Final Fantasy star leads 90s inspired 2D action throwback that's tricky to play

It’s one thing having video games that sport fancy graphics with flashy open worlds, but sometimes you just want a simple platformer or side-scroller to enjoy, right?

Cresata promises to be a throwback to the 1990s in all the right ways. A simple side-scroller, where you just need to beat enemies and reach your goal? Sign me up.

We played a short level of Cresata at Gamescom, featuring a quick run through a tower before facing a boss. Although the demo only last for around 20 minutes, it was enough to get a feel for all the core mechanics that Cresata has.

Rocket Panda Games CEO Mikey McNamara likens the game to challenging side-scrollers like Celeste and 10 Second Ninja X, adding that despite the game’s visual style, it’s not a metroidvania like Hollow Knight.

Instead, the game is intended to be a linear experience in which you go from point A to point B, moving from different locations and defeating enemies along the way. There are also many tough bosses you’ll have to beat.

Your character, referred to as Phaedon of Arsica (voiced by anime star Aleks Le), is on a quest for vengeance as he hunts down the Prime Reclaimer Leo Vennghast (voiced by Final Fantasy XVI’s Ben Starr), who is power mad and become the leader of a rebel faction that destroyed Phaedon’s country.

Time is running out for Phaedon, unfortunately, as he must race to to stop the Reclaimers before they complete their mission to reach the mysterious island of New Arsica and seize its otherworldly power source.

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Rocket Panda Games

Cresata feels likes an action platformer you might have played growing up in the 1990s

Cresata’s melee combat allows you to slash and strike at any point during the game, even while moving or mid-air. You also have a sling weapon you can use to attack enemies from afar, as well as deflect any incoming attacks that come your way.

At specific points in each level, you can attack your grapple with a hook that’ll allow you to swing across a large gap. You can also stop or slow your swinging halfway through to get a more precise angle on where you want to jump to. An alternative button allows you to shoot across a ledge to immediately gain some air.

Perhaps the most challenging part of the demo was actually remembering which button to use your grapple hook, as some of these triggers don’t allow you to do both moves. However, the prompt to be able to use your grapple looks pretty similar for both actions, hence why I struggled to figure out which one to use properly. I’d go in to swing and realise I have to actually launch myself into a wall.

What’s particularly striking about the game’s visual style is the 2.5D though, in which sprites for characters and items are presented in 2D, while the backgrounds have a low-poly 3D design. It keeps you focused on the elements you need to in the foreground, while allowing the background to fill out the scenery and immerse you within the world.

Cresata will launch sometime in 2027. A Kickstarter page is already live, with the funding campaign expected to kick off later this year.