This is definitely the most FUN I've had playing an s&box platform game so far.
the graphics are nice. a lot of games seem to over- or under-do it in terms of stylized pixel post-processing, sometimes using assets that look like melty shit underneath it. this game is clear, legible, I can see what I'm doing and where I'm doing, the models actually fit the style, and it all comes together still looking cool and retro.
it feels great to play. I was blocking and getting pushed down a corridor by a skeleton, and when I had the opportunity to attack, I swung -- and the sword caught the door at the end because I was too close to it. I ran out of stamina while fighting a bandit, picked up a bottle on the ground, threw it at his head and killed him. I accidentally survived what would have been a fatal skeleton arrow because I picked up a book and turned around JUST in time to catch the arrow with it. I do something, and the environment reacts in some way, it's awesome.
the menu is amazing, I can press one button and suddenly it's a micro-wiki. I've only ever seen UI like this in minecraft mods. there's a LOT to read but it's structured in a way that doesn't feel overwhelming, and it's pleasing to look at, too.
the combat system reminds me a LOT of the first dead island, and I think it's executed pretty well, it feels sensitive and flaky at first and the learning curve is steep, but I was able to get the hang of it pretty quickly.
the sound mixing could use some work, some things like opening doors and a few weapon impact sound effects are really loud, but the sounds themselves are alright.
this is probably the second (sausage survivors, addicting) s&box game I will come back to play, simply because it's a joy to be in the world and learn how to get a little farther after every run.