Iconoclasts Reviews
Iconoclasts is a game that, having its story as the main focus, deals with subjects such as faith, oppression, exploration of other peoples and prejudice. Beyond that, it succeeds in the technical aspects, despite some weird design choices. Joakim Sandberg is to be congratulated for, alone, being able to create one of the best games of the year.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Iconoclasts has a genuinely interesting story, told in a way which is too obtuse to come across well. It also leaves quite a lot on the table without properly explaining things. Its characters are charming, lovable, believable, detestable, and sympathetic all at once, and watching them go through the events of the story can be captivating. Unfortunately, it takes Iconoclasts about halfway through before it begins to even feel like a game, and while the gameplay progresses a bit more from there, it still never reaches the heights I think it could have. At just 11 hours for the main campaign, it's something I would definitely recommend to anybody looking for something to dig into without much time commitment. Also recommended, start the game on hard mode; normal leaves things much too plain. I definitely believe that if the game's creator, Joakim Sandberg, ever places himself in the directorial and lead writer positions of a small development team, all of the depth that the gameplay and exploration elements were sorely lacking could reach their full potential and then some, creating something absolutely great.
Iconoclasts is a brilliant game that permeates from the amount of care and time put into it. It is by far one of the best of 2018, and I recommend everyone give it a go.
Iconoclasts is a game that you can't help but smile while playing. The meticulous attention to detail in every facet of the game save its storytelling (which is good, just not great) is remarkable. Failure to capitalize on the Switch's HD Rumble is a bit disappointing, but it's a minor blemish on an otherwise excellent experience.
If you have ever been turned off Metroidvanias for their tendency to prove too confusing or challenging, or pined for a larger focus on plot, Iconoclasts is the answer. By relegating the heavy exploration side of the popular genre in favour of driving a captivating narrative and characters to the forefront, Joakim Sandberg has crafted a 2D adventure that comes out as one of the most entertaining of the year, and certainly in the genre as a whole. Don't sleep on this.
The Nintendo Switch is becoming a treasure trove of excellent indie games and Iconoclasts is a jewel that shines as bright as some of the absolute best. Like some of the best RPGs with deep character development, this is the type of game that will sit with you for days and weeks after you've finished it.
Iconoclasts is one of the biggest surprises of the year. Despite occasionally suffering through the story sequences, I found that I couldn't stop playing (it's about 10 hours long). I can't recommend the game highly enough--go play it.
Joakim Sandberg solely developed this game pixel by pixel for around 7 years, and the end result is an amazing adventure game with a lot of passion. without a doubt, this is one of the best 16-bit games of recent memory. the only negative thing about the game is the fact that tweaks are not really that helpful, which impacted our desire to discover more of the world's secrets.
Review in Arabic | Read full review
Iconoclasts is an ode to the pixel, a beautiful adventure, with a very strong story load and an exquisite level design. It is in its own right one of the indies of the year and one of those games that exude love for the old and for things well done.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
If you’ve got room in your Switch collection for one more Metroidvania, be sure to make it Iconoclasts. This gorgeous game combines fun gameplay with a unique story to create an exciting world to explore.
On the whole, Iconoclasts is a memorable, thought-provoking, and enjoyable take on the Metroidvania genre which manages to stick out from the crowd with its chipper presentation and deeper storytelling style. Couple those elements with some of the best 16-bit spritework we've seen and a killer lineup of awesome boss encounters, and you've got another must-have for the Switch library. It may have been eight years in the making, but this one has certainly been worth the wait; don't miss out on this one.
Nobody would comment on the game without mentioning the outstanding pixel art and top shelf soundtrack...
"Metroid Fusion flashbacks."
Review in Finnish | Read full review
Don't let first impressions fool you. Beneath the bright colours and initially sunny disposition of Iconoclasts lies a game that is going to challenge you in a variety of ways. It will force the best from your quick-twitch-skills, with fast-paced and frenetic combat. It will strain your brain with tricky puzzles and unique boss encounters, and it will also present a world whose obstacles and solutions may even challenge your own ideals and world view. This is an experience that cannot be missed by fans of both 2D action platformers, or by those seeking a greater level of mental and ideological engagement.
Iconoclasts succeeds on delivering a deep and impressive story that is full of surprises. Despite a boring and shallow combat system and the misleading level structure, it is still worth your time and money
Review in Persian | Read full review
Perhaps Iconoclasts just tries to do a bit too much of everything, which is stunning considering it has come from a single person's creative drive, which is so compellingly impressive. A decent edit of the script, fewer bosses and puzzle repetitions, and the rest could have been refined even more. Seven years ago Iconoclasts would have blindingly stood out on its artstyle alone – as it indeed did when announced, but now it has to compete with a plethora of other captivating 2D pixelart games. Luckily for Iconoclasts that, despite its flaws it still stands tall amongst its peers, both recent and its contemporary forebears.
Iconoclasts took me about fourteen to fifteen hours to complete. Around ten hours was fun. However, it’s the other five hours I’ll remember like the frustration of trying to figure out what obscure mechanic I needed to use to progress or the time spent wandering around aimlessly with no direction. Iconoclasts tries its hand at action, puzzles, and Metroidvania and doesn’t commit to any of them. The end result is mediocre.
Iconoclasts is a near-constant delight, offering story that can be charming or silly or insightful, combat that is involved, puzzles that challenge the mind, and a feeling of endless excitement and adventure.
Iconoclasts is a well-made game which reflects the love that has been poured into it so clearly. The game is full of excellent dialogues, deep combat system and scenes that take your breath away.
Review in Persian | Read full review
Iconoclasts was conceived for more than seven years and that shows the affection and details that we will see throughout this narrative adventure with touches of metroidvania.
Review in Spanish | Read full review