- Duskfade is a nostalgic 3D action platformer inspired by PS2 classics like Jak and Daxter and Ratchet & Clank.
- Combat system features lock-on, combos, perfect dodges, and Souls-like depth rarely seen in the platforming genre.
- Four biomes contain multiple connected levels, unique bosses, and a massive array of collectibles to discover.
- Master Clockmaker difficulty is highly recommended for players wanting to experience the full depth of the combat.
- 8 to 10 hours of story content, with up to 15 hours for full completionists.
Duskfade Review: An Overview
Duskfade is a love letter to the golden era of 3D action platformers. Developed by We're Beluga, a small Spanish team of just 13 people, the game successfully captures the essence of PlayStation 2 classics while integrating modern visual flair and surprisingly deep mechanics. Whether you grew up renting platformers from Blockbuster or are discovering the genre for the first time, this title offers a deeply nostalgic yet fresh experience.
Video Highlights:
- Developed by a 13-person team channeling classic PS2 energy
- Features a clockwork bird companion named Cuckoo
- Boss fights blend active combat with intricate platforming phases
- Heavy Kingdom Hearts visual inspiration without copying its combat
- Four distinct difficulty modes catering to different player skill levels
The narrative follows Zorian, a young boy from Tick Town whose world has been ravaged by nightmare creatures known as Inkies. With his sister lost to the villainous ringleader Despair and the world plunged into eternal night, Zorian teams up with a clockwork bird named Cuckoo. Together, they set out across Tier Fell to sever the four chains of the clock tower, restore the world, and save his family.
While most platformers focus purely on gameplay, Duskfade offers a well-fleshed-out narrative. The story explores themes of family, loss, and the concept of time itself being threatened. You can discover Echoes (time tears from the past) and engage in optional conversations with Cuckoo to uncover deeper lore.
Combat System and Mechanics
The combat in Duskfade is one of its most surprising and impressive features. Most action platformers settle for basic attack mechanics, but We're Beluga incorporated clear Souls-like influences to create something genuinely engaging. While it is not trying to be a full-fledged action RPG like Kingdom Hearts or Devil May Cry, the system offers remarkable depth.
| Combat Feature | Description | Utility |
|---|---|---|
| Lock-on System | Target specific enemies during combat | Essential for focusing down single threats |
| Ground & Air Combos | Chain light and heavy attacks | Maximizes damage output |
| Perfect Dodge | Time your dodge precisely | Opens windows for counter attacks |
| Special Abilities | Consume energy for unique attacks | Crowd control and burst damage |
| Counter Attacks | Punish enemy mistakes | High damage and stamina control |
Enemies feature clear attack indicators and come in a wide variety of types, each requiring different approaches. The combat feels fluid, and stringing together air combos, dodges, and special weapon abilities feels incredibly satisfying for a platformer.
Light Attacks
- Fast strikes
- Low stamina cost
- Builds combo chains
- Great for basic enemies
Heavy Attacks
- High damage
- Slower windup
- Breaks enemy guards
- Consumes more energy
Temporal Tools
- Combat abilities
- Switch via D-pad
- Unlocked in biomes
- Adds variety to fights
If you want to get the most out of the combat system, play on the Master Clockmaker difficulty. Action platformers are typically a breeze, but the hardest mode forces you to study boss attack patterns, utilize perfect dodges, and engage deeply with the combat mechanics.
Movement and Platforming
In any 3D action platformer, movement is the most critical element. Duskfade absolutely nails the sense of momentum and control. The movement feels like a blend of Jak and Daxter and 3D Mario games, featuring a slight floatiness in jumping that is complemented by fluid animations.
Zorian has access to a robust set of platforming abilities that make exploration a joy:
| Movement Ability | How to Execute | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Double Jump | Press jump again mid-air | Reaching high platforms |
| Long Jump | Dash forward while jumping | Crossing large gaps |
| Wall Jump | Jump against vertical surfaces | Climbing narrow shafts |
| Air Dodge | Dodge while in the air | Avoiding aerial hazards |
| Grapple Swing | Use grapple tool on anchors | Traversing wide canyons |
| Rail Grinding | Use sundial tool on rails | Fast horizontal travel |
Running around these areas collecting items, rail grinding, and gliding is inherently fun. The levels are relatively linear but frequently open up into larger areas with branching pathways that reward exploration with valuable collectibles.
Biomes, Bosses, and Collectibles
The world of Duskfade is structured around a central hub, Tick Town. Rather than accessing individual levels from the hub, players enter four distinct biomes. Each biome contains multiple connected levels that follow a straight path through various environments. For example, the sea biome transitions from a forest to a beach village, then to islands, and finally into an underwater academy.
Enter a Biome
Access one of the four major biomes from Tick Town. Each biome offers a unique visual theme and set of environmental challenges.
Explore Levels
Navigate through multiple connected levels within the biome. Collect star shards, gears, and hidden items along the way.
Find the Temporal Chamber
Locate the temporal chamber to unlock a new combat tool. These tools consume energy and can be switched using the D-pad.
Defeat the Mid-Boss
Encounter a midway boss fight that tests your platforming and combat skills. These often incorporate recently unlocked tools.
Sever the Chain
Defeat the final boss at the end of the biome to sever one of the four chains of the clock tower and restore balance.
The boss encounters in Duskfade are a standout feature. Almost every boss mixes active combat and dodging with unique platforming phases. Learning attack patterns and knowing when to strike is crucial, especially on higher difficulties.
| Biome Environment | Collectibles to Find | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Forests & Mountains | Clockwork Hearts, Rainbow Ingots | Grapple points, wall jumps |
| Ancient Libraries | Antique Coins, Music Boxes | Echoes lore, puzzle elements |
| Villages & Islands | Mischievous Kittens, Dye Flasks | NPC interactions, shops |
| Volcanoes & Ruins | Temporal Cores, Upgrade Gears | High enemy density, lava hazards |
Some collectibles are very well hidden and require specific tools to access. Use the teleporter pad in Tick Town to return to previously explored levels once you have unlocked new abilities like the grapple or sundial. The teleporter also displays your completion progress for each level.
Collectibles and Progression Guide
Duskfade features a robust collect-a-thon structure. There is a massive variety of items to pick up and discover, encouraging thorough exploration of every corner of the map. Collectibles serve various purposes, from upgrading weapons to unlocking cosmetic options.
Essential Collectibles to Track:
- Collect Upgrade Gears to purchase weapon and tool upgrades at the shop
- Find Antique Coins and give them to Nico to unlock collectible cards
- Locate Music Boxes for rhythm memory mini-games
- Catch Mischievous Kittens to unlock new character skins
- Gather Clockwork Hearts to increase maximum health
- Find Temporal Cores to boost ability energy
The developers are massive fans of Kingdom Hearts and included two Easter eggs in the form of skins. The World Hopper skin is a recolor reminiscent of Sora's Dream Drop Distance palette, while Shared Memories applies the Kingdom Key color palette to your sword.
Final Verdict and FAQ
Duskfade is a beautifully stylized game that looks like a PlayStation 2 classic enhanced with modern visual technology. Built on Unreal Engine, it avoids the overused anime aesthetic in favor of a CG cartoon style akin to modern Kingdom Hearts. Every level feels distinct, featuring forests, mountains, ancient libraries, volcanoes, and canyons that connect to form a cohesive world.
The game takes approximately 8 to 10 hours to complete the story and upwards of 15 hours to collect absolutely everything. This is a perfect length for a platformer, aligning closely with genre expectations.
The only notable criticism is the lack of a true endgame challenge. Aside from a couple of challenge rifts, the latest stages never truly push players to their absolute limits. There is hope that future DLC, possibly utilizing an unused door in Tick Town, will address this with a coliseum-style challenge.
Q: Is Duskfade a time travel game?
No, despite heavily featuring clocks and time as core themes, Duskfade is not a time travel story. The narrative centers around time itself being threatened by the villain Despair, and your goal is to stop that threat and restore the world.
Q: What games inspired Duskfade's development?
The developers drew heavy inspiration from classic PS2 platformers like Jak and Daxter, Ratchet & Clank, and Sly Cooper. The combat also features Souls-like influences, while the visual design takes notes from the Kingdom Hearts series and Astro Bot.
Q: How long does it take to beat Duskfade?
A standard story playthrough takes approximately 8 to 10 hours. For completionists aiming to collect every item, unlock all skins, and fully upgrade Zorian, the playtime extends to roughly 15 hours.
Q: Which difficulty should I choose in Duskfade?
If you are familiar with action games, the Master Clockmaker difficulty is highly recommended. It makes combat encounters significantly more engaging and ensures you experience the full depth of the dodge, counter, and combo systems, especially during boss fights.
Q: Will there be a sequel to Duskfade?
The development team at We're Beluga has expressed interest in creating a sequel and has a bunch of ideas for how to elevate the formula. The game's performance and reception will likely determine whether these plans move forward.