Due to not being bound to utilizing the same updated technology as AAA games, indie games can often pay unique homage to the classics. Windswept does just that, taking elements from classic collectathons and platformers to provide a new and familiar experience. Developed by WeatherFell and published by the well-known Top Hat Studios, the game presents itself as a challenge with over 40 unique stages.
The game’s core mechanics sees players switching between the two central characters, Marbles the duck and Checkers the turtle. According to the Steam store page, switching leaders will allow players to access different abilities to take on different challenges, with each of those abilities unlocked after the first level is completed. Some challenges even require more than just one solution, allowing players to get creative with how they use the two characters’ skills. In line with older titles that refused to hold players’ hands, Windswept takes off the training wheels and allows players to come up with solutions themselves. The game’s challenges include various puzzles, stages, enemies, and bosses designed to let both characters’ abilities shine. In some cases, players may even ride or gain access to unique characters.
The story begins with the hatching of Marbles from an egg. The duck is quickly whisked off on an adventure and meets Checkers as they both search for a way home. The game highlights the importance of journey throughout its story, a theme that is reinforced by the difficulty tied to progressing. The art style evokes a feeling of older games with detailed sprites. Although the design of the characters is not very complex, they are all still easily recognizable with a fair amount of personality.
Whether its platforming between enemies or searching through stages to find a missing collectable, many gamers grew up with older titles very similar to Windswept. The game promises to take those feelings of nostalgia and build its own ideas on top of them. The game is available today on console and PC.