It's that time again for a new episode of Chichuki Plays, the show where I go hands-on with upcoming games and show them off. Usually, it's about an hour or so but I don't want to spoil too much of the game for you. This time we're looking at Skautfold: Moonless Knight on the Nintendo Switch 2.
Skautfold: Moonless Knight feels like a cross between a Metroidvania and a dungeon crawler set in alternate history Japan in 1900. If you want the basics for the story, I'd recommend starting with the briefing. This game is heavy on story elements. An issue I had with that was it moves incredibly slow and I don't think there was an option to skip dialogue when you get into a conversation.
You play the role of Gray, working for the Empress that you see in the briefing. Long story short, you request aid from the current Emperor of Japan in finding the relics we were sent there to find. You'll be able to explore his mansion for help in your quest.
I have to say, I hate the combat in this game. There is a shield system that acts like stamina as well as HP. When you have a full shield/stamina gage, you won't take damage/take less damage. It also is your stamina for attacks so keep an eye on it. There is a lock-on system but there were times where I would miss my attack even though I was locked on to the enemy. That kind-of makes the lock-on pointless. You also have a defend and kick move in your bag of tricks. I have to say I was getting very annoyed with the combat until I changed the layout of the controls. You can also find relics strewn about that will help with progression. They could range from a shield bubble to a bow and arrow. The ranged attack makes the game so much more fun. You will get overwhelmed by enemies that gang up on you in each room, unless you run around, set them up for one-on-one or range attack them.
On the plus side, you don't have to defeat everything to progress to the next room. You can also find items hidden in buildings so explore. However, be warned, as enemies will be lurking and probably will storm the door so be careful. There are boss encounters in this game as well. Learn the patterns and you should be ok. They also have the shield/stamina system so you can damage them until you get down to zero. There were a ton of enemies in the room where I fought the boss, and she can lock your attacks if you aren't careful. It was also very difficult to tell where you were supposed to go in the dungeon. You have a map but there isn't a whole lot of guidance. Some people might like that.
You'll also have the option to upgrade your weapons for combat. There are 5 weapons that play differently so find out which one you like best. It was hard to equip them and to tell if you actually did. You can equip relics too but the same issue applies here. When you get back to the mansion, you can upgrade your weapons through the weapons smith to make them better. You'll need to find Yth stones and have Zen available to upgrade weapons. Also if you die in combat, you could be cursed and that will make you take more damage in battle. They stack by the way. The only way to cure curses is to go back to the mansion and drink some tea/relax. The combat is so unforgiving that you will have to do this to survive.
You will either like Skautfold: Moonless Knight or hate it. If you can look past the flaws in the combat, you'll like it. If not, this game might not be the one for you. Make sure you check out the hands-on video below!