AeternoBlade II (Switch)
CeX £24.99 £6
It's been a winding path that's brought us to AerternoBlade II. The original AerternoBlade started life as a 3DS and PlayStation Vita title before getting a remaster for consoles later on. It was a 2D sidescrolling Metroidvania title with a heavy focus on combat and an interesting time-bending mechanic to keep things interesting. This time out Freyja, the heroine of the first game, has returned with new characters Felix and Bernard in tow. They're leaping across dimensions in a terrible struggle against the destruction of the Dark Abyss. The power of the AeternoBlade must be restored or... you know, reality is over. Done. Kaput. The puzzle-platforming of the first game is back, blending some frantic combat with exploration and time-bending mechanics. This time out, however, there's a whole extra dimension involved - every now and then the game will make the switch into over-the-shoulder 3D play, most notably for the occasional boss fight. It pushes the game into sequences reminiscent of Bayonetta, and gives fans of sidescrollers a little something extra.