Valfaris
A 2D action platformer with a metal soundtrack and demonic homecoming.
Valfaris is a 2D action platformer from developer Steel Mantis and publisher Big Sugar. The story follows Therion, a warrior returning to his home world, which has fallen into chaos. He sets out to uncover what happened, destroy its demonic inhabitants, and kill his father. The game launched for Windows and Nintendo Switch on October 10, 2019, with PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions following in November. Merge Games handled physical distribution for the PlayStation 4 and Switch editions that same month. An Amazon Luna version arrived in December 2020. The soundtrack was composed by Curt Victor Bryant, a former guitarist for the extreme metal band Celtic Frost.
In gameplay, Therion wields a sword and a plasma pistol that fires in eight directions, plus a heavy gun and a shield. Using the shield or heavy gun drains an energy meter, which refills by killing enemies or looting supply caches. The shield blocks incoming fire but locks Therion in place; timing it right can deflect projectiles back at foes. Weapons are upgraded at shrines using blood metal, which increases fire rate or sword reach. These shrines also serve as checkpoints, activated by a green token called a Resurrection Idol found in levels. Saving up enough idols grants higher health and energy, and they are not lost upon death.
Steel Mantis, previously known for *Slain: Back from Hell*, first revealed *Valfaris* with a trailer at E3 2017, originally targeting a 2018 release on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. A 30-minute gameplay trailer in 2018 showcased weapons, the saving system, and upgrades. The game appeared at PAX West 2018 as part of the Indie Megabooth, and a demo was shown at Gamescom. Publisher Digerati later confirmed a Nintendo Switch version. It was also featured at EGX 2018. Another demo appeared at the 2019 Game Developers Conference, and a trailer aired during the PC Gaming Show at E3 2019. Steel Mantis displayed a model of the Bringer of Mayhem weapon. Physical copies from Merge Games launched in November 2019 as a standard edition and a Digital Deluxe Edition, which included signed artwork, the soundtrack, an artbook, two pins, and an art card.
Critics gave *Valfaris* generally favorable reviews, according to Metacritic. *Famitsu* scored it 31 out of 40 (8, 8, 8, 7).
Quick Facts
- Title
- Valfaris
- Developer
- Steel Mantis
- Publisher
- Big Sugar
- Platforms
- Microsoft Windows · Nintendo Switch · Xbox One · PlayStation 4 · Amazon Luna
- Released
- Windows, Switch · October 10, 2019 · PlayStation 4 · November 5, 2019 · Xbox One · November 8, 2019 · Amazon Luna · December 3, 2020
- Genre
- Action, platform
- Modes
- Single-player
- Director
- Andrew Gilmour
- Programmer
- Thomas Jenns
- Composer
- Curt Victor Bryant
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Valfaris follows Therion, a warrior who returns to his home of Valfaris to find it in chaos. He embarks on a journey to discover what happened, destroy its demonic inhabitants, and kill his father. The game was developed by Steel Mantis, the studio behind Slain: Back from Hell, and was first revealed via a trailer at E3 2017. Originally scheduled for 2018, it was delayed and shown at multiple events including PAX West 2018, Gamescom, EGX 2018, and the 2019 Game Developers Conference. Physical copies for PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch were distributed by Merge Games in November 2019, and an Amazon Luna version arrived in December 2020.
Reader's Guide
Valfaris received generally favorable reviews on Metacritic, with a Famitsu score of 31 out of 40. Critics praised the platforming sections, weapon variety, visuals, and boss fights, but noted that enemies respawned too quickly and some desired a dodge button. The game's extreme metal soundtrack by Curt Victor Bryant was widely complimented. The Resurrection Idol checkpoint system was seen as a helpful saving mechanic, though some felt the game had design and technical flaws. A sequel, Valfaris: Mecha Therion, was released on November 21, 2023 for PC and consoles, shifting to a 2.5D shoot 'em up genre. Steel Mantis originally planned a sequel to Slain! but chose to make a Valfaris sequel instead.
Did You Know?
- The game's soundtrack was composed by former Celtic Frost guitarist Curt Victor Bryant.
- Therion's shield can reflect projectiles if used at the correct time.
- Resurrection Idols are green tokens used to activate checkpoints and are not lost upon death.
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