Lysfanga: The Time Shift Warrior Review

thesixthaxis.com:

Time manipulation is almost always cool in games, especially when it’s tied into puzzle design or combat. Lysfanga is the latest game to utilise this mechanic, this time in a Hades-esque isometic hack and slash format, though it quickly distances itself from that resemblance. Rather than the frenetic and fast-paced gameplay of Supergiant’s smash hit, Lysfanga requires a more strategic approach, featuring levels that escalate in complexity as the game develops.

The backstory to Lysfanga seems to take influence from Middle Eastern folklore, a decision which offers a nice change from the more common Greco-Roman settings. In fact, I found it to make an interesting comparison to Prince of Persia, with the aesthetic and time management being particularly reminiscent of that series. You play as Imë, the titular Lysfanga, a warrior imbued with the power of the Goddess of Time and entrusted with defending the land of Antala from the monstrous Raxes. This backstory is fairly generic, but the setting is novel enough to stop it from feeling too familiar. As the narrative progresses you discover that ancient enmities are more complex than they first appear and your actions take on a more nuanced significance.

You begin the game with a sword and shield that can be used to slice and bash your enemies, with chakrams and a trident being unlocked as the story progresses. These different weapons do offer distinct playing styles, but it is a shame that only a few levels towards the end really take advantage of this with specific enemies only being vulnerable to one of your weapons. I would have liked to see more of this kind of combat puzzle earlier in the game as the first two thirds are relatively samey. The strength and long reach of the trident made it seem overwhelmingly more powerful for most of the time it was available.

Alongside the weapons you have access to a choice of spells, runes, and Goddess powers. The former can offer you different attack options, with one that quickly