Windblown

Windblown (2024) is a fighting game set in a cartoon world where you use the powers of past warriors to defend your home. You team up with two other players to run and dash across magical floating islands, you master skills and weapons left behind by those who came before - then die and do it all over again. It stands out for the fleshed-out cartoon characters and cut scenes that complement the cooperative action as you must adapt your strategy to match each new enemy.

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You play a peaceful villager from The Ark, a floating town orbiting an enormous storm called the Vortex. Many brave fighters have given their lives to protect The Ark, but when new emissaries from the Vortex, it's up to you to become a warrior and save the day.

Play involves running, jumping, and dashing across the terrain, to defeating enemies with weapons and magic abilities. As you progress, you find places where previous heroes fell. At these spots, you can absorb their memories to gain their powers. When you die, you start again, now with the knowledge of what's coming and a better strategy for defeating the various enemies, allowing you to get further each run, until eventually you emerge victorious over the invaders.

The result is a unique mix of fast-paced combat, deep strategy that rewards knowledge and tactics, and evolving weapons and abilities. Slowly inching towards victory over countless runs is a deeply rewarding experience as you reflect on how far you've come.

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Our examiner, Ben Kendall, first checked Windblown 16 months ago. It was re-examined by Thom Robertson and updated 4 months ago.