Awaysis is a physics-based, co-op dungeon crawler developed by 17-BIT studio out of Japan. You play as one of a handful of critter-like characters as they make their way through various levels and environments and battle enemies along the way. The game is designed around co-op, with couch and online co-op available at launch, but you can play solo, too.
In the world of Awaysis, the Dark Lord of Darkness is destroying the world’s oasis, and it’s up to you and your friends to ascend to his location and stop the drought. As with all good co-op dungeon crawlers, chaos ensues as you and your pals swing your swords and cast spells to obliterate the forces of evil in each level. The levels take about 10-15 minutes each, but that can vary depending on your skill, strategy, or the number of players with you.
The movement and combat in the game is entirely physics-based, allowing you to approach the game in a variety of ways. For example, if you see a hill or a slope, you can activate the sliding ability and slide quickly down. If you happen to see enemies at the bottom of the hill, angle your slide at them and deal some massive damage. Another cool part about the physics is they apply to everyone, not just the players. As fighting the final boss of the level, I was down to my last life and desperate to win, so I took advantage of the physics and pushed him off the edge of the map.
The rest of the combat is fairly straight forward. Wind the sword up to the right and swing with your R2/RT, wind it up to the left and swing with L2/LT, hold both on the ground for an uppercut, and hold them in the air for a ground pound. There is a blocking mechanic as well, where you are supposed to block with the right stick in the direction of the attacks. I found blocking to be a bit challenging because there was a lot going on, but even without mastering that skill, the combat was a good time, even if it was simple.
I didn’t get to experience it, but I’m told that the items and coins that I looted from enemies and chests are going to contribute to the crafting and upgrade system in the game. These upgrades enhance your character’s strength and prepare you for the tougher enemies as you progress in the game.
Overall, Awaysis is a cute, entertaining dungeon crawler with a fun twist. The game is still in development and has some kinks to work out, specifically around the floaty nature of some of the controls and making the blocking system a bit more intuitive. That said, if you’re looking for a little romp with friends through a colorful, dungeon-crawler world, I would keep an eye on Awaysis.
