I think I speak for everyone when I say we all have a fond memory of a 2d platformer. I absolutely cannot fathom having played video games at some point in your life and not experiencing one. Whether it’s widely known, such as the iconic Mario or Megaman, or slightly more obscure like Bebe’s Kids and Commander Keen, we all have our personal favorites.

Nostalgia is something that everyone has but can only truly be appreciated by the respective beholder. Leave it to these beloved experiences to keep us continually coming back these simpler times! Two of my personal favorites that I still go back and play are Bubble Bobble and Duck Tales. Whether it’s the music, gameplay, characters, or memories, they become a part of you. This is why it’s a fact that games like these will never die. Let’s discuss a ‘new’ game that you may want to add to your own list: The Adventures of Elena Temple.

Developer: GrimTalin

Publisher: GRIMTALIN

2.5 Hours played // Digital // Nintendo Switch Version – Review Copy // Price – $4.99

The Icon is the title screen of the game, split into three views making up the whole screen

The first question you may be wondering is, “Who is Elena Temple?” Elena Temple is an explorer and an adventurer. She traverses the depths of trap-filled corridors in search of treasure. Miss Temple is fearless. Wielding only a two-shot pistol and a sharp wit she will overcome any obstacle that comes her way. This is where you come in!

As the player in The Adventures of Elena Temple, you assume the role of Elena. The story is simple – you are exploring an unknown temple in search of riches. I think like her already. Oh, the spoils to be enjoyed! They come in the form of both coins and gems. Some are easily visible, but others not so much. If you wish to make it out alive (and richer) get ready to conquer the 50+ platforming areas that wait!

Each room within this crypt-like maze presents a set of challenges for the player to overcome. Some require precise jumps while others require firing off a couple well-placed rounds. Still others warrant pressing certain buttons or finding hidden passages through weakened walls. The one factor that you will find persisting throughout all rooms is timing.

In The Adventures of Elena Temple timing and coordination are essential! There are in total 120 coins and 8 gems strewn across death-riddled areas. Stationary and moving spikes glimmer in anticipation. Disappearing and crumbling platforms find pleasure in your ill-timed movements. Objective-guarded areas will not hesitate to remind you that you are not worthy…yet. These are only a few of the things to worry about.

On top of this, you must also fend off rattle snakes poised to take advantage of your missteps. Be sure to take care to avoid the oversized bats flying around looking to make you their next meal. Trust in your instincts and in your firearm. The necessary movement in this game proves to be very methodical without the slightest hint of imprecision. Do not falter and you may live to see another day.

Though relatively simple, the other factor in this game is inventory management. The great thing is that there are only two things with which you need to concern yourself for success: your ammunition and your map. Your ammunition will help you get past obstacles and enemies blocking your path. Bullets will also break pots that may contain coins, or open up new paths! You can also use bullets to activate buttons that may not be able to be reached by traditional means.

With a maximum of two bullets in your magazine, you need to make each shot count. Luckily, they are easily replenished by finding bullets lying around the different rooms. Those specific spots where bullets are found reset with a new supply each time you exit and re-enter the room. Use this to your advantage but remember that breakable obstacles regenerate (minus walls) and enemies respawn as well! You’ll enjoy this type of simplicity in the gameplay and the details in its mastery.

From a technical aspect The Adventures of Elena Temple runs flawlessly. There were no instances of glitches, skipping, crashes, etc. ever. Also, the game incorporates an auto-save function! This will assist you in keeping your progress up to date with each room you discover or treasure you collect. The in-game menu is easy to read and use, and will display your current progress in the temple. Buttons and movement respond immediately, regardless of playing docked or handheld. Last but not least you even get a choice of how you want the game to look as you play.

Yes, you heard correctly! It does not affect the gameplay in any way but you get to choose your favorite classic style. Do you want to feel like you’re playing on old Macintosh style computer? There’s an option for that. Enjoy that night-friendly DOS look? Have at it. No idea what that is? Feel free to enjoy the classic Gameboy feel, look, and gameplay available to you in this game. Each style of screen comes with a custom border of a cozy, homely-looking background. Seeing this is a nice (albeit somewhat humorous) touch that really put you in the scene as you play.

Overall, The Adventures of Elena Temple does exactly what it sets out to do – nothing more and nothing less. There is a simple side to me that really appreciates this fact. Could more have been implemented? Absolutely. This being said, is there anything missing? I would argue that there is not. It emulates the classic 2D adventures we grew up with perfectly.

If you’re looking for innovation in the game itself you won’t find it here. Are you searching for a fun little adventure that knows exactly what it wants? With Elena, that’s what you’ll receive. It’s challenging and accessible without being frustrating. It’s cryptic with some strategy involved.

I’d just like to make a couple of great last minute points here to wrap things up. One, there is no way to get yourself stuck leaving a restart as the only option. Two, you’ll be pleased to find there are unlimited lives with no real penalties. This gives you confidence is trying different approaches. Three, the game isn’t terribly long as I spent just under 3 hours exploring the depths in search of riches and had a great time. Finally, number four: All the while you get to enjoy a nice soundtrack. This ties the experience together in a nice, no-frills package for anyone to enjoy.

Thanks to you for joining me in my review of The Adventures of Elena Temple. I hope you enjoyed it and learned something about a game that could be easily overlooked. We here at Nindie Nexus want to thank you, however you found us, for spending some time here with us. We try and bring the best independent, impartial reviews for Nindies on the Nintendo Switch.

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