Wicked Seed: A Nostalgic Dive into Survival Horror’s Past
Where Dreamcast Meets Modern Gaming in a Delightful Dance of Strategy and Spooks
Launch Day Larry
Ah, “Wicked Seed,” a game that feels like it was plucked straight from the golden era of survival horror and given a modern twist. It’s like someone took a Dreamcast, sprinkled in some RPG elements, and then added a dash of tactical combat for good measure. Let’s dive into this indie gem and see what makes it tick—or in some cases, what makes it glitch.
Gameplay: A Strategic Symphony with a Few Off-Key Notes
In “Wicked Seed,” players are treated to a unique blend of real-time and turn-based mechanics that would make even the most seasoned RPG veteran nod in approval. The game avoids the usual pitfalls of endless talent trees and microtransactions, focusing instead on core gameplay elements that evoke a classic video game feel. You control Ella, our protagonist, who uses Energy to activate skills, often requiring Scraps—the game’s currency. This creates a strategic choice between using skills or saving for upgrades, though some skills feel like they were left on the bench for too long.
Combat is where “Wicked Seed” truly shines, with a mix of timed turn-based attacks, parries, and positioning that would make any “Parasite Eve” fan feel right at home. The stagger mechanic is a standout feature, allowing for some truly satisfying takedowns. However, the controls can be a bit clunky, especially if you’re trying to relive your Dreamcast days with a mouse and keyboard. And while the environments are beautifully crafted, they can feel a bit like a ghost town once you’ve cleared out the enemies.
Graphics: A Love Letter to the PlayStation Era
Visually, “Wicked Seed” is a nostalgic trip back to the PlayStation 1 and 2 days, with a style that evokes a strong sense of nostalgia. The art direction is smooth, and the animations are well-executed, creating an enjoyable visual experience. However, the game does have its share of performance hiccups, with unstable FPS and long load times that might make you think your computer is trying to take off.
The main character’s design and world-building are visually appealing, though some textures could use a bit more polish. The camera, unfortunately, seems to have a mind of its own during combat, making it difficult to maintain situational awareness. And while the game runs smoothly on older hardware, it can still cause your computer fans to sound like they’re auditioning for a jet engine role.
Story: A Familiar Tale with a Few New Twists
The narrative of “Wicked Seed” centers on Ella’s quest to find her brother after a mysterious call leads her to a monster-infested area. It’s a straightforward story inspired by classics like “Parasite Eve” and “Resident Evil,” offering a familiar yet simple backdrop for exploration and puzzle-solving. While the story may not win any awards for originality, it does keep players engaged with its slow-burn approach and cliffhangers.
Ella’s character is well-developed, with a backstory that adds depth to her journey. The voice acting, particularly for Ella, is commendable, enhancing the immersion and emotional depth of the story. However, some plot elements remain vague, and the lack of a map can leave players wandering aimlessly, wondering if they’ve taken a wrong turn at Albuquerque.
Final Verdict
“Wicked Seed” is a delightful throwback to the survival horror games of yesteryear, with enough modern twists to keep things interesting. Its gameplay is engaging, the graphics are a nostalgic treat, and the story, while simple, is enough to keep players hooked. However, it does have its share of rough edges, from clunky controls to performance issues. If you’re a fan of classic survival horror and don’t mind a few bumps along the way, “Wicked Seed” is worth planting in your gaming library.
Score: 7.0/10