Mindseize Review (Nintendo Switch)

by Jim Smale · Published October 13, 2020 · Updated October 21, 2020

MindSeize is a 2D Metroidvania game set in a Sci-Fi-universe. Transfer your mind to a robot and rescue your beloved one.

Pros:

Fantastic pixel art graphics.
1.8gb download size.
Seven save slots.
Two game modes-story boss mode.
Easy mode-on/off.
Can rebind controls.
General settings-screen shake, press left/right twice to dash, a pan camera on crouch, and weather/fog effects.
Metroidvania platformer gameplay.
Map uncovers as you play.
Opening tutorial cave system with pop-ups later on or when something new is discovered.
Six-way shooting.
Save points-use to craft health items and suit upgrades, as well as each, save point acting as a save point.
Metroid inspired by both gameplay and appearance.
Can grab onto ledges.
Earn new abilities as you play like sliding, wall jumping, and canceling actions.
Enemies respawn when you leave the screen.
Enemies drop cash and scrap that is used to buy upgrades and crafting.
Different biomes housing different enemy types.
Big boss battles.
Damage numbers pop on screen.
Solid responsive controls.
No penalties for playing on easy.
Overall map coverage percentage.
Play how you want.
A lot of fun to play.
Really suits the portability aspect of the Nintendo Switch.
Boss mode is a boss rush mode available after finishing the game.
Drone-you have a sidekick and can buy new skins for them at save points.

Mindseize Review (Nintendo Switch)

Cons:

No touchscreen support.
Little guidance on how to progress.
Difficulty spikes.
Bosses can whack the difficulty up.
A lot of tedious wall jumping sections or platforms that disappear and reappear.
Flying enemies are terrible and have ridiculous hitboxes.
Can stretch your patience in places for the backtracking

Mindseize Review (Nintendo Switch)

8/10

Graphics - 8/10
8/10

Sound - 8/10
7/10

Accessibility - 7/10
8/10

Length - 8/10
8/10

Fun Factor - 8/10

7.8/10

Summary

Mindseize makes no bones about it, this is a love letter to the Metroid series. Straight from the off you know you are getting a Metroidvania and one that will just consume time like no other. After a brief tutorial, you are allowed to go and play how you want, the world is very open and new abilities are not just tied to boss fights so you can stumble over new powers allowing even more exploration. The game does have some magnificent bosses’ minds, the combat is straight forward and for that, the game is definitely one that grabs you immediately. It uses all the Metroidvania tropes you would expect like how the map works, how the bosses operate etc. Overall mindseize is more than a Metroid clone or love letter, mindseize is its own thing, its own identity, and it’s a solid fun Metroidvania that must be experienced.