Valfaris

About Valfaris

Valfaris is a 2D action-platformer released by Steel Mantis in October 2019. It follows Therion, a warrior returning to his home fortress after it vanished and reappeared near a dying sun filled with darkness. This game brings the heavy metal vibe that defined their previous title Slain: Back From Hell into a pixel art shooter experience. You navigate through brutal levels filled with deadly enemies while blasting away with an arsenal of weapons. The title launched on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch as a single-player adventure. It costs as little as $2.49 during sales events. The visual style relies on detailed sprites and the soundtrack features aggressive music to match the chaotic combat.

Gameplay

You move Therion through side-scrolling levels where you shoot everything in sight or cut it down with your blade. Combat feels fast and demanding because one mistake often means instant death. You collect health packs and upgrade your gun by finding power-ups scattered throughout each stage. The game forces you to master dodging and parrying since enemies swarm quickly. Each level ends with a boss fight that requires pattern recognition and quick reflexes. You can replay stages to find hidden areas or chase better times for specific achievements. The controls are tight, allowing for precise jumps and directional attacks during intense firefights.

What Players Think

Players and critics have responded strongly to Valfaris since launch. Metacritic gives it an 81 out of 100 while IGDB lists a score of 80.9 based on 27 ratings. The community moods lean heavily toward appreciation for the difficulty and style. Average playtime sits around 12 hours for a standard run, but completionists spend much longer hunting secrets. Only 35 achievements exist in the game, with an average unlock rate of just 15.4 percent. Speed King stands out as the hardest challenge since only 1.40 percent of players have unlocked it. Review snippets often mention the punishing nature of the gameplay and the high quality of the pixel art visuals.

PlayPile's Take

This game suits players who enjoy challenging action games with fast-paced combat and heavy metal aesthetics. The price point of $2.49 makes it an easy buy even if you do not finish all 35 achievements. You will spend most of your time trying to beat the Speed King achievement or surviving tough boss fights. It is not a game for casual relaxation since the difficulty spikes frequently. Steel Mantis delivered a tight shooter that respects the player's time by keeping levels focused and intense. Grab it on sale if you want a short, brutal run through a dying fortress.

Storyline

"After mysteriously vanishing from galactic charts, the fortress of Valfaris has suddenly reappeared in the orbit of a dying sun. Once a self-contained paradise, the grandiose citadel now plays host to an ever-growing darkness. Therion, a fearless and proud son of Valfaris, returns to his home to uncover the truth of its doomed fate and to challenge the arcane evil at its very heart."