[Review] Downward: Enhanced Edition

Welcome to EXPlay, (Explain & Play) the review series where we care not for scores but tell it how it is when it comes to every game we get our hands on, whilst also taking the time to include some lengthy gameplay, to give you the reader, the chance to shape your own impressions and views whilst watching and reading.

In this explanatory review, we’re covering Downward: Enhanced Edition by developer Caracal Games:

Downward: Enhanced Edition: (The Explanation)

Downward: Enhanced Edition sets the stage in a desolate world where you’re guided by a mysterious voice to seek out relics that hold memories of the past. The game has you traverse through different environments like ice, lava, and endless sand dunes, but the story never really takes off.

You’re given a vague objective and sent off to explore, but the narrative lacks depth and emotional weight. The weak voice acting doesn’t help, making it hard to get invested in the protagonist’s journey. It’s clear that the focus here isn’t on storytelling, which is a shame because the world had potential.

If you’re a fan of first-person parkour, Downward might catch your interest. The game offers a mix of wall running, ledge grabbing, and sliding, with new mechanics introduced gradually to keep things fresh. However, the lack of combat means the focus is solely on traversal and puzzle-solving. While this approach could work in theory, it often falls flat due to the game’s uneven difficulty and sometimes confusing level design.

The exploration-based gameplay can be rewarding, with hidden stashes and collectibles to find, but the thrill is often marred by the game’s rough edges. Getting stuck on objects or falling out of bounds is frustrating, and it’s clear that the game could have used more polish before release.

Visually, Downward: Enhanced Edition has its moments. The environments are varied and occasionally stunning, with rich textures, alluring sunsets, and tranquil seas. Each new location brings something different to the table, from a scorching lava world to a frozen wasteland.

However, the game’s age shows in places, with some areas lacking the level of detail you’d expect from a modern release. The mix of fantasy elements with a post-apocalyptic setting is intriguing, but the overall presentation feels dated, and the technical issues detract from the experience.

Downward: Enhanced Edition has a lot of ambition, but it doesn’t quite stick the landing. The parkour mechanics are solid, and the non-linear exploration can be enjoyable, but the lack of a compelling story, weak combat, and technical flaws hold the game back.

If you’re a die-hard fan of parkour gameplay and non-combative puzzle scenarios, you might find something to like here. But for most players, Downward is a tough sell. There are better examples of the genre out there that offer a more polished and engaging experience.

Downward: Enhanced Edition: (The Gameplay)

Game Specifications:

Developer: Caracal Games
Publisher: Plug-In Digital
Platform: Nintendo Switch (eShop)
Category: Platformer, Adventure
No. of Players: 1 (Single System)
Release Date: June 4, 2024
Price: $9.99
File Size: 2.9 GB
Nintendo.com Listing