Sliding Hero turns a contentious puzzle type into an otherworldly jaunt through a cursed Venetian carnival

When I first started playing the puzzle game Sliding Hero, I thought it would be similar to Sokoban with endless boxes to slide around. However, I quickly realized that in this game, it’s actually you who does the sliding, not the boxes. Although initially skeptical, after playing the Steam demo, I believe that Sliding Hero has more depth and longevity than its concept implies. It’s surprisingly engaging and addictive.

One aspect of the game that really captivates me is its Venetian carnival-inspired theme. The pixel art is simple yet charming, with occasional quirky background elements that add to the overall atmosphere. The character design reminds me of games like Hades and Pyre, which is a testament to the skill of the artists behind the game.

In Sliding Hero, your character Luca can only move by sliding and always goes as far as possible in a given direction. To progress, you must strategically block yourself with environmental obstacles and eliminate enemies by sliding into them. There are various traps and hazards to navigate, adding to the challenge. Collecting optional scrolls reveals interesting lore snippets, and the maps unfold in a metroidvania-style progression.

While the game may not appeal to everyone due to its puzzle-heavy nature, it offers a unique and imaginative gameplay experience. As you advance, new mechanics and challenges are introduced, keeping the gameplay fresh and engaging. Plus, who doesn’t love a game that lets you use a word like ‘carnivalesque’?