The Swindle brings players into a charmingly nostalgic Victorian Steampunk world, filled with platforming, action, and stealth elements. Developed by Size Five Games and published by Curve Digital, this game attempts to capture the essence of classic retro gaming, but sadly falls short of its mark. With a rating of 3/10, it's clear that The Swindle leaves much to be desired for seasoned retro gaming enthusiasts.
One of the standout features of The Swindle is its visual design, which successfully evokes a nostalgic feel reminiscent of classic games from the past. The pixel art graphics are beautifully crafted, utilizing a limited color palette to create an atmosphere that is both visually striking and true to the retro aesthetic. The attention to detail in the Victorian Steampunk world is commendable, with every corner of the screen oozing with charm and personality.
However, where The Swindle falls flat is in its gameplay execution. While the blend of platforming, action, and stealth sounds promising, the mechanics feel clunky and unpolished. Movement feels sluggish and imprecise, making it frustratingly difficult to navigate the levels with any level of finesse. The stealth mechanics, a staple in games of this genre, lack depth and strategic options, resulting in repetitive and monotonous gameplay.
Unfortunately, the issues with gameplay are not the only flaw in The Swindle. The game suffers from a lack of variety and depth in its content. With a limited number of levels and repetitive objectives, there is a distinct lack of progression and excitement. The experience quickly becomes dull and predictable, failing to keep players engaged for extended periods of time.
That being said, The Swindle does showcase moments of genuine creativity and innovation. The randomly generated levels provide a sense of unpredictability and challenge, keeping players on their toes. The ability to upgrade and customize your thief character, unlocking new gadgets and skills, adds a layer of depth to the gameplay. These elements, when coupled with the game's nostalgic visual design, offer glimmers of hope for a more engaging experience.
In conclusion, The Swindle for PC is a visually stunning game that successfully captures the nostalgic appeal of classic retro gaming. However, its clunky gameplay mechanics, lack of variety, and shallow content prevent it from reaching its full potential. While it may entice fans of the Victorian Steampunk aesthetic, seasoned retro gaming enthusiasts searching for a truly immersive and rewarding experience may find themselves disappointed.
