Fewer graphical effects, but just feels right in your hands
When I reviewedSalt and Sanctuaryearlier this year on PlayStation 4, I found it to be a more-than-competent side-scrolling take on From Software’sSoulsseries. I played the majority of it in co-op and had a great time with its intricate skill tree and tight platforming mechanics. Lately, I’ve been wanting to have another go at it, but after seeing it run on the Vita at PSX over the weekend, I think I’ll wait ’til I can play it comfortably on the toilet.
Some of the graphical effects are missing, like the bloom that’s prevalent in many ofSanctuary‘s ethereal levels. However, if I hadn’t played it on the PlayStation 4 previously, I would never have known. I was worried that the user interface would lose some of its readability on the smaller screen (a problem that I had withDarkest Dungeonon the Vita), but I was able to see everything quite nicely.
While I am biased in that I love my Vita, I foundSanctuaryvery comfortable on the handheld. Even without the extra shoulder buttons, I had no trouble jumping about and taking out my salt-thirsty foes. Many a late night will be spent under the covers of my bed playing through this again.
Though some will miss the co-op functionality, I’m looking forward to another romp throughSalt and Sanctuaryeven if it means playing solo. It makes me feel like I’m finally getting a new handheldCastlevania, which means Ska Studios has my eternal gratitude. As of right now, there’s no solid release date, but Ska hopes to let us know soon.
