Duskfade Review
Duskfade is a vibrant action-adventure set in a magical clockwork realm, where you play as Zirian on a desperate quest to rescue his sister, Allira, who remains imprisoned within a sealed tower. To free her, Zirian must break the chains binding the entrance, an act that mysteriously accelerates the world’s collapse. With the help of Cuckoo, a clockwork bird, and Minutero, his grandfather’s enchanted blade, Zirian journeys across the diverse lands of Tearfeld to shatter each chain and uncover the truth behind the looming ruin.
Will they succeed? Find out more in Duskfade!
Like Clockwork
Duskfade is a vibrant action‑adventure that thrives on its platforming and Metroidvania-inspired design, as you can compare the game to the likes of Kingdom Hearts meets Metroid Dread. After a brief introductory cutscene between Zirian and his sister Allira, the game drops you into a surreal clockwork world where you immediately take full control of Zirian as he navigates its imaginative environments.
Upon arriving in Tick Town and meeting its cloud‑like residents, Zirian is joined by his companion Cuckoo. It’s here they learn the truth: Allira is imprisoned within a locked tower, and only by breaking the chains scattered across four distinct worlds can she be freed. This revelation sets the stage for a whimsical yet perilous journey.
Duskfade’s standout strength lies in its exceptional platforming. Zirian can run, jump, dash, wall‑climb, and even triple jump, giving players a surprising amount of mobility. Tearfeld is a dangerous yet expansive biome, and exploration feels limited only by your creativity and the surfaces you can reach.
Each biome offers unique terrain to traverse and map out, such as the fiery hostility of Mount Cinder to the breezy seaside region of Meridian. Reaching key checkpoints unlocks new abilities or enhancements for Minutero, which is Zirian’s grandfather’s blade, granting access to previously unreachable areas and deepening the game’s Metroidvania loop.
Despite its seemingly linear progression, Duskfade gradually opens up through new skills, tools, and unlockables that expand both exploration and combat. The grappling hook and Minutero’s pendulum function let Zirian swing across posts and break tougher crystals, while the stop‑time ability allows him to bypass temporal barriers scattered throughout Tearfeld.
Crystal shards serve as the game’s primary currency, used to upgrade Zirian’s equipment. They’re earned by breaking objects, defeating enemies, and opening chests. Additional collectibles like gears, rainbow alloys, and ancient coins further enhance Minutero or unlock rewards back in Tick Town.
Combat begins simply, perhaps too simply, with basic slashes and dodges. Enemy variety is limited early on, but gradually expands to include armored foes, bomb‑droppers, and fire‑spewing threats. As Minutero gains upgrades, Zirian unlocks new combos, Cuckoo becomes a more active combat partner, and the system evolves into something more engaging.
It may take a bit of time to fully settle into Duskfade’s rhythm, but as Zirian’s journey unfolds, the world of Tearfeld reveals a charm and depth that make the adventure increasingly rewarding.
About Time
As Zirian pushes deeper into Duskfade’s world, taking on tasks like defeating bosses, breaking the chains imprisoning Allira, and uncovering the truth behind Tearfeld’s decay, the story gradually reveals the emotional core of the adventure. Each milestone sheds light on the bond between Zirian, Allira, and their grandfather Tristan, delivering a mix of heartfelt and heartbreaking moments that enrich the siblings’ backstory and strengthen the player’s motivation to see the quest through.
Zirian’s dynamic with Cuckoo adds welcome levity throughout the journey. Cuckoo’s sharp, sarcastic humor contrasts Zirian’s earnest determination, often chiming in with playful jabs whenever Zirian misses a jump or falls into a pit. Their banter keeps the tone lively without undermining the game’s emotional beats.
As expected, biomes grow progressively more challenging. Enemy encounters scale with difficulty settings, though traversal, puzzles, and platforming remain unaffected, ensuring that all players experience the same exploratory rhythm regardless of combat preference.
Boss battles stand out as one of Duskfade’s most inventive features. Instead of relying solely on multi‑phase attack patterns, each boss introduces a platforming challenge between phases. After dealing enough damage, the boss becomes temporarily invulnerable, forcing players to race through a timed platforming sequence to retrieve a key that reopens the window for attacks. Fail to complete the puzzle in time, and the boss unleashes continuous damage until the challenge is solved. Depending on the player, this mechanic may feel either clever or frustrating, but it undeniably showcases Duskfade’s strongest asset: its platforming.
Near the endgame, previously explored areas become revisitable for completionists seeking collectibles and upgrades. Core upgrades enhance Zirian’s health, energy, and skills, while cosmetic unlocks such as music tracks and trading cards add flavor without affecting gameplay.
Duskfade takes roughly 12–15 hours to finish, with additional time needed for full completion. It’s a heartfelt, engaging adventure that rewards curiosity and persistence, offering a charming experience suitable for players of all ages and skill levels.
Verdict: 8.5/10 Buy It!
Duskfade is a standout platformer that consistently plays to its strengths from beginning to end. It’s challenging in all the right ways, emotionally resonant, and refreshingly original, which is a welcome break from sequels and familiar franchises. If you’re looking for something new that delivers both heart and solid gameplay, Duskfade deserves a spot on your radar.
*Duskfade was reviewed on a PC/Steam Deck with a review code provided by the publisher.
