Pronty: Fishy Adventure

“Pronty is a fun underwater metroidvania, with a sprawling map sprinkled with fun yet unforgiving bosses and a unique combat system. Its story is simple, but has a clear environmental message that resonates without being laid on too thick.”

“My thoughts are mixed on Pronty, but ultimately I swim away recommending it. The game’s presentation, level design and premise is unique, with its gloomy ruins of a once prosperous world that pleaded to be explored accompanied by a mesmerizing soundtrack. Combat is a bit of a mixed bag, with it being functional for the most part during exploration but hard to harness during tough boss battles. I appreciated the developers’ attempt at something different, but it didn’t click for me. Overall, Pronty is an adventure game that earns its place in the spotlight. If you’re in the mood for another 2D adventure game, this is one worth diving into the eShop for.”

“Pronty's journey parades with great vigor on the Switch, even if eventually some of its gameplay traits diverge from the overall pace of the work. Faced with an intriguing story and a beautiful artistic direction, this metroidvania projects great wonders directly from the bottom of the sea, a place that often populates our imagination with its mysteries, and which now gains a new narrative that is full of charm.”

“This is one of the most accessible Metroidvanias to embark on. Pronty’s underwater excavation in a city, crawling with well-designed bosses is one for both newcomers and seasoned players of the genre. Combat is lacklustre and it doesn’t reinvent in any game-changing capacity, but it sure is a world worth diving deep in.”

“"Greatness lurks under the surface."”

“Pronty is a fairly typical Metroidvania game in most regards, drawing heavily from some of the genre’s big hitters and then mixing in some of its own unique elements. The result isn’t watered-down, it’s stronger for it. The underwater setting is beautiful and Pronty is a joy to control, especially in combat and against the fun bosses. If the Metroidvania genre hasn’t won you over I doubt Pronty will change your mind, but if you love getting lost in a big map and stumbling across an upgrade that opens up new doors, Pronty is fantastically designed and a lot of fishy fun.”

“The arrival of Pronty on Nintendo Switch allows us to do some justice to a title unjustly ignored at the time of its release on PC. The 18Light Game and FunZone Game production is a solid and fun aquatic adventure featuring a precious art direction that recalls the suggestions of emblazoned titles. A bland narrative and an all too linear level design prevent the title from aspiring to greater heights. But if you're looking for a solid, value-for-money metroidvania, Pronty will give you some satisfaction.”

“With its unique underwater style and combat, this Metroidvania-esque adventure has its own feel”

“Pronty may have some minor flaws, but this is overall a very solid Metroidvania that does a lot to set itself apart from the pack. Things like the impressive atmosphere, challenging boss fights, and oodles of worthwhile collectibles keep drawing you further into the experience, while the promise of multiple endings will keep you coming back for more. And though combat feels like it could use a little more tightening up, it's certainly a unique system that fits well with the underwater setting. If you're at all a fan of Metroidvanias, we'd encourage you to pick this one up; it's not an absolute must-play, but it is an attractive, challenging, and thoroughly enjoyable undersea romp.”

“Personally, I might revisit Pronty at some point in the future, but it simply won’t bubble to the front of 2023 as the forerunner for what game I would want to play. It’s classy, it’s structurally sound, but I feel like I’ve been down this road several times and it doesn’t have anything that sticks out as a “one more time” moment. Perhaps others will enjoy their voyage under the sea, but I had to surface, pronto.”

“Pronty strives for Metroid’s depth but ends up a shallow dip in contaminated waters.”