Smelter Reviews
If you’re into side scrolling platformer and tower defense type of games, this is the one that combines them both. With a slight blend of real-time strategy within the tower defense phase, the game tries its best to naturally support these mixed genres to play nice with each other. That being said, the downside of multi-genre in a single game is that if you lack understanding in one of the mentioned genres, there will be some sections where it will forever stress you out. Other than dividing them into phases, if the different genres played in harmony for the entire run, it could have been a good experiment to invent its own genre. At least the separate segments are decently put together which makes it a great gaming experience. The Korean localization was top notch which helps in delivering the intentions of the story very well to the Korean gamers.
Review in Korean | Read full review
Smelter is an impressive piece of ambition. The originality that comes with the pairing of 2-D action platforming and RTS is easily commended. The brilliance and execution of the action platforming stages is overwhelmingly impressive, so much so that they’re able to carry the game on their own. However, the flaws of the RTS segments of gameplay mar the experience, as does the overall disjointed feel of gameplay when transitioning from fast-paced action to the crawl that is the RTS. The weak story and shallow characters fail to help the effort, though the attempts at creating a history and having a plot twist or two are appreciated. Lastly, I will be impressed with Smelter’s visual aesthetics and soundtrack for a long time to come. The 20 USD price is fair for the near 15 hours of gameplay and I would only encourage the purchase further should that price ever drop. Despite its missteps, Smelter is still an easy recommendation for any fan looking for an energetic bit of challenging, yet fun, high-paced 2-D action platforming.
Smelter is a meticulously crafted genre hybrid that almost does everything right. The margin for error with its design is so slim that it might be some kind of gaming miracle. A challenging and captivating experience from start to finish, Smelter is an absolute must play. Here’s hoping this isn’t the last time we see this dichotomous duo.
Smelter bears the true marks of a tribute to the 16-bit era, and combines elements of both platforming action and real time strategy with a result that's nothing short of a dignified successor to its sources of inspiration. The interaction between the platforming and the strategy dimensions is very well implemented, and its exploration mechanics work like a charm. This is beyond doubt a work that's worth getting into.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Appropriately named, as it combines elements of multiple styles of gaming, Smelter is a game that defies a simple explanation...