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While side-scrolling action platformers are common in the indie sector, Nocturnal turned out exceptional. It is a side-scroller action-adventure game based on an intriguing story and unique gameplay design. Indeed, the game turned out so popular that the developer is already working on a sequel barely one year after launching the original.
Nocturnal 2 promises to be better than the original game. While it will be some time before it comes out, there are enough details for a solid idea of what to expect. Here is a comprehensive comparison of Nocturnal versus Nocturnal 2.
What is Nocturnal?
Nocturnal - Official Gameplay Trailer
Nocturnal is a side-scrolling action-adventure game launched in 2023. It takes players on an adventurous and action-packed quest set in a beautiful 2D world. The objective is to uncover and stop the source of an evil mist plaguing the land while fighting monsters along the way.
The game is developed by Sunnyside Games and published by Dear Villagers. It boasts smooth cinematics and an overall charming design. Interestingly, the backgrounds appear hand-painted, and the charming visuals are reminiscent of iconic games like Prince of Persia.
What is Nocturnal 2?
Nocturnal 2: Everything We Know
Nocturnal 2 is a highly anticipated sequel of Nocturnal. While it is based on the original game’s story and core gameplay, it also introduces a few major changes. Most notably, it switches from a linear design to a more Metroidvania-style design. Moreover, it expands the original story, introduces new enemy types, and adds more fire abilities.
“We were pleased with the reception to Nocturnal, but we wanted to do more with the series. This time, we’re expanding the scope into a full-blown Metroidvania, full of non-linear gameplay, secrets, all new enemies, and an expanded arsenal of fire-based abilities,” says Sunnyside Games’ co-founder Gabriel Sonderegger. The game is still under development and will launch in 2025. It will be compatible with Nintendo Switch and PC.
Story
In Nocturnal, the background story is based on the catastrophic merging of the realms of the Seen and Unseen. The Seen realm is ordinary, more like the real world, with sunshine and green pastures. In contrast, the Unseen realm exists in the shadows and harbors evil creatures that harm people in the Seen realm. Moreover, ordinary people can die if they stay in the mist for too long.
The creatures in the Unseen realm have always desired to go to the Seen realm. They eventually breach the barrier between the two realms, bringing darkness and danger to the Seen realm. Fortunately, fire provides light and weakens the evil creatures lurking in the mist and darkness. You must venture into the mist and darkness, armed with a sword that can be set ablaze, to fight the evil creatures. Moreover, you must explore the dark, misty world to find the breach and separate the two realms to restore order.
The story unfolds as you progress through the game. You can piece it together using clues from texts, NPCs, and the environment. Notably, the Nocturnal series focuses more on the adventure-action gameplay than storytelling. Additionally, while it is unclear which direction the main story will take in Nocturnal 2, the sequel will retain and enhance the original concept.
Character
Ardeshir, a soldier of the Enduring Flame, is the main character and protagonist in the Nocturnal series. He returns from a long sea voyage to find his home island of Nahran engulfed in mist and darkness. As such, he embarks on a quest to solve the mystery behind the emergence of the Unseen realm and stop the destruction. Fortunately, he has a sword that he can set on fire for short periods to provide light in the mist and fight the evil creatures lurking within.
Gameplay
Nocturnal 2 will retain most of the original version’s gameplay aspects. As such, both games involve exploring the Nocturnal world, solving puzzles, fighting enemies, and collecting crucial resources.
Action is the biggest part of the Nocturnal series gameplay. You come across diverse enemies during your quest. Some of the enemies are easy to fight. However, some enemies are formidable bosses that you may need to face several times as you learn how to take them down. Moreover, some enemies are vulnerable to fire, while others are impervious to it. Interestingly, Nocturnal 2 will feature new types of enemies and bosses.
Notably, the fiery sword is your only weapon. You must set the sword ablaze to see your way in the mist and fight enemies. However, the blade on your sword is temporary and extinguishes after a short time. As such, you must keep lighting the sword using candles and torches along your path. The bottom of the screen features a gauge that measures how long the sword will stay ablaze. If the flame dies, another gauge pops up, showing how long you have to live in the mist without fire.
Exploration is also a major aspect of the gameplay. You must explore diverse environments in the Nocturnal world to collect clues behind the mist and find its source. You can collect with NPCs to find clues and fill gaps in the story. Moreover, you can find hidden clues in various environments.
In addition to clues, you can also collect gold tokens hidden in pots and crates scattered throughout the world. You can use the gold to power up your character and enhance his abilities. Moreover, you can also earn Phoenix Gifts by praying at monuments dedicated to the Phoenix.
Finally, the gameplay also involves a bit of puzzle-solving. The puzzles vary in design and are quite creative. Notably, you need fire to solve some of the puzzles.
Notably, the original game follows a linear path, restricting players from moving backward. In contrast, Nocturnal 2 features a Metroidvania-style playstyle where you can go back and forth in any direction.
Verdict
Nocturnal is great, but Nocturnal 2 promises to be better. The latter will enhance the original game’s features and introduce a few new ones. Most notably, it will shift from a linear path system to a Metroidvania-style world. Moreover, it will introduce new enemies and fire-based abilities.
