Get Ready to Be Spooked: Metamorphosis Is the 2D Horror Platformer You Didn’t Know You Needed
When it comes to unfinished games, I like to keep my expectations in check. Even if a game doesn’t quite hit the mark for me, I’m always searching for the hidden gems that might resonate with someone else. Then there’s Metamorphosis, which completely blindsided me with its demo available on Steam. Trust me, you don’t want to miss out on this one!
The moment I started the demo, I knew I was in for something special. Metamorphosis shows off stunning pixel art that seems to blend influences from titles like Signalis and Blasphemous, creating an immersive world that pulls you in. The trailer had me hooked right away, showcasing body horror elements that immediately piqued my interest.
While the trailer sets a haunting tone, the demo gradually builds up the atmosphere. The sound design stands out, with eerie synth drones filling action-packed areas, contrasting with the heavy silence in the abandoned cathedral where you begin your journey. That unsettling quiet is broken by the glitchy sounds of the creepy insect-like enemies lurking around, which adds to the overall tension. One of my favorite touches? The chilling sound of knocking that had me genuinely wondering if someone was at my door!
Metamorphosis does an incredible job of establishing suspense leading to its first real scare—one that surprised me so much I couldn’t help but laugh once my heart settled down. You start in a safe room, which feels like a familiar save-zone, where you can explore and get used to the controls. Interacting with a bookshelf gives you a first-person perspective, leading to an unexpected reveal of a ghastly face lurking in the shadows. Spoiler: It’s just your tiny homunculus companion, which helps you access your inventory through a stylish command-line interface.
As you move to the next area, you encounter a series of unsettling paintings that trigger the classic horror trope of having the protagonist comment on what they see, only to be shocked by something unexpected. The final painting is a real kicker—it’s not a painting at all! Just when you think you’ve seen it all, a bizarre cherubic bug monster drops in for a surprise attack!
Your first save point is a confessional, complete with booths for both priest and penitent, and a mesh screen dividing the two. Upon stepping inside, a strange, feminine figure speaks to you from the other side, adding to the game’s unsettling charm. It’s as if the game is taunting you with cryptic lines: “WE WERE MANY. MANY HANDS. MANY MOUTHS.” The vibe is eerie, but I can’t help but be fascinated by the narrative it crafts.
The entire experience feels heavy with atmosphere, making me want to dive into any genre that could match its aesthetic. Whether it be a visual novel or a walking simulator, the creepy vibes would fit perfectly. Surprisingly, Metamorphosis is a 2D platformer that the developers have opted to avoid labeling as a metroidvania. Unlike others in the genre, it doesn’t require you to backtrack for new powers; instead, you have your full moveset from the get-go!
You play as a nun equipped for action, with abilities like double jumps, wall jumps, and dashes available from the start. It’s a bold move that sets the tone for the gameplay. The combat has no invincibility frames, so you’ll need to master the timing and positioning in order to survive. This game feels like it was crafted by someone who understands the nuances of action games, rewarding skilled players with opportunities to pull off impressive moves mid-battle.
I couldn’t be more excited for Metamorphosis. It’s the kind of game that reaches out from your screen and grabs you by the shoulders, shaking you awake to a thrilling experience. Currently marked as “To be announced” on Steam, I’m already longing for more. This one is definitely a game to keep an eye on!