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Odallus: The Dark Call

Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2015

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Quick resume

The old gods have forgotten this land. No one could save our people when darkness started spreading and collecting human souls for its army. Odallus is a classic exploration/action game, inspired by Ghosts’n Goblins, Demon’s Crest and Castlevania.

Global score

88/100

Genres

Action, Indie, Platform, Puzzle, Adventure

Pros

  • Faithful retro pixel art and music
  • Challenging but fair combat and boss fights
  • Well-designed levels with secrets and exploration
  • Tight and responsive controls
  • Dark fantasy atmosphere and story

Cons

  • Short overall playtime
  • Some bugs and glitches reported
  • Final boss difficulty spike
  • Limited story development
  • Some players find controls and hitboxes imprecise

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players can choose their path through multiple levels with branching routes and secret exits, enabling exploration and backtracking at their own pace."

  • Competence
    4

    "The game offers challenging combat and boss fights that require learning patterns and skillful execution, rewarding mastery."

  • Competition
    -3

    "Focus is on personal progress and exploration without ranked modes or direct player-vs-player competition."

  • Continuation
    3

    "Players engage in backtracking and secret hunting, with some replayability via veteran mode and achievements encouraging extended play."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Single-player experience focused on individual exploration and combat without multiplayer or cooperative elements."

  • Creativity
    3

    "Players explore and discover secrets, unlocking new abilities that open new paths, encouraging creative problem solving within level design."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No evidence of exerting control or superiority over others; gameplay is solo and self-directed."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Dark fantasy setting and immersive retro atmosphere provide a strong escape from reality."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of intrinsic interest and nostalgia for classic platformers."

  • Experimenting
    3

    "Exploration of secret areas and use of new abilities encourages experimentation with game mechanics."

  • Exploration
    5

    "Game design heavily rewards exploration with multiple paths, secret levels, and collectibles."

  • Expression
    2

    "Some character skins and customization options available, though limited mostly to cosmetic changes."

  • Fantasy
    5

    "Strong dark fantasy theme with demons, magic, and mythical elements inspired by classic games and Berserk."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "No social or community features; strictly a solo experience."

  • Growth
    4

    "Players learn enemy patterns, improve skills, and acquire upgrades that enhance abilities and progression."

  • Health
    -5

    "Traditional sedentary gameplay without physical activity or health-related features."

  • Idle
    -4

    "Requires focused attention and continuous engagement due to challenging platforming and combat."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No evidence of forming close relationships or social interactions."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management roles; single-player focused."

  • Progression
    5

    "Strong emphasis on collecting items, upgrades, and relics to unlock new areas and improve character power."

  • Relaxation
    -2

    "Challenging gameplay with some tension and difficulty spikes, especially in boss fights."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Engaging pixel art, music, and sound effects provide satisfying sensory stimulation."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or ranking systems present."

  • Story
    2

    "Narrative is present with cutscenes and lore, but story delivery is minimal and sometimes confusing."

  • Strategy
    3

    "Combat and exploration require pattern recognition, timing, and planning to overcome challenges."

  • Thrill
    3

    "Boss fights and challenging sections provide suspense and excitement."

  • Value
    2

    "Generally considered good value for price, though some players note short playtime and recommend buying on sale."

  • Violence
    4

    "Combat focused on defeating enemies and bosses with sword and sub-weapons, featuring dark fantasy violence."

  • Survival
    3

    "Players must avoid damage and manage health and lives to progress, with checkpoints and continues."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026