Alwa's Awakening

The main pros of the game

• Visuals and Aesthetics: The pixel art is charming and well-designed, capturing the nostalgic feel of 8-bit games.
• Music: The soundtrack is praised for being enjoyable and memorable.
• Controls: The game features crisp and responsive controls, allowing for precise movements during platforming.
• Puzzles and Mechanics: The gameplay involves interesting puzzles that make use of the three available abilities, providing a sense of satisfaction when solving them.
• Boss Fights: Boss encounters are generally well-received, requiring players to learn patterns and strategize for victory.

The main cons of the game

• Slow Movement: Many players find the character's movement speed to be excessively slow, making exploration and backtracking tedious.
• Instant Death Hazards: The game has numerous instant-death traps that can lead to frustrating gameplay, particularly when players are sent back to distant checkpoints.
• Difficulty Spikes: The game's difficulty can ramp up significantly, especially in the later stages, making it feel punishing rather than challenging for some players.
• Lack of Map Markers: Players have noted the absence of map markers for items, which can lead to confusion and unnecessary backtracking.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• Movement Upgrades: Players expressed disappointment over the lack of additional movement abilities, such as a dash or double jump, which could enhance traversal and pacing.
• Better Checkpoint System: A more forgiving checkpoint system or additional fast travel points would improve the experience, especially in the later, more challenging areas.
• Map Improvements: Many users felt that the game would benefit from a more informative map system that includes markers for collectibles and important locations.

Summary

• Overall, while Alwa's Awakening has its strengths in aesthetics and puzzle design, it suffers from pacing issues and design choices that frustrate players, leading to mixed reviews about its overall enjoyment.

Summary generated on: November 23, 2025