Akatori Metroidvania Review: Mastering Mako’s Staff and Saving the Realms
A comprehensive Akatori metroidvania review covering combat, staff abilities, Bells of Chaos progression, and exploration across five corrupted realms.
Akatori has finally arrived on Steam and major consoles, and fans of the genre are eager to see if it lives up to the hype generated during its development. In this Akatori metroidvania review, we dive deep into the mystical world of Mako and her firebird companion to see how this title stands out in a crowded market. Whether you are a seasoned platforming veteran or a newcomer looking for a vibrant new world, this Akatori metroidvania review will cover everything from the core combat mechanics to the hidden collectibles scattered across its five distinct biomes.
Developed by Contrast Games and published by Games Harbor and Esprit Games, Akatori is a 2D action-platformer that blends traditional exploration with high-octane staff-based combat. The game places players in the shoes of Mako, a young battle monk raised in the Firebird Temple, who must navigate a world falling apart under the weight of the "Amber Storms." These storms are not just weather patterns; they are a corrupting force that poisons all living things, turning nature into something twisted and dangerous.
The World of Akatori and the Amber Storms
The narrative of Akatori is deeply tied to its environmental design. The world is built around the concept of "Amber," a crystal that serves as both the foundation of civilization's technological development and its ultimate curse. As Mako, you are tasked with stopping the Amber Storms that threaten to consume five interconnected realms.
Each region in the game offers a unique aesthetic and mechanical challenge. From the serene heights of the Akatori Monastery to the claustrophobic depths of the Amber Mines, the level design encourages backtracking and secret-hunting—hallmarks of a great metroidvania. The game features a "Very Positive" reception on Steam, with players frequently praising the visual fidelity and the smooth transition between different eras and biomes.
Regional Breakdown and Exploration
| Region Name | Primary Biome | Key Challenges | Community Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Akatori Monastery | High-altitude temple | Vertical platforming, basic monk enemies | The starting area; great for practicing staff glides. |
| Amber Castle | Gothic architecture | Heavy armor enemies, tricky trap rooms | Look for hidden passages behind tapestries. |
| Amber Mines | Underground catacombs | Low visibility, environmental hazards | High density of Chaos Points can be found here. |
| Amber Forest | Twisted nature | Poisonous flora, fast-moving beasts | Requires the Staff Glide ability for safe traversal. |
| Amber Plant | Industrial/Bizarre | Mechanical puzzles, levitating platforms | The most complex platforming section in the late game. |
Gameplay Mechanics: The Versatile Staff
The standout feature discussed in almost every Akatori metroidvania review is Mako’s staff. Early in the game, Mako discovers a staff containing a sealed red bird. This isn't just a simple stick; it is a multi-functional tool that evolves as you progress. The staff serves as your primary weapon, your movement anchor, and your key to solving environmental puzzles.
Combat in Akatori is fast and rhythmic. With over 20 types of regular enemies and several unique bosses, you cannot simply button-mash your way to victory. You must learn to use the staff to deflect projectiles, pull enemies toward you, and unleash shockwaves. The "Staff Return and Strike" mechanic is particularly satisfying, allowing Mako to throw her weapon and have it deal damage on its way back, similar to a boomerang.
For traversal, the staff allows Mako to glide across large gaps and slide down steep slopes. This verticality is essential for reaching the game’s many secrets, including the hidden cat spirits that are tucked away in each region.
Core Staff Abilities
| Ability Name | Function | Unlock Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Dodge & Counter | Avoid damage and strike back instantly | Early-game Bell of Chaos |
| Deflect | Parries incoming projectiles back at foes | Bell of Chaos Shrine |
| Rapid Attacks | Increases the speed of light attack combos | Chaos Point Investment |
| Enemy Pull | Drags distant enemies into melee range | Mid-game progression |
| Shockwave | A ground-slam that deals AoE damage | High-tier Chaos upgrade |
| Staff Return | Thrown staff returns to Mako, hitting enemies | Advanced combat unlock |
| Staff Glide | Slows descent to clear massive gaps | Exploration milestone |
Progression and the Bells of Chaos
Unlike some metroidvanias that rely purely on finding items in the world, Akatori utilizes a structured upgrade system centered around the Bells of Chaos. As Mako defeats enemies and explores the world, she collects Chaos Points. These points are spent at various shrines to unlock new staff abilities and stat boosts.
The "Bells of Chaos" system allows for a degree of player choice. While some abilities are mandatory for progression (like the glide or certain puzzle-solving tools), others allow you to tailor Mako’s combat style. If you prefer a defensive playstyle, you might prioritize the "Health Boost" and "Deflect" upgrades. If you enjoy aggressive, high-risk gameplay, the "Rapid Attacks" and "Counterattack" nodes will be your primary focus.
Community reports suggest that fully clearing the Amber Mines early on is the most efficient way to farm Chaos Points if you find yourself struggling with a particular boss. The game also features an adjustable difficulty setting, making it accessible to those who want to focus on the story and exploration without the punishing combat difficulty often associated with the genre.
Collectibles and Achievements
For the completionists, Akatori offers plenty of reasons to revisit old areas. There are 31 Steam achievements to hunt down, ranging from story milestones like "The Abbot's Mission" to combat feats like "Mako Got Stronger."
One of the more charming aspects of the game is the search for hidden cats. Each region contains a specific number of these feline friends. While they don't directly impact Mako’s combat stats, finding them all is a significant part of the 100% completion requirement. Additionally, players can find the "Amber Globe" souvenir, a rare item that serves as a testament to your journey through the corrupted lands.
Achievement Highlights
- On the Run: Awarded for completing the first major escape sequence.
- But the Book Tells a Different Story: Found by discovering a specific lore document in the Amber Castle.
- Cat Rescuer: (Community Title) Awarded for finding all hidden cats in a single region.
Technical Performance and Accessibility
Contrast Games has ensured that Akatori runs smoothly across a wide variety of hardware. During our Akatori metroidvania review testing, we found that even the minimum requirements are quite modest, making it an excellent choice for players with older PCs or handheld devices like the Steam Deck.
The developers highly recommend playing with a controller (Xbox or PlayStation) to get the most out of the tight platforming and combat. However, a "Keyboard Only" option is available for those who prefer it. The game also includes several accessibility features, such as custom volume controls, stereo sound, and the removal of Quick Time Events (QTEs).
System Requirements
| Feature | Minimum Requirement | Recommended Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 (64-bit) | Windows 10 (64-bit) |
| Processor | Intel Core i3-6100 | Intel Core i5-3470 |
| Memory | 6 GB RAM | 8 GB RAM |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GT 740 (2GB) | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 (2GB) |
| Storage | 10 GB available space | 10 GB available space |
Final Verdict: Is Akatori Worth Your Time?
After spending significant time with the game, our Akatori metroidvania review conclusion is overwhelmingly positive. The game successfully balances a beautiful, hand-crafted art style with deep, rewarding gameplay systems. The staff mechanic feels fresh in a genre that often relies on standard swords or blasters, and the world-building regarding the Amber Storms provides a compelling reason to push forward.
The soundtrack is another high point, featuring an adaptive score that shifts in intensity based on the action on screen. Whether you are gliding through the Akatori Monastery or fighting for your life against a unique boss, the music enhances the atmosphere perfectly.
If you are looking for a new adventure that honors the traditions of the genre while introducing its own unique flavor, you can find Akatori on Steam or via the Contrast Games official site. With its introductory discounts and various bundles (including pairings with other indie hits like GRIME and GRIS), there has never been a better time to start Mako's journey.
In an era where many indie titles can feel derivative, this Akatori metroidvania review stands by the game's originality and polish. It is a testament to what a small, dedicated team can achieve when they focus on tight mechanics and a cohesive world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What platforms is Akatori available on?
Akatori is available on PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. The developers have also mentioned plans for compatibility with the upcoming Switch 2.
How long does it take to beat Akatori?
While playtime varies based on skill and exploration, a standard playthrough typically takes 12 to 15 hours. Completionists looking to find all hidden cats and unlock all 31 achievements can expect to spend 20+ hours in the game.
Is Akatori difficult for beginners?
While the game features challenging boss fights, it includes an "Adjustable Difficulty" setting. This allows players to enjoy the Akatori metroidvania review experience at their own pace, whether they want a punishing challenge or a more relaxed exploration of the five realms.
Does Akatori have any active promo codes?
Currently, there are no active promo codes for in-game items or currency in Akatori. The game relies on in-game progression through Chaos Points and exploration. For any future updates regarding community rewards, players should follow the official Steam news page or the developer's social media channels.