The Messenger

Stylistically, The Messenger has a lot going for it: masterfully rendered pixel graphics and a rich chip-tune soundtrack. Come to think of it, that describes just about every “indie” game that is released these days. Unfortunately that’s not enough for me.

My biggest gripe with the game is that is based around an annoying mechanic in which you can double jump after successfully landing an attack. My thumbs were not designed for that twisting motion. I was constantly failing because I would simply miss buttons and success only came with random button mashing.

The first section of the game makes you think that this is simply a Super Meatboy collection of challenge levels, but just when I thought I was done, the game opens up and becomes yet another Metroidvania. Seriously, stop it with the Metroidvanias. Anyhow, you know it’s a bad sign when a game reveals that there are going to be hours more playtime and challenges but your reaction is disappointment.