Summary
As the genre’s name suggests, Metroidvanias likeBiomorphare largely descended from two games:MetroidandCastlevania. In recent years, however, games from the genre have increasingly taken inspiration from FromSoftware’s iconicSoulsgames, particularly regarding difficulty and death mechanics. In fact, games likeHollow KnightandSalt and Sanctuaryare filed under the Soulslike category just as often as Metroidvania. EvenStar Wars Jedi: Survivorhas benefited by blending Metroidvania staples such as ability gating alongside aSouls-style combat system.
In an interview with Game Rant, Lucid Dreams' co-founders Maxime Grégoire and Francis Lapierre spoke about this trend and how it applied toBiomorph’s development. AlthoughBiomorphcertainly has its challenging moments and features a few Soulslike elements, Lucid Dreams ultimately wanted to lean toward accessibility rather than adhering to the “git gud” philosophy of game mechanics.
Biomorph Wanted To Be More Accessible Than Most Soulslikes
There’s a reason whythe best Soulslike gamesare so well-regarded: it’s immensely satisfying to overcome brutal challenges after repeated failed attempts, and players seeking out that punishing experience can assuredly find it in Soulslike games. On the other hand, not everyone is in the mood to get beaten down constantly. When it comes to Metroidvanias, some players simply enjoy how exploration is handled and are looking forward to the next secret room, ability unlock, or lore drop.
I think it goes with the trend that we see in the current way players like their Metroidvanias. We saw it with some games that came out like a year ago that were super hard. We played these games and we were into the communities of these games, and we saw the player saying, “It’s too hard, the boss fights are terrible. I can’t get past it.” We didn’t want that because we prefer that more people can play the game. We don’t want to make it super easy we don’t want people to get stuck on a boss and can’t progress further.
Biomorphmay not have set out to be one of the hardest games ever made, but it’s no pushover either. However, the immense flexibility afforded to Harlo by his arsenal of weapons and transformations means that players can probably find a loadout that suits their playstyle and effectively counters whatever challenge they’re hung up on. Bosses might not reach the infuriating difficulty levels ofElden Ring’s Malenia, but it’ll probably take a few tries before toppling even the early-game opponents.
Biomorph’s Bosses Still Scratch the Soulslike Itch
On that subject,Biomorphdoes feature some Soulslike boss designs, mostly in the way that they are pattern-based. Even the deadliest soulslike bosses can eventually be broken down into predictable patterns, and the way to victory is usually through baiting out desirable combos from bosses. Early gamebosses like the Gorgerzerare quite devastating during the initial encounter, but it doesn’t take long before players master the rhythm.
All bosses in the game are pattern-based. What we like with pattern-based bosses is that you’re able to learn the boss so they won’t pull up something random and then you just get destroyed because you’re not lucky on the random pattern. So it’s really pattern-based. You just take your time and you can always dodge and you have some mementos like there’s a shield that you can equip that can tank one hit for free. We wanted to make a game that is not too hard. It’s still a challenge but we really wanted to make a game where you feel you’ll be able to finish it.
That rhythmic approach to boss fights is satisfying in its own way, and gamers who enjoy learning a boss as if it’s aGuitar Herosongwill probably enjoy tackling the bigger challenges inBiomorph. For players who are more drawn to the other aspects of Metroidvania, these fights are thankfully designed to not be hard blocks on the way to enjoying the rest of the game.
Biomorph
WHERE TO PLAY
In BIOMORPH, players must use their skills to explore a vast, varied world. Solve puzzles and platforming challenges, fight deadly monsters and take their shapes to use their powers. But beware – every conquered creature can come back with new and even more threatening powers. Players will level-up their character as they fight through the vast areas around the city, collecting new abilities, mementos and chips. The journey will reveal surprising and alarming truths about our hero’s own origins.Play as the enemies by killing them and taking their shape. You will be able to use their skills to fight other enemies or use their powers to navigate in uncharted territories.Fight your way through a challenging AI system where previously mimicked creatures unlock new powers to create a unique experience while revisiting areas of the game.Choose your fighting style by using an arsenal of melee and range weapons, each of them having its own upgrade tree, to bash and shoot enemies. Create different builds in support of your play style by equipping and mixing different unique skills that you can upgrade.Explore a vast non-linear, interconnected world composed of many different environments, home of optional boss fights, eccentric NPCs, tons of secrets and upgrades to reward the most daring explorer.Rebuild the city of Blightmoor and befriend it’s inhabitants, learning more about their daily life and the town’s origins. Customize the look of the city to make it your own.
