Rating of
4/5
A Retro Loveletter for These Modern Times
Chris Kavan - wrote on 03/18/26
The only things I knew about this game going forward came from my MJ local co-op partner in crime and so I knew this was a kind of homage to a somewhat obscure (at least in America) 2D platforming game called “The Maze of Galious”. It turns out there is a very dedicated game developer (looks at other review), named Francisco Téllez de Meneses aka Fran, who likes to turn old games into something new, updated and - surprisingly - very fun. While I didn't know much about his game going in, it turns out turning retro classics into a modern retro updated (including adding co-op where there was none before) game makes for something that is both nostalgic and yet made for these more modern times.
Looks and Stuff: The game utilized the pixel art style that your classic games of the NES era possess, yet runs very smoothly. Characters, enemies, backgrounds - everything is aesthetically pleasing and makes you feel like you stepped back in time yet runs with no issues. While the main game consists of several connected rooms across a few different areas, the underworld dungeons are their own little worlds unto themselves - including some rather epic (in terms of the scope of this game) boss battles. The music is also very reminiscent of the past - a kind of chiptunes fun variety that is never grating even if some do repeat a bit.
We never experienced any major bugs I can recall and about the only flaw I can seriously address is the fact that for some odd reason the achievements only unlock via single player and NOT multiplayer, which just seems weird to me. Still, we managed to keep track of what we were sure we unlocked (hence the count at the end) so there is that.
Story: Back in the day of “The Maze of Galious” knight Popolon and his beloved Aphrodite (a sorceress, not the goddess) confront the titular Galious in order to save the life of their unborn son - Pampas. In this sequel, Pampas, now grown to a knight himself and his sister, Selene - a sorceress like her mother - must once again take on Galious - arisen as a nigh all-powerful Lich - whose immortality threatens the world. Seeking help from the Greek gods, who are also threatened by this evil, the two are granted powers and artifacts to help them take down Galious once and for all. Of course, Galious isn't the only threat as they will face a bevy of demonic bosses along the way as well.
The story isn't exactly Shakespearean and the world feels weirdly medieval and Greek at the same time. I'm sure those with knowledge of actually Greek history/mythology would take this the same way as a Scottish historian watching Braveheart. Still, while it may not have made the most sense, at least it did have a story you could follow.
Gameplay: A 2D platformer or Metroidvania if you will that is interesting in that in the co-op, each player can be in two different places exploring different parts of the map and it doesn't feel awkward at all. Each character has their own set of moves - Pampas, being our Knight, has a sword, shield and bow and arrow while Sorceress Selene utilizes magic - at first just a short, electric jolt but later a much better ranged fireball. Each character also gains unique abilities - while Pampas sinks like a stone in water, Selene can swim with much more ease - Pampas can double-jump to reach higher areas while Selene can blink-teleport past obstacles. Each character can teleport to another at will - and can also revive the other upon death (while giving up a portion of their own health).
One of the more fun aspects is acquiring artifacts along the way. Many come from the gods themselves for completing quests while others are found while exploring. One of my favorites was the ability to use enemies themselves as a powered-up attack - each one providing their own unique effect. There are also A LOT of secret rooms, though good luck uncovering them yourself without a guide as many have some odd requirements - including not killing enemies in certain rooms or jumping a specific number of times. And for the hardcore, the game has your typical "don't get hit while killing this incredibly hard boss" achievements.
Replay value: The game has only one set path forward so there's no need for replay but there are plenty of secrets to suss out and some tough trophies to obtain for those who like it rough.
Final Verdict:
Presentation: 4/5
Story: 3.5/5
Gameplay: 4/5
Replay: 1/5
Overall (not an average): 4/5
Hours Played: 11.6
Cheevos: 50% (34/68)
