NEKRO3

Okay, I don't normally leave reviews for games, but for a game like this, I truly just HAVE to. It's more than a game, it is a work of art, and it is an experience that left me with fear, sadness, and a sense of dread. Most video games don't do that for me, so I knew this one was special.
The demo had already gotten me hooked before I played it, because it was just so fascinating. A game that's intentionally difficult to the point of frustration usually isn't my kind of thing, but its shorter length prevented it from getting too infuriating to keep playing.
There's so much about this game that personally tickles me, the art style is distinct and very charming, it's simple yet gets across its imagery perfectly, the text is also minimal but is very effective in how haunting it is, the game controls incredibly well, it's so simple, literally just wasd/arrow keys, and the movement is so good, with a game with such puzzles and traps like this, having smooth and quick movement is so important and this game ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ nails it, even using the precise movement to its advantage for both the puzzles and the horror. I'm telling you, when you're used to zipping around the screen and suddenly you get slowed down as an enemy inches closer and closer, it gets your adrenaline going as you try to break free and get away.
I think this game is the perfect length, there's 15 levels so far (though I'd love if there were more in the full game or DLC, I am SO curious as to what's behind that final locked door in the hub map) they all either feel like they expand upon the previous level(s), or they're trying out something totally new that keeps the game feeling fresh. There are some levels that don't even do the typical "figure out the puzzle while avoiding enemies" formula, and are just pure catharsis, something incredibly welcome among some very difficult levels.
I'm not that great at video games, I die a LOT when playing even your most basic games, so a video game where death is not only inevitable, but a mechanic, that can both make the game easier and harder, was SO intriguing and right up my alley.
I don't want to spoil the ending because I really want to encourage people to play this game, but the ending really drives home the message the game is trying to convey, with minimal words and minimal game mechanic changes. Like I said, it left me sad and with a sense of dread, and I really liked that, and this is from a game where the player character's face is literally just two black squares on the head to indicate eyes. Its simplicity really lets you get absorbed in what is happening, I ended up really attached to the little pixel character zipping around my screen.
There's also so many Easter eggs throughout this game, things you may not discover on your first playthrough, which is what makes it incredibly replayable. There's times where the game will play with you, including outright quitting itself as if asking you if you really want to continue on the journey. One level ends up having a much simpler solution to the puzzle than I first though, and I discovered it completely by chance, but it was such a delightful solution.
And of course, I would be remiss if I didn't discuss how incredible personal this game is to its developer, and how that very clearly shines through. It is a game about death, about being in hell, desperately searching for a way out, as death takes you over and over again, developed by a person during their battle with a serious illness. This game is not shy about its inspiration, and is not afraid to be incredibly dark and bleak and real, but at the same time, it isn't miserable. As described, it's a search for healing, a desire for light in the darkness. It's incredibly beautiful. And it is a real work of art.
I am enticed by this game, I am going to keep trying to play it until I have beaten all of the difficulties, I am excited to dedicate that much time to this game, because I know the satisfaction will be so sweet.
I can't wait to see where this game goes from here. I hope it gets the recognition and appreciation it rightly deserves.