Transiruby Review

Transiruby tells the events of a strange continent from a different dimension that has appeared out of nowhere. As she was exploring the galaxy, Siruby, our heroine, and her trusty AI partner Ne-com have taken it upon themselves to explore the new unknown land. What will she uncover?

Transiruby is a 2D pixelated action platformer Metroidvania-like title where players, as Siruby, explore a vast area with their trusty sword and (soon to be found) freeze gun that will allow you to freeze enemies into place and use them as platform to jump on to either progress forward or reach hidden areas. As you progress through the game, our heroine will acquire new skills such as a double jump and the possibility to transform into a plane and a motorbike(!!).

Each area, or realm, offers surprisingly large level to explore and find diamonds, odd looking orb-creatures, solve puzzles and find new skills for our protagonist. Diamonds will allow you to access new areas of the map by unlocking doors which always require a set amount. Thankfully, the map makes it easy by marking the location of the diamonds.

Not only can your gun freeze enemies, but it can also power on certain platforms by shooting them but also unlocking certain areas by shooting a target linked to a door a set amount of times. Additionally, killing frozen enemies also has a 30% drop rate of health items. But take note that your gun doesn’t have unlimited ammo; as once the meter is empty, you’re out. Thankfully, killing enemies will replenish quite often; even when fighting bosses, damaging them or killing their minions will refill your weapon.

The game looks great; beautiful and color and it’s hard to not just smile by looking at the colorful environments. Every area is uniquely designed with its own Metroidvania navigation. The colors are bright and colorful. The soundtrack is a soothing chiptune affair that somehow brought my back to the NES era of gaming; all the while sounding familiar and new at the same time.

While there’s nothing inherently wrong with Transiruby, the game’s biggest emphasis on puzzle solving and exploration as opposed to combat might push some gamers off. Yes there is combat, but it’s not the game’s core mechanics. Checkpoints can be frustrating at times as they often thrown you back to the last save you made or the last chest you opened; so if you haven’t done neither in a while, you might lose some time to backtrack. At least discovered items are still discovered and equipped.

Transiruby is one of those games that you have to experience for yourself; it’s addictive and difficult to put down. Its simplistic combat and navigation makes its a blast to enjoy to. Each level is fun to explore and discovering new hidden areas always feels like a nice surprise whereas unlocking new skills/upgrades will make revisiting previous areas a blast to discover new paths. If you enjoy the Metroidvania genre and/or need a chill little game, Transiruby is a must play.