Imp of the Sun

Feels like it has potential but this ended up being a waste of money. Went the mountain route first, the crumbling rocks are such a terrible design that it's not possible to wall jump off them in a consistent manner. Not going to spend ages trying to get to a position to try and pick up a collectible over and over when you can't be sure that the platforming you're going to perform works due to luck.

Imp of the Sun, developed by Sunwolf Entertainment and published by Fireshine Games, is a visually arresting 2D action-platformer that draws heavily from the myths, music, and culture of pre-Columbian Peru. Unlike many titles in the Metroidvania-inspired genre that fall back on European medieval or generic fantasy aesthetics, this game roots itself in a world shaped by Andean legend, ancient ruins, and solar deities. The result is a unique experience that stands out aesthetically even before a player makes their first jump. The protagonist, Nin, is a small but fiery creature created from the last spark of the sun, sent to a dying world trapped in eternal eclipse. His mission is to rekindle the dying light by defeating four powerful Keepers who hoard its essence, each hidden in their own distant region of the world. The game wastes little time throwing you into its exploratory loop. While not a full-blown Metroidvania, it borrows many of the genre’s staples: interconnected environments, optional side areas, upgrades that unlock new paths, and scattered collectibles that flesh out the world’s backstory. What’s refreshing is that it offers a more open-ended structure than many of its peers—you’re allowed to choose the order in which you pursue the Keepers, with each region boasting a distinct biome. These areas range from lush forests and desolate deserts to shadowy caverns and sky-piercing mountain temples, all designed with a painterly hand-drawn aesthetic that’s both vibrant and melancholic. The art direction is complemented by an excellent soundtrack that utilizes traditional instruments from Andean cultures, some of which are thousands of years old. This auditory and visual cohesion creates an atmosphere that feels both authentic and imaginative, enhancing the sense of journey and rediscovery that the narrative is built upon. Gameplay in Imp of the Sun centers around platforming, exploration, and combat. Nin is quick and agile, with access to a range of movement abilities including double jumps, wall climbs, and mid-air dashes. Combat is combo-based, allowing players to chain attacks in the air and on the ground, and some of these moves can be upgraded or enhanced by finding hidden items throughout the world. Enemies vary in design and difficulty, with some regions offering more environmental hazards than direct threats. While the concept is solid, the game’s controls occasionally undermine the experience. Nin’s movement can feel sluggish at times, particularly when attempting precise platforming sequences. A lack of tight responsiveness—especially when combined with occasionally floaty jump mechanics—can lead to frustrating moments, particularly in sections that require rapid maneuvering or timing-based puzzle-solving. While most encounters are forgiving enough to compensate, the more punishing sections expose this shortcoming in a noticeable way. Boss fights against the four Keepers serve as the game's primary tests of skill and are some of the more memorable sequences in the journey. Each boss is thematically linked to their domain—one might manipulate shadows, another commands the wind—and the fights are designed to reflect those themes both visually and mechanically. Some players may find the difficulty inconsistent, with certain fights posing little threat once you’ve acquired a few upgrades, while others feel like sudden spikes in challenge, especially given the limitations in precision movement. Still, these encounters are generally satisfying and deliver some of the game's most impressive animations and visual storytelling. In terms of progression, the game uses a system of checkpoints marked by ethereal spirit figures known as Qaris, which double as fast travel points once unlocked. You also collect artifacts such as quipus—an ancient Incan system of knot-based recording—that serve as narrative breadcrumbs, enriching the backstory and providing a subtle incentive to explore more thoroughly. There are also “Inner Fire” mechanics that serve as your energy pool for certain special moves and healing. You can only heal in proximity to fire or heat sources, which cleverly ties back to the theme of sunlight and warmth as vital forces. These systems give the game some mechanical depth without overwhelming newer players, making it accessible while still rewarding exploration. One aspect that might disappoint some players is the overall length. A focused playthrough might only take five to seven hours, and even a completionist run with all upgrades and collectibles rarely stretches past ten. While this shorter runtime allows the game to stay tight and avoid bloat, it also limits the opportunity to deeply develop its systems. Some areas feel underutilized, and the game’s narrative arc resolves fairly quickly, with limited character development outside of Nin’s quest. This might leave players who prefer more expansive, layered Metroidvanias feeling underwhelmed, though for others the compact size might be seen as a refreshing change of pace in a genre often known for sprawling labyrinths. Yet, despite its mechanical limitations and relatively brief runtime, Imp of the Sun succeeds in delivering a heartfelt and distinctive adventure. Its cultural inspirations are more than surface decoration—they form the core of the game's identity, influencing everything from its storytelling and visuals to its music and even some of its mechanics. The sense of world-building is palpable, and even when the gameplay stumbles, the game’s art direction and thematic consistency keep the player engaged. It feels like a labor of love, and the passion of the small development team behind it is visible in nearly every frame. Ultimately, Imp of the Sun is a vibrant and culturally rich platformer that carves out its own niche in a crowded genre. While it may not reach the mechanical finesse or content density of more well-known titles, it compensates with originality, atmosphere, and heart. Players seeking a deeply polished combat system or ultra-precise platforming may find it lacking, but those looking for a beautiful, compact adventure with strong thematic cohesion and a unique cultural voice will likely find it a rewarding journey. It's a commendable debut from Sunwolf Entertainment and a promising sign of what they might create next. Rating: 6/10