Introduction
Clan O’Conall and the Crown of the Stag is an Action Platformer released on June 2nd for the Nintendo Switch. You can purchase the game on the Nintendo eShop. I would like to thank the publisher HitGrab for the review code.
Overview
Clan O’Conall and the Crown of the Stag is an Action Platformer game where you play as a team of three players who are trying to save their father from the Mother of Demons. The game features lush graphics and intricate levels.
Gameplay
Clan O’Conall and the Crown of the Stag features lots of platforming elements. Also, it includes lots of puzzle elements. You are given three characters to navigate very intricate levels.
Haggish is a big burly warrior that uses his strength to break through obstacles. He is also the only character that can press down on the switches. Haggish can also pick up enemies, blocks, and bombs, and move them, or throw them.
Secondly, you can use the character Kilcannon. Kilcannon is more of an all around fighter type. He can break through the thorny obstacles with his sword, and after a level or two he can fly through these obstacles multiple times. He is able to float given a good gust of air. Another ability he starts out with that is very useful is the ability to parry enemy attacks.
Thirdly, you can use the character Clakshot. She is an archer and very fast. She can take down enemies at a distance. Clakshot can also hit switches that are otherwise out of reach.
All of the characters can be leveled up, given enough fairy points. Fairy Points are awarded at the end of each level. The amount depends on how many of the total number of enemies you killed. Also, it depends on the number of fairy coins you picked up out of the total. The final factor is how many times you died. For each time you level up, the character gets to add a new ability.
There are points in the game where you are restricted to just one of the characters, and have to figure out how to make that work.
Graphics
The stylized graphics work very well for the game. They look great on the Nintendo Switch. They have a nice hand painted look to them. If you need a reference for this style, I would point you to games like Guacamelee or Severed. I like it very much. As with many games on the Switch there is a bit of slow down during intense moments. While this is not terribly disruptive, it is something to be aware of.
Sound
I played the game in a mix of environments. I played the game with headphones on at one point and was really impressed. You get a lot of environmental sounds that really complement the level.
Story
The story is very simple. However, the story is simple in the way that games like Legend of Zelda’s stories are simple. It is a good story as simple stories go. As a little bonus to keep you into the story, the game gives you little bits at the end of a level to remind you what you are working towards.
Controls
The controls are very good. The only problem is that they put the zoom function on the L3 (left analog stick button). The result of this is not disruptive. However, it can be annoying if you are in the middle of a complicated part of a stage.
Value
This is the point where I tell you whether or not Clan O’Conall and the Crown of the Stag is worth its price of $7.49 on the Nintendo eShop. There are three reasons I can say the game is in fact worth your money. This game is excellent. If you find yourself interested in platformers, or Celtic themed games, this is a must buy. Secondly, this game is a very good value because you will get a solid 4-6 hours out of the main game, and then you can certainly go back and try to find some of the things you may have missed in earlier levels. Finally, the variety of gameplay will make that 4 hours + keep feeling fresh.
Conclusion
When I started this game, I was not sure what to expect. The game quickly impressed me. It combines so many elements that I like in a game. It has a little bit of a beat em up, a little bit of a Legend of Zelda game, and of course at its roots a classic platform game like Super Mario Bros. This game is available for purchase on the Nintendo eShop. I would like to thank HitGrab Studios for the review code.
