Is it art or can it go? The ingenious pixel game “Bleak Sword DX” in the test

“Bleak Sword DX” is pure game minimalism in appearance and content: a pixel character is guided through short levels and must destroy all enemies that cross his path. These simple game sections are self-contained and presented in little cute dioramas that will make you want to lose your eyes.

Simple game mechanics and luck

The pixel monsters are fought with a light or heavy blow. But be careful! If you just hit it wildly, you’ll die quickly. Blocking and dodging are other features that become important later in the game to see the ending. Tactical action and quick reactions are becoming increasingly important mechanisms for survival.

Gradually, the character can level up as the game progresses. Whether you want to invest in, for example, the energy display or the power of your punches is up to you. There are items here and there that refresh health or make you hit harder for a short period of time.

That’s all? Not quite. Occasionally, the dioramas are abandoned and the character mounts a horse to reach their destination. Sometimes there’s a short cutscene and then it’s on again. And of course a few boss fights should not be missed.

By the way, if you die, you will lose not only the collected items, but also the experience points. At first glance, that sounds nasty and unnerving. But if the section is repeated one more time and finally succeeds after many attempts, all the objects of desire and points are there again. Plus, there are plenty of free bliss once a round is finally mastered.

Evil king and magic sword

What exactly is it about? The backstory is quickly told: The Bleak Sword is a magical sword owned by a sinister king who has been tyrannizing the land for over 200 years. Our hero is now on his way to end this dark age. Extra motivation: The evil king has your father on his conscience. Completely.

Minimalist look and grandiose atmosphere

In terms of atmosphere, “Bleak Sword DX” plays right up there. The minimalist color design together with the high pixel art creates an intimate dense atmosphere. Whether you’re in a wooded area, traversing swamps, breaking into buildings or making your way through a misty landscape, this simply designed video game always cuts a fine figure.

Different weather conditions and lovingly created flora and fauna are excellently represented with the most minimalistic graphical approach. A true feast for pixel art lovers. Simply created sound effects and catchy melodies envelop the whole and make «Bleak Sword DX» an audiovisual delight.

New locations and game modes

Those who already know the original will be happy with three new locations. In addition, various parts have been revised and even completely new ones have been integrated into the game. And: If you play through the game, you get new modes that lure you in front of the screen for a few hours.

One more level!

Conclusion: Even though I already know the original, the “DX” version quickly captivated me. I still can’t get enough of the minimalist, beautiful graphics.

I was enchanted by the art design and atmosphere and to this day I am still amazed at how it is possible to create such a beautiful world of audiovisual splendor with individual pixels. Even though I swore a lot and had to restart individual levels over and over again, the motivation to keep going was always there. True to the motto: One level is still possible!

Anyone who hasn’t played the original through Apple Arcade and has a soft spot for such simple and simple creations should definitely get “Bleak Sword DX”. There is currently no more charming pixel game that will amaze and challenge you at the same time.

Anyone who already knows the game should know that the innovations are not that big. However, if you’re so fascinated by the original and can’t get enough of it, treat yourself to this “DX” version and dive back into this wonderfully simple fantasy world.

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Bleak Sword DX is available for Switch and PC. Not for persons under the age of 16.