Gigasword

“The proposal developed by Studio Hybrid and Akupara Games is recommended, especially if you like indie games.”

“GigaSword is a monumental achievement, proving that a one-person studio, with the support of a passionate fanbase, can deliver one of the best metroidvanias of 2025.”

“I adored my time with GigaSword and ultimately didn’t want it to end. It is the special type of game you stay up late devouring, go to bed thinking about, and wake up wanting to play more. The classic metroidvania loop of exploring, finding abilities, and breaking new ground is beautifully complemented by a deceptively simple puzzle mechanic that had my synapses firing left and right. And bashing enemies to bits with your massive sword is pretty awesome too.”

“Despite my issues with the adventure, GIGASWORD is still a tremendous Metroidvania experience. It’s frankly hard to believe this was made by a solo developer, it’s that good. Not only is it one of the best examples of the genre I’ve played in recent memory, it’s also a game that’s a glowing love letter to the NES era of gaming. Here’s hoping the issues I mentioned above get fixed so that everyone can fully enjoy this puzzle platformer.”

“A metroidvania that favors puzzle-solving over action, but that don’t assume that makes it less difficult”

“Gigasword presents a unique approach to Metroidvania gameplay, requiring players to navigate the map with and without the giant sword to progress. However, some aspects feel unnecessary, such as having to retrieve mineral loot after death or the inability to access fast travel within the map. Players are forced to revisit the very sections that initially offered the game's innovation. Many common enemies are repeated, and certain boss battles are significantly more challenging. A technical issue on the Switch prevents players from experiencing the full game.”

“GigaSword is a Metroidvania with great puzzle platforming and pretty rough... everything else.”

“There’s something special about GIGASWORD. Beneath its technical flaws and occasional frustrations lies a game built with real care, a throwback that manages to feel both familiar and fresh. It’s rough around the edges, certainly, but every pixel and puzzle carries the mark of a creator swinging for something big. I genuinely enjoyed my time with it, even when its issues got in the way, and I hope future updates can smooth out the experience so more players can appreciate what’s here. Like its protagonist burdened by his colossal blade, GIGASWORD stumbles under its own weight, but still manages to stand tall in the end.”

“Gigasword is a mix of an old school art style, Metroidvania progression, Souls-like combat, and the addition of a weighted weapon that changes how you solve puzzles and platform. All together it makes for an interesting and enjoyable gameplay feel that I was happy to engage with for hours. I felt less enthused about the aimless backtracking, which could have been fixed with better signposting or a more nuanced map. While those issues did frustrate me, I still would recommend this to folks looking for a throwback to older titles, with an original twist to keep things fresh for the modern day.”

“GIGASWORD is a fresh 2D metroidvania that balances puzzles and action quite well. Yet similar to the massive sword Ezra wields, the game at times weighs itself down.”

“Gigantic swords are unwieldy and therefore unrealistic. Gigasword takes this truism to heart in the most creative way in its Metroidvania puzzles. Gigasword recalls the game design of an older time with all its fist-pumping, hard-won victories but with all its baggage too. There’s little exposition for mechanics, or they remain unexplained, leaving you to trial and error to make progress. However, smartly designed boss fights, beautifully interwoven levels, and powerful abilities make Gigasword an easy game to recommend to Metroidvania fans searching for the latest and greatest in the genre.”

“At first glance, Gigasword might seem like just another retro-style Metroidvania, but the way it integrates the greatsword with exploration and puzzle mechanics makes the experience stand out on its own. The combat isn't thrilling, but the well-done audiovisuals and world-building efforts help make the adventure worthwhile.”