If you’re a fan of Team Cherry’s Hollow Knight: Silksong, you’re in the right place.
Perhaps you’ve completed the punishing game and are in the market for something of a similar ilk. Maybe you just want to try a game of that nature at no cost, unsure if this type of challenge is for you.
Whatever brought you here, I have a treat in the form of indie game release Monstro Maestro, a totally free-to-play metroidvania platformer that’s earning rave reviews from players.
Developed by Game Academy, the game places you into the shoes of a conductor who is trapped within “a haunted and crazy mansion”.
“Play as Maestro, a conductor and his traveling troupe who must perform in a mysterious mansion,” the synopsis begins.
“Explore these places filled with melodious rhythms in search of your musicians who have been captured by the mansion’s owner, MONSTRO.
“Prepare to battle various ghostly monsters that inhabit these grounds and unravel the curse that hangs over this mansion.”
Hollow Knight Is One of the Game’s Inspirations
It’s no real surprise that Hollow Knight is mentioned as one of Monstro Maestro’s muses, with Celeste and the Megaman X franchise also shouted out.
As you’ve likely gathered, you’ll need to pull off some precision platforming, fend off a variety of monsters, and ultimately defeat five deadly bosses.
“Face off against the disciples and the master of the domain in unique battles where the fate of your musicians hangs in the balance.”
There are also bells you can collect in the mansion which eventually reveal something called the “Kaiso board challenge” that’ll put your movement and navigation skills to the test.
As you’ve probably guessed, music is a key part of the game.
“Enjoy a unique musical experience thanks to the different types of music that emanate from the location and gameplay. Original soundtrack composed specifically for the game,” devs tease.
As a conductor, your baton actually doubles as a wand and you can use the rhythms around you to imbue it with powerful projectiles.
Already, Monstro Maestro has received a ton of praise from players since its release just several days ago.
It currently, at the time of writing, sits at a perfect Steam user score of 100% and is only available on the PC storefront.
“Very visually inspiring and interesting,” wrote one player, while another added, “The boss fights were really cool in this game and the music was great.”
By all accounts, Monstro Maestro can be completed in a single night, so it shouldn’t add to your backlog. There’s no reason not to give it a go, if you ask me.
