3) Salt and Sanctuary
It’s difficult to not bring up the Soulsborne franchise when talking about Salt and Sanctuary as it’s such an unabashed love-letter to the series. The one major difference between the two though is that Ska Studios has opted for a 2D perspective over the 3D environments of From Software’s action-RPG phenomenon.
Instead of souls, players gather up salt to upgrade their skills and abilities to aid them on their journey through S&S’s mysterious, purgatorial land. The inventive boss designs, stylistic visuals and deep combat systems are the highlights here, and the architectural composition of the world rivals the thoughtfully assembled kingdoms of Lordran and Yharnham.
Similar to its inspiration, the game’s most addicting element is the risk/reward nature of its combat and exploration, with ace bosses punctuating each dungeon with devastating aplomb. Levelling up and grinding is also pretty damn moreish stuff, too. What’s truly surprising about the title is how little has been lost in its transition from a 3D to 2D perspective. Salt and Sanctuary may well be a tribute act to the incredible Soulsborne series, but somehow, against all odds, it’s carved out its own distinct personality with its bold switch to another perspective.
May the good salt guide you…
