Geek Review: Imp Of The Sun

Action-platformers are one of video games’ oldest genres, and it is quite clear how it has survived to this day and age. Testing players’ skills in navigating across levels of varying difficulty and design, it is a simple enough concept with plenty of room to switch things up. With an established formula, it then comes down to everything else that helps make a game stand out, and for Sunwolf Entertainment and Fireshine Games’ Imp of the Sun, the cultural aspect of it stood out the most.

In an adventure inspired by Peruvian culture, players take on the role of Nin, an imp created using the last of the Sun’s remaining power as the world enters into an Eternal Eclipse. The only way to stop the darkness is to defeat the four Keepers and restore the Sun’s power.

With such a remit, the action begins and much of Imp of the Sun revolves around the platforming action that awaits players. With the freedom of choosing whichever of the four worlds you want to explore first, Nin can move quickly through levels with well-timed jumps and dashes, and it is easy to get the hang of moment-to-moment gameplay in this indie title. Soon, players will also unlock more abilities such as a double jump or wall jumps to overcome more difficult obstacles that stand in the way of saving the world.

While such platforming sections are not exactly groundbreaking, the overall level design in Imp of the Sun does enough to keep things moving at a brisk but still entertaining pace. With a full complement of abilities, it can become a whirlwind of movement as you chain different abilities together in order to get to your next objective. Even as it is predictable at times, the game still retains a sense of fun.

On the occasion that Nin finds itself up against certain puzzles that need solving, the imp is able to utilise its Inner Fire, the power of flames, as a useful resource in addition to its nimbleness. As you progress further into the game, more abilities will be added to your arsenal, allowing for even more exploration. This is key if you are seeking to obtain all of the optional collectibles, but also vital for level progression at the later stages. 

The order of the worlds that players choose to visit may differ, which may also result in different abilities and upgrades available at any given time. So while there may not be a set order, your choices may result in a more difficult or easier time, but it is nothing too drastic that can stop you in your tracks.

Of course, saving the world in Imp of the Sun is not just about overcoming obstacles, it will require some magical fisticuffs as well. Nin is quite adept at dealing out the hurt, and most enemies can be defeated by learning their patterns and striking when an opportunity presents itself. 

In a sense, it continues the game’s tried and tested approach to mechanics that serve to keep players on the move while providing a taste of something different every once in a while. There will also be special foes that require a little more work to overcome, and bosses will need Nin to be at its best form. Clever use of Inner Fire for both attack and defence will be the biggest challenge for players, but it never gets too challenging. 

Combat also suffers from the same issue present throughout Imp of the Sun, with it being repetitive to a fault, especially since you can button mash your way to success, while issues with hit detection do not help either. Thankfully, the platforming and exploration remain the bigger draw, with Peruvian cultures being the creative bedrock.

From the bright peaks of the Andean mountains to the dense Amazonian jungles, the art and visual direction of Imp of the Sun are pretty impressive, with vibrant colours helping to bring everything to life. It helps that everything is hand-drawn too, giving the kind of details that just pops off the screen.

Continuing the celebration of the civilisations that once called the land home, the optional artefacts called Quipus and other hidden items are well worth hunting down. The former provides more context through ancient records, while the latter is based on real relics from the Andean cultures. Either way, you will be learning plenty as you try to restore the Sun to its full glory.

With a short run time of around 5-8 hours, Imp of the Sun never outstays its welcome, providing just enough of a fun time running and jumping around while defeating various enemies. Although the game does not break any new ground, its cultural significance and the excellent visuals do help mask some of its deficiencies, and for that alone, it is enough to warrant a visit to South America with Nin.

Imp of the Sun is available on the US PSN Store for US$19.99.