Multi-Character Metroidvania Style Action RPG Featuring PermaDeath!! Switch at anytime between characters in a quest to stop The Dark Prince Rhigor from using the Ethi to unleash The Darkness on the realm.
The Darkness is spreading. The Dark Prince Rhigor is using the Ethi to unleash The Darkness over the entire realm. The twelve kingdoms ignore the warnings and wage war against each other. All except Galiveth, the Kingdom of the East. King Yehar receives a warning of the The Darkness in his dreams. Yehar sends his best Knights, known simply as The Knights of Galiveth, to see if his dreams are true.
Mixed
2 Steam reviews
| LANGUAGE | AUDIO | SUBTITLES | INTERFACE |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | — | — | Y |
Zahalia: The Knights of Galiveth, developed and published by LunarCore Games, is an indie action-RPG that blends retro platforming sensibilities with exploration-driven gameplay and party management mechanics. The game presents itself as a classic fantasy adventure inspired by older 2D action games, drawing from the design philosophies of early Metroidvania-style titles and traditional side-scrolling RPGs. Instead of focusing on a single protagonist, the game centers around a team of knights tasked with saving their homeland from a rising evil. Through its combination of character switching, permanent consequences for failure, and open-ended exploration, the game attempts to create a strategic twist on the familiar action-adventure formula.
The story takes place in the fantasy world of Zahalia, a land divided into multiple kingdoms that are slowly being threatened by a powerful and mysterious enemy. Dark forces led by the sinister Rhigor have begun spreading chaos across the realm, and the kingdom of Galiveth receives warnings that the situation will soon escalate into a devastating conflict. In response, King Yehar sends a group of elite warriors known as the Knights of Galiveth to investigate the growing threat. These knights become the player’s main characters throughout the journey, venturing across dangerous territories in search of answers while attempting to stop Rhigor’s plans before the entire world falls into darkness.
The gameplay unfolds in a side-scrolling 2D environment where exploration plays a central role. Players navigate through interconnected areas filled with monsters, treasure, and hidden pathways. The design encourages players to explore thoroughly, as many useful items and alternative routes are tucked away behind secret passages or difficult platforming sections. The game’s world is structured in a way that allows players to revisit previously explored areas once they gain access to new abilities or equipment, reinforcing the exploratory nature of the experience.
One of the game’s most distinctive mechanics is the ability to control multiple playable characters. Instead of a single hero, players manage a group of eight different knights, each possessing their own statistics, equipment, and combat strengths. At any time, players can switch between these characters depending on the situation they face. Some knights may be more suited to direct combat due to higher strength or endurance, while others might be better at navigating difficult terrain or surviving dangerous encounters. This system encourages players to experiment with different combinations of characters as they progress through the world.
The multi-character structure becomes even more significant because the game includes a permadeath system. If a knight falls in battle and their health is completely depleted, that character is permanently lost and cannot be revived for the remainder of the playthrough. This mechanic adds a sense of tension to every encounter, forcing players to think carefully before engaging in risky battles or exploring particularly dangerous areas. Losing a knight not only reduces the available roster but may also remove access to specific abilities that could be useful later in the adventure.
Combat in Zahalia follows a straightforward action-RPG format. Players attack enemies using melee strikes while avoiding damage through careful movement and positioning. Enemy types vary in behavior, requiring players to pay attention to attack patterns and adjust their approach accordingly. Defeating enemies rewards experience points that contribute to character progression, gradually improving the abilities of the surviving knights. Each character levels up individually, which further reinforces the importance of protecting them during dangerous encounters.
Exploration also plays an important role in strengthening the party. Various merchants and NPCs scattered throughout the world offer equipment upgrades and useful items. One recurring merchant, Yigo, acts as a reliable source of supplies and gear that can enhance the knights’ combat performance. Players can also discover hidden treasures while exploring the world, including weapons, armor, and consumable items that help the party survive longer journeys through hostile territory.
The visual presentation embraces a classic pixel-art aesthetic that intentionally evokes the look of older console games. Characters and enemies are represented through simple but colorful sprites, while the environments feature forests, caves, ruins, and other fantasy settings. Although the graphical detail is relatively modest, the art style succeeds in capturing a nostalgic atmosphere that fits the game’s retro inspirations. The straightforward visual design also ensures that players can easily recognize enemies and environmental hazards during exploration.
The game’s audio design supports the retro theme with a modest soundtrack composed of fantasy-style background music. These tracks accompany the player through different regions of the world, providing a consistent musical backdrop during exploration and combat. Sound effects are simple but functional, offering clear feedback for attacks, damage, and item collection. While the audio elements are not particularly elaborate, they contribute to the game’s overall nostalgic tone.
Despite its interesting mechanics and charming aesthetic, Zahalia: The Knights of Galiveth does have some noticeable limitations. The level of polish is somewhat uneven, with occasional technical issues and gameplay quirks that can interrupt the experience. The combat system remains relatively simple throughout the game, which means that encounters may begin to feel repetitive as players progress further into the adventure. Additionally, the permadeath mechanic—while conceptually interesting—can sometimes feel punishing if a character is lost during an unexpected difficulty spike.
However, the game’s unique combination of mechanics still manages to create a distinctive experience. The need to manage multiple characters while exploring an interconnected world adds a layer of strategic thinking that is not commonly found in traditional platforming action RPGs. Players must constantly balance the desire to push forward with the risk of losing valuable party members, creating moments of tension that make each decision feel meaningful.
Ultimately, Zahalia: The Knights of Galiveth stands as an ambitious indie experiment that merges several classic gameplay ideas into a single adventure. While it may lack the refinement and scale of larger titles in the genre, its mixture of character management, exploration, and permanent consequences gives it a unique identity. For players who enjoy retro-inspired action RPGs and are interested in games that reward careful planning and exploration, it offers a small but memorable journey through a fantasy world filled with danger and discovery.
Rating: 6/10
