By Clarissa Angus
Do you feel the need to avenge your master armed with just a katana? If so, Trek to Yomi, brought to us by developers Flying Wild Hog, bring you an eye-catching, cinematic, 2D side-scrolling action game. Set against the backdrop of a feudal Japan rendered lovingly in the style of old school Japanese cinema, the desire to grow bigger, stronger and wiser to avenge your fallen master arrives in the first 10 minutes; yes please!
You play as Hiroki, a determined swordsman, and the grainy, black and white old movie feel encourages you to invest in a fairly linear story. As the camera follows you through villages ravaged by bandits, and into forests with winding often perilous looking paths, it sweeps, pans and tightens to let you take in the sights (and, sometimes create a touch of creeping dread). Overall, there is a sense of duality built in (bare with me). You’re watching yourself play the game, as you play the game itself, which gives Trek to Yomi a level of substance you may not necessarily expect with a side-scroller (but that might just be me).
The wonderful sound goes hand in hand with the graphical homage to old movies, and subtle musical ‘stabs’ are very nicely done and timed, as is the sound of grass being cut down by Hikori’s katana, or the crackling fires left to simmer in ravaged villages (to be clear, flame sounds – good; ravaged villages and upset NPCs – bad). It was also very pleasing to learn that the default option for the voice acting is the authentic Japanese talent, who do an excellent job bringing the characters and the world to life (don’t worry, there are subtitles). I’d expect nothing less from publisher, Devolver Digital, who brought us the superb Death’s Door and I will forever be envious of anyone who gets a chance to play the latter for the first time (sob).
Having played Trek to Yomi on the Nintendo Switch using a pro-controller, at times, the combat system did feel a little clunky, and it takes a minute to get used to, for example turning around to face enemies head on when they surround you. The combat isn’t overly complicated, but it does take a little concentration to adjust and means you really have to watch and learn your enemies moves, as well as grow comfortable and confident in your own fighting style. For sure, the bosses are the hardest part of the game and having met only one who totally owned me, I have vowed to avenge Hiroki’s master when I get a chance (must avenge!).
Trek to Yomi is short so there’s potential for replayability, especially if you want to nail the combat mechanics (and avenge!). As a completionist, I would expect to find everything there is to find in-game and unlock whatever should be unlocked. While the loading times could be a little slow (at least on the Switch) the game is compact enough to make the effort to go again. For Switch players, I felt I could only play the game on my TV screen as the Switch screen felt too small to really get a feel for the world and combat.
The graphics are lovingly rendered and the story is enough to make it worth your time. Now, get avenging!