Reign of Kings (2015)

A low price tag doesn't excuse the low amount of effort put into Ascent of Kings. Everything works on a technical level, but it's just so unimaginative that it can't justify a second play-through, let alone a first. It's a meandering mess of ideas taken from far better platformers, blended together in an hour-long hurricane that destroys any and all quality in its path. There's simply no appeal to the MS Paint drawn world that's been created; it's a boring and thoughtless mini-disaster that should just be ignored and forgotten.

Its lack of character and content are a real obstacle after the first entertaining moments around the game, as Ascent of Kings features very little in terms of plot and charm that could keep the players holding on to its decent gameplay.

Just because it's simplified, doesn't mean that it's a simple game, mind you. After all, you are trying to become the new King; of course it won't be simple. That's what makes this title so charming. With its pleasant visuals and nice soundtrack to back it up, Nostatic Software has cooked up a nice little retro adventure that's definitely worth the more than generous $1.99 price-tag.

Full 100% completion, for us, took roughly 45 minutes. At $2 USD - at launch - it's hard to say if that's worth your time or not. Responsive controls and an old-school style of teachings (without tutorials) harkens back to the "good ol' days" of platforming on the NES. Unfortunately, Ascent of Kings can at times feel sparse, and it doesn't exactly scream replayability; that's an issue for a game that can be completed so quickly.