Emily Irish

Fallen Leaf: A Nostalgic Adventure Reviving Retro Platforming Charm

Retro-inspired platformers have been gaining significant popularity recently, and Fallen Leaf is the latest addition that continues this trend. This new game, which debuted on July 15, offers a side-scrolling adventure filled with tight, action-packed levels set in an imaginative world where the rules are flexible.

The game features magical, upgradeable gauntlets, vibrant towns populated by colorful characters, a captivating chiptune soundtrack, and over 70 stages rendered in pixel art. These elements contribute to the game's nostalgic appeal, drawing inspiration from classics like Mega Man and Shovel Knight.

The developer, Delta Shore Games, released a trailer that immediately evoked comparisons to Mega Man's shooting mechanics and Shovel Knight's challenging gameplay. The game's main character, Leaf, along with other unlockable characters, wield slow-projectile weapons reminiscent of Rockman's armgun. The levels are reportedly filled with numerous secrets and modern elements akin to Shovel Knight.

On Steam, the game has received highly positive feedback, boasting a 'Very Positive' rating with 95% of reviews being favorable. Although there are fewer than 100 reviews, this high approval rate is impressive.

Players praise the game for its homage to classic 8-bit games while incorporating quality-of-life improvements. Reviews highlight the well-designed platforming elements, noting that Fallen Leaf successfully captures the essence of older classics. Additionally, the game has drawn comparisons to titles such as Kirby Dreamland and Super Mario Bros 3, alongside the more frequently mentioned Mega Man and Shovel Knight.

Following the success of this new Mega Man-like platformer and the announcement of an SRPG spin-off, the indie developer has teased four more retro-inspired projects currently in development.