To classify Iconoclasts is an enigma in itself. Some say adventure platformer, some say Metroidvania. Others believe it is very much a ‘plotformer’.

Honestly, I have been looking forward to Iconoclasts for a long time. A really long time. So, when it was announced that it was coming to Switch in August, you know I was excited! But let’s get right into the story. Iconoclasts focuses on a young girl called Robin, whose father recently passed away. Yes, I know what you are thinking, this sounds basic and dull! Where is the twist, Tom?? Let me finish! The world of Iconoclast is cheery at first glance, but there lies something under the surface.

The One Concern is a cult-like organisation which run the world of Iconoclasts

You find yourself in a world ruled by a religious authority with some sinister ideas. Ruled by a being called ‘Mother’, The One Concern are your enemies in Iconoclasts. Add in a limited fuel resource called ‘Ivory’, exploitation of said fuel on all sides and a bit of conflict and you have Iconoclasts. Not just a pixel platformer now is it? In all seriousness, I loved exploring the world of Iconoclasts and I think that is down to the story more than anything. It really invests you in the world it creates. Iconoclasts could have gotten away with a basic story, but it strives for greatness and succeeds in doing so. I am never too fussed about a story in platformers, but Iconoclasts manages to make me care, and trust me that is a triumph.

Another area in which Iconoclasts excels is in gameplay. A well-tuned mix of platforming, combat and exploration is what you will find here. The creator of the game questioned the ‘metroidvania’ label, and I understand why. At the same time though, I can see how people claim it is. The Metroidvania elements are ever present but don’t expect a Hollow Knight like experience. They come across through the layout of the game, I guess I could call the stages mini metroidvanias!

You will backtrack many times in Iconoclasts maze-like levels

There is also a heavy focus on puzzles within these levels. Utilising both Robin’s stun gun and wrench you must work your way through some, at times, really tricky brain teasers. I actually enjoyed the change of pace when a puzzle came up, none are that obtuse that they completely halt the process, but they are frequent enough that they are enjoyable each time. Alongside the puzzles is the equally impressive combat. The general combat is good, nothing special, although I liked that over time new mechanics make the combat more challenging. However, it really shines when the boss fights occur.

The bosses in Iconoclasts range from intense and close combat 1 v 1 encounters, to screen consuming enemies. All of them succeed in balancing the difficulty and satisfaction boss fights aim for. At times the larger bosses can be a little frustrating and some took a while for me to understand what I needed to do, but there were never any major issues here.

Boss fights are a thrill, for sure. This one took me a while though!

Earlier I spoke about the tools available in Iconoclasts. Let’s go into details. Both the stun gun and wrench are multifunctional and are upgraded through your adventure. You can also customise Robin through ‘tweaks’. These are small skills which grant certain abilities, for example, being able to breath longer. You only get 3 tweaks equipped at a time, but I think this is the perfect number, enough to customise your loadout but not enough to make the game a breeze.

A major problem many switch owners have is in regard to 2D pixel platformers on the eShop. And that is a fair complaint, there are a LOT of games with this style. So, what is Iconoclasts bringing to the table graphically? Yep, it’s a 2D platformer with pixel art. HOWEVER, it employs an incredibly good-looking, SNES inspired graphical style which is nothing to be sniffed at. There is more to this, there are so many unique environments that the pixel style maintains its beauty throughout. From forests, towns, deserts and underwater sections, your adventure takes you through many gorgeous places. Sometimes a games art style can hold it back, I have experienced this many times before, but Iconoclasts is not one of them. I know I am gushing about this game, but I am gonna carry on when we talk about audio so get ready!

This is a beautiful looking game no doubt. Don’t overlook this!

Would I say the music is the best part of the game? No. But would I say it is an exceptional soundtrack and is an example of how game music should sound? Yes. The soundtrack of Iconoclasts does the job every soundtrack should do. It complements the game it exists within. Underwater, the music matches it. Is Robin in a tense situation, the music reflects this! Honestly, the music is phenomenally well designed to suit every single damn aspect of this game! I found myself listening to a few of the tracks whilst writing this review, something I have never done but I just had to.

At this point what more can I say? Iconoclasts lives up to everything I thought it would be. I am currently playing the game on my personal channel (Check me out #selfpromotion) and I am so happy playing it. If you want an action-adventure platformer, which still manages to give a great story I really do not think there is a better game on the Nintendo Switch. And I mean that sincerely, this game is nothing short of an incredible experience. You get a story with depth, meaningful lessons and real impact.

Iconoclasts looks like a sweet and simple platformer, but in reality, it’s a deep dive into REAL and HARD-HITTING themes. Pick this thing up NOW! For $19.99 it is a steal.

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