Steampunk Gem – A Dive into Gestalt: Steam & Cinder

As a connoisseur of steampunk games, I’ve traversed through the likes of *The Order: 1886*, *Bioshock Infinite*, and *The Dishonored* series, with the recent addition of *Lies of P* enriching the roster. The allure of steampunk lies in its seamless fusion of science fiction with retro-futuristic technology, often drawing inspiration from the 19th-century Victorian era or the American Wild West. This unique sub-genre captivated me once again during Steam Next Fest, where I encountered the indie gem, *Gestalt: Steam & Cinder*, a steampunk-infused Metroidvania offering from Metamorphis Games. The demo alone was a tantalizing taste of what’s to come, leaving me eagerly awaiting the full release.

The Story

Gestalt unfurls in a world reminiscent of *Gears of War*’s E-day, where demons burst forth from a gate, igniting a cataclysmic conflict with humanity. To turn the tides, humans donned special armor, harnessing the Abyss’s power and undergoing a demonic transformation themselves. Although victorious, the power’s corruption was an inevitable consequence. Fast forward, and we meet Altheia, a bounty hunter born from the ashes of this post-apocalyptic fray.

Gameplay

True to the Metroidvania genre, *Gestalt* starts you off with a basic skill set that expands as you progress, unlocking new abilities through the in-game powers tab. The gameplay interweaves swordplay with gunplay, favoring action and narrative progression over the punishing difficulty of souls-like games.

Visuals

The game’s pixel art is a visual treat, perfectly encapsulating the steampunk aesthetic, with the protagonist’s design standing out as particularly striking. Altheia’s cool trench coat, combined with her sword and gun, adds to the visual appeal.

Cons

While Gestalt crafts an intriguing world, the absence of voice acting is noticeable, especially given the rich lore. The initial information overload, coupled with some grammatical and spelling errors, detracts from the immersive experience. However, these are minor blemishes on an otherwise captivating game, and I’m hopeful for future patches to polish these aspects.

Final Thoughts

Despite a somewhat abrupt ending just as the narrative gains’ momentum, *Gestalt: Steam & Cinder* has thoroughly ensnared my imagination. The lore, characters, and especially the music—which crescendos into epic boss battles and story revelations—have left a lasting impression. This title is a must-play for any Metroidvania aficionado and a worthy addition to your gaming library. [Gestalt is available now on Steam and soon to be available on the Sony PlayStation, Microsoft Xbox, and Nintendo Switch] Here’s to hoping for a sequel or DLC to continue this steampunk adventure.