Awaysis: A Physics-Driven Dungeon Brawler That’s Equal Parts Zelda and Looney Tunes

In the ever-expanding world of action RPGs, it’s rare to find a game that doesn’t take itself too seriously while still offering deep, engaging gameplay. Enter Awaysis, an upcoming “dungeon brawler” that’s making waves during the current Steam Next Fest with its unique blend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures, Diablo, and a hefty dose of physics-based chaos.

The Game That’s Redefining Dungeon Crawling

From the moment you start playing Awaysis, it’s clear this isn’t your typical dungeon crawler. The game’s movement system is its standout feature, incorporating slide physics into every fight. You can slide off inclines, soar into the air with enough momentum, and use your speed to add extra punch to your sword strikes. It’s a system that rewards creativity and experimentation, turning each encounter into a potential slapstick comedy routine.

More Than Just a Gimmick

While the physics-based gameplay could easily feel like a gimmick, Awaysis integrates it seamlessly into its core mechanics. The game’s environments are designed with these physics in mind, featuring slides, ramps, and half-pipes that beg to be utilized. Enemies can be knocked into explosive barrels, each other, or off the map entirely, creating moments of pure, unadulterated chaos.

A Visual and Auditory Treat

Awaysis doesn’t just play well; it looks and sounds fantastic too. The game’s art style is reminiscent of a Nicktoons version of classic RPGs like Chrono Trigger or Dragon Quest, with a chunky, cartoonish aesthetic that’s both charming and distinctive. The soundtrack, composed by Hip Tanaka (known for his work on EarthBound, Dr. Mario, and Metroid), is equally impressive. While it doesn’t stick to chiptune stylings, it maintains the funky, bouncy quality that made Tanaka’s earlier work so memorable.

Multiplayer Mayhem

While the current demo only offers local multiplayer, it’s easy to see the potential for online co-op. The game’s chaotic nature seems perfectly suited for multiplayer shenanigans, reminiscent of early ’10s Steam hits like Magicka, Alien Swarm, and Battleblock Theater. Imagine four players sliding around a map, accidentally (or intentionally) knocking each other into bottomless pits while trying to take down hordes of goblins. It’s the kind of emergent gameplay that keeps players coming back for more.

Room for Improvement

It’s worth noting that the demo is still a work in progress. There are some technical issues, including occasional camera glitches and pop-in, but these don’t detract significantly from the overall experience. The “Work In Progress” watermark serves as a reminder that we’re seeing an early version of what could be something truly special.

The Future of Awaysis

As it stands, Awaysis offers a refreshing take on the dungeon crawler genre. Its physics-based gameplay adds a layer of depth and unpredictability that’s often missing from more traditional ARPGs. The game seems to prioritize player expression over guided, prescriptive fights, allowing for a more freeform and enjoyable experience.

Looking ahead, it will be interesting to see how the full game expands on this foundation. Will there be a robust loot system to give each dungeon dive that extra lure? How will the physics-based combat evolve as players gain access to spells, weapon upgrades, and more challenging enemies? These are questions that only time (and hopefully a full release) will answer.

Conclusion

Awaysis is shaping up to be a unique and exciting entry in the action RPG genre. Its blend of classic dungeon crawling with physics-based chaos creates a gameplay experience that’s both familiar and refreshingly new. If the full game can build on the strong foundation laid by the demo, we might just have a new indie darling on our hands.

For those eager to try it out, the Awaysis demo is available now on Steam as part of the Steam Next Fest. Whether you’re a fan of Zelda, Diablo, or just enjoy games that don’t take themselves too seriously, Awaysis is definitely worth checking out.

Tags: Awaysis, dungeon brawler, physics-based gameplay, Steam Next Fest, action RPG, Zelda: Four Swords Adventures, Diablo, slapstick comedy, multiplayer mayhem, Hip Tanaka, Nicktoons aesthetic, emergent gameplay, indie darling

Viral Sentences:

• “Awaysis is what happens when Zelda and Looney Tunes have a baby.”
• “Finally, a dungeon crawler that understands the importance of slide physics.”
• “Forget button-mashing; in Awaysis, it’s all about the perfect slide-and-slash combo.”
• “Who needs traditional combat when you can knock enemies into bottomless pits?”
• “Awaysis proves that sometimes, the best RPGs are the ones that don’t take themselves too seriously.”
• “Prepare for the most chaotic co-op experience since Magicka.”
• “Awaysis: Because every dungeon should feel like a playground.”
• “The game that’s making us rethink everything we know about dungeon crawling.”
• “Awaysis is to ARPGs what Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater is to sports games.”
• “Finally, a game that combines the loot grind of Diablo with the physics fun of Goat Simulator.”

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