Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth - Does it really compare to Symphony of the Night? | Cannot be Tamed 

The original Record of Lodoss War is still in my top 5 favorite anime of all time. It was true art!

This is currently on GamePass if you want to check it out for free. Also, I thought it was out on all consoles when I made this, but it looks like the Switch version is coming January 28th.

I really hope Konami releases a Castlevania DS collection. I loved those games!

I loved this game. Not just as a fan of the charming classic Record of Lodoss War anime. It was a challenging and beautiful game and quite memorable. I was glad to find a Metroidvania that was tough but mostly doable except for the end boss. I probably sunk at least 20 hours into it and had a blast.

I haven't touched symphony of the night in many years and watching the animations of the character, that was the first thing that came to mind.

Highly recommend getting the anime OAV for anyone who's remotely interested in a traditional Tolkien/D&D inspired fantasy anime without any weird gimmicks like alternate worlds, time travel or the like.

You sold me when you said how short the game is! I have a poor track record of finishing metroidvanias because I get distracted by other games, then trying to come back to these later always results in getting lost and forgetting mechanics. Perhaps I can whisk through this one and then not regret forgetting about it!

The anime was a big deal in the 90's! It's a surprise to see it return in this way. Thanks for mentioning the Ikaruga element, which others haven't!

Not difficult, and about five hours? I'm sold. Thanks for the review!

Thank you. Too many people have compared this game to SoTN, and I think people have forgotten just how much content and replayability that game had. It’s a testament to say that a 20 year old game still holds the title of best metroidvania, and although it had its many flaws in balancing, DiWL emulates only those flaws, and a few superficial details. It fails to be as rich in enemy variety or level design, and it’s understandable since Castlevania had nearly a dozen games worth of spritework that they rehashed into SoTN. I’m a fan of Record of Lodoss war when I say this, the game hardly has anything to do with the source material outside of the bosses and NPCS. It’s a fun metroidvania indie that scratches the surface of why we liked Symphony, but it pales in comparison.

Great review, Pam! It looks pretty good, The red dragon boss looks awesome and you introduced me to Astalon and Ender Lilies last year so i think i will check this out too! Oh and congratulations on 80k!

Played this one right after finishing Elden Ring, and it was the perfect palate cleanser! Short, simple, directly into action, and gorgeous! Loved your outfit btw!

I just finished this last week.. loved every moment.. I may have been a bit overleveled for the final encounter.

Super cool review Pam, thanks for showing us!

The swapping mechanic is actually giving me Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin vibes more than Symphony of the Night. The mechanic’s not the same (In that game, you switched between a physical attacker and a magic user and certain enemies were weaker against one) but the animation of Deedlit switching elements does heavily remind me of that.

The main reason I'm familiar with Lodoss is that there was a Diablo-esque Dreamcast game that was released in the west, but my primary memory of that game is getting a pair of iron boots and forever hearing CLANG CLANG CLANG whenever you move around!

Your editing just keeps getting better & better! This looks like a fun afternoon game with the grandkids.

Very nice! I'll be checking it out. Thanks Pam!

Nice review! And congrats on 80k, I hope this year you'll reach 200k!

Great video! Thanks for the impressions. Deelit is my next Metroidvania. Love the channel and your content is amazing. Keep up the great work Pam :)

Didnt know this existed. Thanks to your video I picked it up and am enjoying it. Love that you do reviews of games off the beaten path.

Thank you for this nuanced and grounded take on this game. The hype has been unreal and I found myself getting caught up. I do have it preordered and plan to play it but I appreciate the tempered expecations.

Spot on video with a really grounded approach when talking about the SoTN comparions. Liked and subscribed, looking forward to watching more of your content.

Yay! New Pam Video! I have seen this game on Game Pass and heard you discuss it briefly on other videos so I was pretty curious about it. Always glad to get the perspective of the resident Metroidvania guru! I finished up Carrion and played through The Artful Escape (both discovered through your channel) over the long weekend in the US, so to hear this was another decent, but short one is music to my ears. Thanks again, Pam!

Love your channel Cannot be Tamed!!! Keep up the great work!!!

Congrats on hitting 80,000 subscribers!!!

This looks pretty fun to play. Can’t wait to get it for Switch. Thanks for the review. You look great by the way.

Thanks for the research on this series, I honestly had no idea about it. The game is pretty decent, nowhere near the quality of SotN but worth playing nonetheless. It has its own unique mechanics which are fun in their own right.

I love your channel ❤ Thank You for all that you do...Pam 🙂

This game is so awesome, i had bought it on steam, but my pc had a problem and i ended up playing it on xbox. I was really sad because it left gamepass another day and i almost missed it! It's shorter than Castlevania Symphony of the Night and Bloodstained, but is almost as good as them! I wish there were more well-made games like these in metroidvania style!

Thank you for your time. That was an excellent review. I will have to try this one out.

Though I am quite fond of Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth, I agree with how you criticize the comparison to Symphony of the Night when it comes to design. Deedlit is a much simpler game than Symphony, the latter of which I consider to be one of the best designed games I've ever played. I also agree that the game is rather easy, especially if you bother to grind at all. On my first playthrough I got up to level 56 and became an unstoppable killing machine. Though I tend to compulsively grind in games with leveling systems because I like to see just how powerful a character can become. The tendency to not use magic aside from the first spell is something I can also relate to as that was also my strategy on my first playthrough. However, on later playthroughs I became fond of spamming the Shade spell on bosses because it grants temporary invincibility. You'll be overpowered with that spell even against bosses who are immune to it because you can rush in and get in large numbers of hits with your weapon while invulnerable, even the final boss' bullet hell attacks are relatively weak against this tactic. Also, I agree that the bosses are the most fun part of the game and they seem to be better designed than the level areas themselves. My main complaint about the game is that the polarity and arrow puzzles are a bit overdone, but that is just a minor complaint and it's far from being game breaking for me. It's still a solid game in my eyes and I got carried away playing through it all three times I played through it last year, twice on the PC version and once on the Switch version. Overall, while I do like the game more than you, I found your commentary and criticism to be reasonable and your conclusion to be a fair opinion of the game. This is an excellent review.

I can't agree more, you hit all the notes that I was thinking when I played through it

I'm surprised you didn't mention the end-boss rush. That was too much frustration for me, and I quit.

Great video Pam, as always! Whoop whoop!

"You're usually finding things like spells you probably won't use, weapons of which there are too many, and some extra health which can be nice but isn't all that important with the regen mechanic and general lack of difficulty. There are actually a LOT of mechanics going on in this game, but the experience is very smooth and you don't have to think about it too hard." I don't know Pam, that sounds 100% like SotN to me. One of my top 5 desert island games, but yeah.

I backed the Kickstarter and overall I'm satisfied with it. Being familiar with the Anime is not necessary to enjoy the game, but it can give a little bit of supplementary nostalgia that you'd otherwise miss out on if this is the first time you've encountered the Lodoss War universe. Overall, I'd definitely put it in the "good" list. Not quite as good as Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon, but still quite good for an Indie Metroidvania.

You're definitely one of the best game reviewing RU-vid artists out there, keep at it. Journalism, Culture & the Arts. I'm sure you're well acquainted with. 😉

I feel like it took from Aria of Sorrow as well. Shooting the bag to unlock the path is similar to hitting the wrecking balls to break walls to progress in AoS. Thats all I remember from the video tbh but I feel like it takes a little from that game

I really enjoyed the game, and hope it does well enough to get a larger sequel.

This was great, thanks. Was interested to know more about the title and hope to play soon.

The Boss Rush Mode is pretty cool, oh, plus the archery challenge and gambling room.

It looks beautiful I´m a sucker for those aesthetics! I would have called it Deedlit in WonderMaze, shorter and better sounding haha

Awesome review! I was very curious about this game. Never saw the anime, but the game itself seemed interesting. Especially after being such a symphony of the knight fan.

Glad I found this channel, good review, host sounds and looks good.

That's really cool for me to learn that record of loddus war started as a tabletop RPG. I was a fan of the anime and always assumed it started there or as a manga.

Weird coincidence that this game comes out right after I just marathon the 90s anime

Enjoyed the review. I recently started playing this game and it seems pretty fun so far.

EDIT: Sorry! i forgot to thank you for this video, was a really good review! Watching now, i think if you ever need something that in my eyes has a close SOTN (maybe more Aria of Sorrow? i dunno) there is Timespinner, one of the major mechanics is going back and forth to places in the same time to deal with stuff, there are way less weapons but each one does something different, and i think the history is really good, the path towards the endings really hyped me up! i think the only thing that i might disliked was that the "dodge back" didn't felt good like in Dedlit and some quests are "collect items" but i think personally doing those sidequests was rewarding for the dialogue as far i remember. is not as gothic though there are different scenarios comparing to SOTN so that is why i am not that sure in my recommendation towards that. tell the truth before playing Deedlit i decided to watch the first anime just to khow who the characters is, and like... i maybe if i didn't watched, i would liked more the ending because... whoa their relationship is so bland and boring. maybe in those mangas later it gets more developed but i didn't went to check on them

I thought of your channel the moment I saw this game in the shop the other day. So glad to see you review this game! Your reviews are always great and admire the little details of going the extra mile to wear outfits that match the aesthetic of the game. Your necklace definitely fits the Elvish look. Love the honest review, I might use a Game Pass trial to give this game a try. Great review Pam!

Great video, I enjoyed it immensely.

I pre ordered the limited run Symphony on PS4 never played it before! Did you get it too Pam?

You are right, SOTN is the best. However, this game did justice. I have not played another game like SOTN forever, so this was a fun game that made me feel like the first time I played SOTN. So yes, not as good but best game since.

Solid and very accurate review. Fun game, short and easy. Boss fights were cool, with the exception of the final boss fight for me. Overall a really fun game.

I just got the Japanese import with the soundtrack and art book. I’ve only played about an hour so far. I am still finishing up Shinsekai at the moment, which after just beating the final boss a few days ago, I can say is truly one of the most unique, beautiful and enjoyable games I’ve played recently.

Great graphics & sprite work but the level design is very simplistic. Just long hallways, a few small staircases, jump to reach a ledge, that’s basically it.

I literally stumbled on your video just after finishing this game. So weird! Well, you have a new subscriber!

I don't want to make it seem that I'm only here to feed the algorithm; I do watch the videos and you're one of only two game reviewers I still subscribe to. I just have no productive commentary.

I enjoyed this game, it's a simple metroidvaina but enjoyable. Big SOTN vibes. I actually started a sotn playthrough after playing this and this game actually feels better to control imo. The ikaruga mechanics worked for me in this game, but the level design is just ok. So uh, guess I agree with you on everything again. I would play this over metroid dread any day, even though both games are pretty linear, lodoss has less annoying mechanics. But I think games like Bloodstained and SOTN are just a lot better overall still.

I agree with almost all of what you said, except the different spells are very useful against bosses with different weaknesses. Overall beautiful pixel art and a neat central mechanic, but really easy, short, and unmemorable outside of the bosses.

Yeah, this game wasn't terrible by any stretch, but after I beat it I knew I wasn't coming back to it again.

Hey Pam, great video as always! New ringlight? or just a new necklace making you look extra sparkly? looks great either way! I cant say I heard of this when it came out, was it on Game Pass? I did thoroughly enjoy the newly added Olija though, I hope to see you tackle that on here or twitch at some point!

Thanks so much for this review!

Love the gameplay. Takes me back. Also makes me want to find the old anime.

Adoro seus vídeos, parabéns!!!

I agree 100% with this review, I definitely enjoyed my time with Deedlit though, and I'm really looking forward to an expanded sequel. I hope you get a chance to try Valdis Story: Abysal City. The combat and the replay value is amazing!

I’m sure others have mentioned this, but my thoughts go to Outland when I think Metroidvania with Ikaruga element-swapping. Of course, Outland put much more emphasis on bullet-hell platforming challenges and lacked a lot of the SOTN-inspired elements here. Still, it’s interesting that someone else thought to do that; I haven’t thought of Outland in years.

I just got this game yesterday....It is pretty good so far!

Thanks, I think I will put this in my steam wish list for when its on sale(can't get myself to pay full price for a game with thousands of a backlog). I probably would have missed it as it's a Record of Lodoss War game which I know nothing about other than I think I saw an anime many years ago. Looks cool to me for a quicker metrovania fix, thanks for review.

Switching the two elements back and forth is just like Giana Sisters Twisted Dreams. In that game it is also annoying in stages but very clever during boss fights.

oh this is so helpful, I was curious about this game because I heard nothing about it. Thanks.

Oh cool, Ive been playing this game the last few days! Dropping everything to watch right now

I've been ticking along in this game on my Switch over the last few weeks. It's absolutely gorgeous, and the controls are pretty tight. Most of the music slaps, too. I did run into some frustrating trouble points with some of the enemies, but I'll chalk that up to me being impatient and such. Most of the bosses are pretty fun, even if they can be a bit easy. It definitely carries a lot of SotN in it's blood, but it really doesn't quite hold up to it as well as some other Metroidvania games. Still, it's been a good time. I really with they'd throw some updates that allow for different playable characters or game modes, or even a sequel with some much needed improvements, because this game has a solid base to build on. A good review! I always enjoy your takes on video games.

the boss rush really taught me how to use the elemental weaknesses because I'm the type of player that never thinks I have enough money to buy any healing items. I would alway find myself pausing on a boss to check their weaknesses and switching to the right spell.

Great video! Dang, the game looks beautiful and the gameplay seems to have so much potential. I'm still tempted to give it a try for those boss fights though! But it also sounds like I should probably play Symphony first lol

Deedlit, now that’s a name I haven’t heard for a long time.

this wasn't made for metroidvania fans, among which i count myself - this was made for fans of record of lodoss war, among which i count myself. sotn being one of my all time favorite games and rolw being one of my favorite anime....whether it's nostalgia, sentiment, or bias i simply love this game.

Your eyeliner game is on point 💁‍♀

was gonna pick that up but now... i don't know. thanks for the review

This was a great review and I agree with pretty much every point made. Deed is one of my favorite characters simply to control in any game I’ve played.

I was thinking the same about Ikaruga! This game looks like SOTN, but doesn't play like SOTN. However it's a solid metroidvania with good mechanics.

Haven't played the game in several months but just got an update for it on steam. Wil have to check it out since I wasn't aware the product was finished yet.

Pam calls it "easy" but I couldn't get past the first boss. I might need to call it a career and take up crocheting.

I just downloaded this on Game Pass, looking forward to playing it. Currently playing Astalon Tears of the Earth and luving it!!! This channel has become my go to for Metroidvania stuff.

Thanks for the recommendation!! I'll be picking up the physical copy for ps4 tomorrow... I can't wait to play it!! So far every metroidvania you've recommended I've totally dug!!

Another Metroidvania with the Ikaruga style mechanics is that free Shin Megami Tensei one that Atlus released temporarily a few years back

You're my go-to for games I never heard of but should give a go. I can always count on you to not blow smoke up a game's skirt.

Each time I get my hand on some not so popular metroidvania you haven't already mentioned I think: "maybe I should leave a comment to tell Pam about this one" then I forget until you make a video on it ^^. Anyway I'm sure you probably know about every new 'vanias long before me. I don't remember for how long Deedlit was in my wishlist, but when I saw it on sale for less than 10€ one year ago, I decided to take the bet. I had some good hope but not too much, so I finally played it six months later, fully released and patched. It never came to my mind to compare it with SotN, not after five minutes and the little imps at the beginning. I think it's clearly a tribute, but certainly not a copy or a copy attempt. During my playtime, I felt the same as you, about movement, platforming, spirits mechanic (have Ikaruga in my librairy, never played it yet, but it also remind me the final battle in Lord of Shadow Mirrors of Fate). Boss fights were also definitely my favorite part. My only (minor) disapointment, in addition to the relative lack of memorable places and backgrounds, was the level design, which I found a bit too linear (difficult to get lost in that labyrinth). Beside the occasional back to the nearest warp room, teleport, use new skill or key, enter unexplored single room, get new weapon, I was surpised they added a few useless layouts/shortcuts between some zones or levels: it's like you go to unlock them to uncover the map, then you make a u-turn and keep moving forward because you already explored the totality of the other side and you'll never take that way again, even if you need to go back or farm a monster. I mean... they did a great job overall but that little detail make me think they realised the map was too straight forward so they added some shortcut here and there... what the point if the player has nothing to gain by going through it? Globally I had a pretty good time playing Deedlit, I even completed it two times: one long run collecting everything and another level 1 capped, which was even better because it makes the weapons and spells more valuable, especially bows. With a good use of spirits it wasn't too challenging beside the few "deadly combo of ennemies" rooms/corridors and since I particulary enjoyed the bosses, I went for the good old castlevania challenge of beating them without taking damage, with a lot of retry lol

looking gorgeous x and such a great voice, I played a little of wonder, i liked it.

A Record of Lodoss War game? In 2022? Yes please.

Literally just released today physical! Nice!

I don't think I've heard about this game before. It does look good in the art and animation department.

Gonna get this on switch physical, just wanted a preview first. Thank you!!

I'm TheMultiGunMan and I'm here to watch videos of people talking about video games. :-)

My copy from playasia is going to be here tomorrow I can't wait

I'm playing this right now before it leaves gamepass and wow it's a lot better than I expected, great game

The after image effect was neat for like a minute then I turned it off in the options. Made gameplay a little easier on the eyes.

I pre ordered a copy so I haven't played it yet but I won't go into the fray with the idea that I've just encountered Symphony of the Nights rival 😁 to top those characters, game design and that flawless Baroque soundtrack is pretty much impossible but this does look like a "good" game and very good job on your review 😎

I loved playing through this. Deedlit's movement is so much like Alucard, it feels so good to play. I agree with almost everything Pam says in this review, but I think she's a little harsh on the environments. They're nothing groundbreaking, but I think they're nice.

I'm getting this, I can't wait