The Siege and the Sandfox
Review
A Royal Betrayal, Parkour Perfection, and a Persistent Prince of Persia Vibe
by William Thompson
reviewed on PC
Retro Platforming
The Siege and the Sandfox immediately evokes the spirit of classic 2D platformers, drawing clear inspiration from the original Prince of Persia. This is a game that prides itself on nimble traversal, clever exploration, and the satisfying unraveling of a meticulously crafted world.
Players step into the role of the titular Sandfox, also known as the Kasha'i, a protagonist betrayed by the Queen in a desperate bid to conceal her regicide. Your journey begins in the cavernous depths of an ancient underground prison, a sprawling labyrinth you must navigate to return to the palace. Evading detection and avoiding certain death from the varied inhabitants of this subterranean realm are paramount, especially early on when the Sandfox is at his most vulnerable.
At its core, The Siege and the Sandfox is a game of parkour and exploration. The setting of Kariman is a character in itself, beautifully rendered with a distinctive pixel art style. Each area possesses its own unique aesthetic and set of environmental dangers, from slippery slopes and wide chasms to pockets of venomous gases. The visual diversity keeps the exploration fresh, even when backtracking.
Throughout your perilous journey, you'll acquire new abilities and collect vital equipment. These aren't just incremental upgrades; each new piece of gear unlocks previously inaccessible areas, necessitating a Metroidvania-style approach to progression. Doors that require the use of a lever, or those demanding you pilfer a key from a watchful guard, become open invitations to new pathways. This constant unlocking of the map, along with the hunt for scrolls and other collectibles, encourages thorough investigation and repeated visits to past locations. While discovering a previously missed secret is always a delight, I occasionally found the sheer scale of the map made backtracking feel a little cumbersome, despite the satisfaction of fully unveiling the game's secrets.
Fast travel...sort of
To mitigate the extensive travel, the game offers fast travel locations. However, these are somewhat sparsely spread, which can make the journey between points feel a bit of a trek, particularly before you've amassed a significant repertoire of movement-enhancing abilities. While new skills do alleviate some of this drudgery, a few more fast travel points would have significantly smoothed out the experience of traversing the vast underground.
For the most part, the controls are responsive and precise. Deaths usually felt like a direct consequence of my own misjudgment rather than faulty mechanics. However, there were a few instances where the Sandfox would get inexplicably stuck on a small crevice, necessitating a restart from the last checkpoint. Thankfully, checkpoints are generally well-placed, minimizing frustration.
Stealth is a crucial element of the gameplay, especially in the early stages when the Sandfox is unarmed. Hiding behind vases, crates, and piles of logs becomes second nature as you slip past patrolling guards. As you gather weaponry and other equipment, your options expand, allowing for satisfying stealth takedowns from behind unsuspecting foes. This encourages tactical play, as other guards may notice their fallen comrades and investigate. This blend of stealth, parkour, and a distinct Arabian aesthetic gives The Siege and the Sandfox a delightful 2D Assassin’s Creed Mirage vibe.
The game's enemy variety is commendable. Beyond the standard guards who occasionally snooze on the job, you'll encounter helmeted guards impervious to basic knockdowns and unsettling sand creatures that pose unique threats. It's a challenging roster that keeps you on your toes, forcing you to adapt your approach.
Engaging
Ultimately, The Siege and the Sandfox is a lovingly crafted 2D platformer that delivers on its promises of exploration and agile gameplay. While the backtracking can occasionally feel a little stretched and a few more fast travel points would be welcome, the intricate level design, satisfying progression through new abilities, and charming pixel art visuals make for a highly engaging and rewarding experience. If you're a fan of classic platforming with a strong emphasis on discovery and nimble traversal, then the The Siege and the Sandfox might just be your next favorite adventure.
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7.5
fun score
Pros
Controls work well, allowing fluid movement
Cons
Lots of backtracking, character occasionally gets stuck requiring a restart from checkpoint
