The standalone Titan Souls was inspired by the legendary smash Shadow of the Colossus. As a result, we got a production that was comparable in idea but inferior and lacked an equally distinct identity.
The game’s rules are relatively basic. The hero has a bow and an arrow, and the gameplay consists primarily of locating and defeating following bosses. A single blow on a vulnerable place is usually enough to terminate the fight. The tighter we pull the rope, the longer we hold the button. Later, we must retrieve the arrow by carefully tugging it with our strength or treading on it. To be fair, the target is difficult to hit. Opponents do not remain stationary; rather, they rotate. We must also be continually moving or we will be squashed, struck by a missile, or otherwise exterminated. Our character has the ability to sprint and somersault. Death is swift in Titan Souls. Usually within a few seconds after entering the stadium. We seldom succeed on the first try. We normally need a few trials to find out how to avoid the things that hide the weak area and study the boss’s behavior.
It is impossible to deny that the gaming formula is highly particular and will not appeal to everyone. We roam over an empty land after each combat, encountering no additional, lesser opponents. In practice, we just stroll from one boss to the next, which might take a few minutes because we must discover the correct path and sometimes solve a basic environmental issue. The battles are undeniably fascinating, owing to the constant fear that the smallest error may result in our death. If this occurs, we must retrace our steps from the checkpoint to a specific opponent. Titan Souls is, without a doubt, a minimalist work. However, one cannot help but suspect that this is only partially purposeful and partly due to a lack of adequate funding and time. Here’s an example of graphics in a “modern retro” pixel style. The places lack attention to detail, the environments are not complex enough, and the majority of the locales appear dull. We witness the event from a unique vantage point, a bird’s eye view from a minor tilt. The hero appears little, which is probably meant to create an unpleasant mood – however it doesn’t completely work. Although beating the monster is quite satisfying, the earlier tries – up to the last one, when we eventually manage to kill the target – are more of a cause of aggravation, as is usual of arcade platformers.
Everything here is based mostly on our reactions, rather than planning, preparation, and tactics, like in the Souls series. The condition of affairs is also influenced by equipment, or rather its lack thereof. Even repeated efforts to face the same boss would be more intriguing if we could switch weapons. Fortunately, the foes are fairly varied, particularly in looks. Despite the game’s shortcomings, the creators have created unique models that make us desire to explore new opponents. It’s unusual for conflicts to have multiple separate phases. However, when we are involved in a prolonged struggle, it is a pleasurable and thrilling experience.
A wonderful soundtrack enhances the brief excursion, which takes less than four hours and includes several fatalities. It contributes to the strange aura that is evident from the start. We’re not dealing with a standard tale, narrative, or cut-scenes here. The adventure begins instantly, and we go to meet additional species. Titan Souls was built on the basis of a three-day prototype, and this is too often felt throughout gameplay. The idea is intriguing, but additional gameplay would make the experience far more enjoyable. We received a fascinating experiment that is occasionally frustrating.