Eshe undergoes a transformation, leaning towards corruption. However, if you wish to preserve Eshe’s humanity (or what remains of it), you can reject the shards by destroying them instead. This decision leads to unique abilities and ultimately shapes a distinct ending for your journey.

For a more detailed examination of the gameplay mechanics, feel free to check out the ‘Sundered Review – Beautiful and Deadly’ video on YouTube from Fextralife.

Is Sundered Right for You?

Instead of redesigning the blueprint for Metroidvania-style games, Sundered sticks with what works, which is just great. It cherishes the fundamental aspects of this genre while adding its own special touch. If you’re attracted to games that offer exploration, engaging battles, and significant decision-making, Sundered could easily become your next gaming fixation.

Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

You’ll love Sundered if:

You crave a classic Metroidvania experience. Sundered excels in its fluid mechanics, challenging gameplay, and rewarding progression system. If you enjoy the thrill of uncovering a map, mastering new abilities, and conquering tough-as-nails bosses, you’ll feel right at home.
Choice-driven narratives are your jam. The “Resist or Embrace” mechanic isn’t just a cool gameplay feature—it directly impacts the story and ending you’ll experience. Your decisions shape Eshe’s journey and the fate of the world around her.
A little grind is no big deal. Sundered can be challenging, especially when facing massive hordes of enemies. You might need to revisit areas, level up your skills, and experiment with different builds to overcome certain obstacles.
Stunning visuals are a must. Prepare to be wowed by Sundered’s hand-drawn art style and fluid animations. The environments are rich with detail, and the character designs are both beautiful and grotesque.

Sundered might not be for you if:

You prefer linear narratives. If you’d rather experience a story without making impactful choices, Sundered’s branching narrative might not be your cup of tea.
You’re easily frustrated by difficult games. Sundered doesn’t hold your hand. Be prepared for some punishing encounters and a steep learning curve.
Repetitive gameplay is a dealbreaker. While the world is vast and interconnected, you’ll encounter similar enemy types and environments as you progress.

To truly find out whether you’ll like Sundered, your best bet is to give it a spin. If you appreciate the genre of Metroidvania games and enjoy a haunting, moody style, then Sundered is certainly an adventure worth embarking on.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sundered

Is Sundered a difficult game?

Oh boy, “Sundered” can be quite the handful! The action is non-stop, and you’ll frequently find yourself up against waves of adversaries. It’s also not afraid to dish out punishment when you slip up, especially in terms of stamina control. Yet, it’s these challenges that make “Sundered” so satisfying. Conquering a formidable boss or navigating through a hectic situation with grace is an exhilarating experience.

What platforms is Sundered available on?

You have several options to embark on the adventure of Eshe! The game “Sundered” can be played on computers (Windows, Macs, and Linux systems), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and even Nintendo Switch consoles.

I’m not usually into dark or creepy games. Is Sundered too scary for me?

Although Sundered carries an ominous and eerie ambiance, it doesn’t primarily fall under the horror genre. Instead, it emphasizes exploration, combat encounters, and the gravity of your decisions. The game boasts a visually striking art style that portrays unsettling creatures alongside breathtakingly beautiful imagery.

How long does it take to beat Sundered?

The duration of your gaming session will vary based on how extensively you delve into the game world and the strategies you adopt when tackling its obstacles. A typical play session might last between 8 to 15 hours. But what truly extends the game’s appeal is its “Resist or Embrace” feature and the randomly generated environments, which means each playthrough offers a fresh experience.

What makes Sundered stand out from other Metroidvanias?

Several aspects set Sundered apart. The artwork, meticulously hand-drawn, breathes life into a world that’s both enchanting and chilling. The “Resist or Embrace” system infuses gameplay and story with complexity, compelling players to make decisions with tangible consequences. Furthermore, the randomly generated levels maintain the allure of discovery, ensuring that repeated playthroughs feel fresh.

2024-10-18 14:14