Dustforce is a gem in the rough. A relatively unseen, unknown game that blows away many AAA titles released today, just out of sheer love and attention by the developers.

Finely tuned. That's the most accurate description that comes to mind when I think of what it feels like to play Dustforce. In the same way that you can pick up Smash Bros for the very first time, or be a veteran who knows every combo, and still have an absolute blast, this game delievers an identical experiece on depth of fun. There is a brief tutorial in the beginning of the game to familiarize players with the most basic mechanics, but then they do a wonder of teaching through experience. The levels ramp in difficulty, from "so easy my blind grandma could do it" to "you're going to have to practice this one for 8 hours if you want to finish it". That sounds like a barrier, in a world where we feel the need to play every game until completion, but it's quite freeing in practice. You finally get to play what's fun. If you like the easiest, relaxing levels, there's something here for you. If you like mind-numblingly difficult ones, they've got you covered. And when you're done with all of those? Swing over to their website for thousands of user-created cakewalks and nightmares.

You can see for yourself, this game is beautiful. Lovingly crafted, the look perfectly complimenting the gameplay. Every animation, every character, every enemy, is an absolute joy to watch. As you speed around the levels sweeping up dust, leaves, and other grime, you'll feel a sense of ease and relaxation. It's odd to say for a game that can be so challenging and difficult, but how could you not when even the color pallete is perfectly chosen.

A masterpiece. You can hear it in the trailer, but it doesn't do it quite the same justice as playing the game with it running in the background. If you would like to give the entire thing a listen, you can do so here.

If you take the time and put in the effort to become good at this game, it's like magic. Like water flowing through your hands, or painting gorgeous works of art. One movement glides into another, no infurating bugs to ruin your progress, no janky mechanics to kill your zen-like trance. Dustforce let's you feel like you've mastered it, in a way that very few do.

Just buy the game, sit down for a good session, and hopefully you'll see what I saw in this title when I first played it many years ago.




Old Review
This game is truly a masterpiece regarding mechanics and soundtrack. The depth and skill level required for some of the bonus levels is mind-boggling, and it's the most satisfying feeling to climb up the leaderboards and compete against your friends. I highly recommend this to anyone who likes smooth, mechanics-based platformers.