The Last Case of Benedict Fox - Game Review

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Veteran Game

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199

Published on May 5, 2023 5:00:21 AM ● Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZ79MMniD-g

Game:

The Last Case of Benedict Fox (2023)

Category:

Review

Duration: 2:21

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The Last Case of Benedict Fox - Game Review

Welcome back, Game On Guffaws fans! Today, we're diving into the world of "The Last Case of Benedict Fox", a 2.5D Metroidvania game that boasts a striking sense of style and intriguing puzzles. Sadly, it doesn't quite manage to cover all the fundamentals, resulting in an uneven adventure that can be just as frustrating as it is engaging.

The story revolves around the mysterious death of Benedict's father, with Benedict being accompanied by a demonic companion that can transport him in and out of limbo, a realm representing his father's memories and inner demons. The game's art direction is nothing short of outstanding, offering twisted and nightmarish interpretations of the Fox family manor that are captivating to behold.

However, the combat system is hit and miss, with sluggish controls and unresponsive inputs that often lead to frustrations. Despite the availability of supernatural power upgrades, the combat never feels entirely comfortable, making it something to be endured rather than enjoyed.

Surprisingly, there are very few boss fights, which is a stark contrast to other games in the genre, like Metroid Dread or Hollow Knight. While there are other major beasts to encounter, they are often part of trial-and-error-based platforming chases or sudden-death stealth sequences, none of which leave a feeling of triumph.

The puzzles, on the other hand, are of high quality and offer a cerebral challenge. They involve chessboard puzzles, mathematical riddles, music-based conundrums, and coded symbols. However, the game could benefit from a hint system for those that are too confounding, rather than an auto-solve feature.

Navigation and story progression can be a pain, with objectives often being unclear and a lack of proper signposting. Furthermore, the absence of a mini-map and poor fast-travel options make getting around a chore.

Despite its compelling setting and challenging puzzles, "The Last Case of Benedict Fox" is marred by its mixed execution and control issues. Hindered by ambiguous objectives and poor navigation, it falls short of greatness, leaving us with an experience that's more frustrating than fulfilling. While some flaws might be fixed with post-release patches, in its current state, "The Last Case of Benedict Fox" is a missed opportunity.