While fans of the genre would inevitably argue that there could never be enough, while they got off to a slow start there are now quite a wonderful diversity of Metroidvania titles on the system. We’ve had tough-as-nails takes, more friendly budget offerings, and a little of everything in between. Order of the Alchemists, much like its predecessor Dracula’s Revenge, sort of charts out its own path in the space, with a decidedly more retro-style romp that honors specific aspects of the Castlevania legacy in particular.

There’s no question that the developer behind this effort is passionate about the genre and in trying to honor the legacy of what has come before. The general tone is pretty dark and brooding, the soundtrack has a classic feel, and the signature use of your chain whip can be fun. While perhaps the animations and all could be a bit more complete and fluid, they do at least have a degree of artistic flair I appreciate as well. While I’d consider the challenge a little uneven, I can’t say that the games it is trying to align itself with were terribly different, so even that can work.

All that said, since the genre has moved on, it doesn’t take too long to see some of the game’s self-imposed limitations and lack of variety hurt it. Even some of the other very retro-styled Metroidvanias I’ve played, that feel determined to try to honor the classic look and feel from previous generations, typically have had the sense to implement some quality of life improvements in order to better align themselves with the modern marketplace. The steadfast desire to remain a little more true is apparent here, which is a move I can appreciate on some level and respect, but I’d argue it’s also inherently limiting and makes the gameplay itself a little more bland and forgettable despite the other efforts.