Metroidvanias are an interesting genre of games because there is so much that can be done with them. Gothic fantasy Metroidvanias are common thanks to inspiration from Castlevania, while others take the lead from Metroid such as Axiom Verge. But then you have games that truly test the limits of what can be done in a game using the Metroidvania genre, and games that use the Metroidvania genre to explore different environments. Pronty is one of these games, being set under the sea and as an aquatic-based game, finds opportunities for gameplay that other games cannot match.
The game sees you play as the titular Pronty, a creature created to protect the undersea city of Royla from various forms of hostile and mutated sea life and takes us on a unique journey. One comparison that can be made is that Pronty is similar in many ways to a twin-stick shooter, but there are some key differences. While you control Pronty, you also are accompanied by the robotic swordfish Bront who is used to actually fight the enemies and remove barriers, and Bront is controlled with the right control stick.
This may feel unusual at first, but there is a lot of flexibility in the movement and the controls do not really take a long time to get used to. Of course, as you continue to play, you will encounter the usual trappings of a Metroidvania such as new abilities, but these are handled slightly differently here. Various abilities can be equipped using a memory board at a save area, but there is a limited amount that can be equipped, and they must be swapped out depending on the situation and area you find yourself in, as the strategy may be completely different than before.
The game has a great variety of enemies, which is great to see since the ocean is home to a wide variety of life forms in real life. And just like in real life, the creatures you will encounter can range from silly-looking and kind of funny, to horrifying entities that you will want to get past as quickly as you possibly can. This great sense of design is also present in the boss battles, which are epic encounters that have the right amount of detail and attention and will keep you on your toes as you try and defeat them.
One great thing about Pronty is that it fully uses its setting to create a memorable game. The underwater setting allows for a wide range of environments, such as the city of Royla itself, which has a look that calls to mind both cyberpunk fiction and classic underwater stories, while also using many aspects of the Sea to its full advantage by showcasing both beautiful and terrifying locales that will excite the eyes. The ears are also in for a treat as the music and sound effects are great and while minimalist, create the perfect atmosphere for underwater exploration, and you may just want to look around for a bit at times.
The area where Pronty finds itself lacking is the story, as it comes off as rather simplistic at times while trying to cram many details into random scraps of information you may find through hidden documents and collectibles. This hurts Pronty as the game feels like it deserves proper traditional storytelling in order to work, while not giving enough to appreciate the details as it is. Still, this is not enough to sink the game, as the overall experience is a decent one with good gameplay and ambience.
Pronty is a game that manages to stand out among the vast sea of Metroidvania titles and shows what can really be done with the genre. Yes, there are some rough spots, such as the story, but the overall game is fun, with great combat, visuals and music. This is one that is easy to recommend, because it manages to elevate its genre in some interesting ways, and gives you a neat sense of freedom and exploration in the process. A fun time to be had for sure.
Disclaimer: A review key was provided.
