Shera and the 40 Thieves

About

Shera and the 40 Thieves is a retro-styled platformer with puzzle elements that challenges you to navigate treacherous environments while solving environmental obstacles. You play as Sarzha, a lone hero racing against a time-based ritual to rescue his mother from a corrupted magician. The game blends traditional 2D platforming with timed challenges, requiring precise jumps and quick thinking to bypass traps and enemies. Each level is packed with hazards and logic-based puzzles that demand multiple attempts, making progress feel earned through persistence. The game stands out for its tight retro aesthetic and punishing difficulty curve, which has divided players but earned praise from niche audiences. While the story is straightforward, the NES-inspired visuals and chiptune soundtrack add charm, especially given the developer’s history with game music. With a 72% completion rate reported by players, it’s a title that tests skill more than patience, appealing to those who enjoy old-school challenge without hand-holding. The 40 Thieves themselves serve as both narrative foes and gameplay hurdles, often blocking paths with shifting platforms and timed attacks.

Storyline

50 years ago, the evil magician known as Malice appeared and within days blighted the land and corrupted its people. Seeking greater power, he discovered the half-genie known as Shera who's power was pure and sent his 40 Thieves to steal her away so to absorb her power. Shera's son, Sarzha, is the only one left who is unaffected by Malice's blight. Armed with only a ring that staves off death, Sarzha marches into Malice's stronghold alone to save his mother - but time is not on his side. Malice's ritual to absorb Shera is nearly complete, and unless Sarzha can reach her in time she will be lost - and Malice will rule the land, forever.