Like any fantasy game worth its weight, Grimvalor lets you hack and slash through hordes of dungeon-dwelling creeps. But these aren’t ordinary grunts. You’ll need lightning-quick reflexes and nerves of steel to survive this action game’s formidable foes.
As a warrior wandering the ruined world of Vallaris, you must discover the fate of the lost king by exploring intricate side-scrolling environments packed with secret treasures and hidden paths. There are plenty of monsters too, but your hero is nimble enough to take them down without suffering a scratch—as long as you’re patient and careful.
Each weapon has light and heavy attacks, but these moves are supported by slick platforming skills, from double jumps and dashes to dodge rolls offering temporary invincibility. Unleashing these to hack at the wings of a flying foe or evade a devastating hammer smash is a blast; chaining them together is even better.
You’ll need to be on point when facing Grimvalor’s imposing, bosslike guardians. Before meeting the first of these gatekeeping menaces, you’ll discover an ancient text describing the creature’s abilities. Neglect to heed the tome’s warning and you’ll find yourself in the Corrupted Chamber, awaiting the aptly named Siege Breaker.
Sporting four crablike legs, a pair of horns, and spikes running down its back, Siege Breaker makes a nightmarish first impression. Its basic attacks inflict considerable damage, but the beast also mixes things up. An unexpected shield slam, for example, spreads flames across the floor, while its half-moon blade can be cast like a grappling hook to reel you in. You might want to pack a few extra Mending Flasks.
Grimvalor is at its best when you’re combining attacks and acrobatics to not only avoid these surprises but counter them with your own bag of tricks. Evading an attack with a dodge roll followed by a well-timed swing of your Charred Greataxe is especially satisfying, as is gliding over its trail of flames to deliver the finishing blow.
Don’t let success go to your head. The game’s endlessly rewarding boss encounters only get more challenging as you progress. Keep your confidence in check—or suffer a grim fate.