Salt and Sanctuary is a game that gives “Souls-like” a whole new meaning. Ska Studios, the developers behind Charlie Murder, took their time with this hand-drawn 2D Platformer, and it shows. Between the grim art within the level design and the punishing combat system, it’s hard to choose which aspect I’ve enjoyed more.
Salt and Sanctuary seamlessly combines fast, brutal, and complex 2D combat with richly developed RPG mechanics. Discover, craft, and upgrade over 600 weapons, armor pieces, spells, and items as you explore a cursed realm of forgotten cities, blood-soaked dungeons, desecrated monuments, and the fallen lords they once celebrated.
As a lover of the Souls series, I enjoy when games get dark and brutal. The art that Salt and Sanctuary brings to the table is robust in that nature. You’re cast into a grievous world as soon as the game begins and quickly unveil the grimacing villains within it. Each area has its own art style that goes hand in hand with its boss, and its not unclear where they’ve gotten their inspiration from.
The combat system brings every aspect you want in a hardcore game. Salt and Sanctuary utilizes a similar concept, giving you a Grade A brew for a challenging game. The combat system gets down to detail: Weapon Stat Scaling, Equipment Load Percentage, and different Defense types are all implemented. Fat rolling at 70% was a surprise upon first starting out the game. Soon after, you learn the ability of Parrying and Riposte.
Salt and Sanctuary couldn’t hide its inspiration from Dark Souls just as Dark Souls can’t hide its influence from Berserk. Truth is, Salt and Sanctuary‘s homage works so well its almost unfathomable. I’ve barely scratched the surface with Salt and Sanctuary’s progression and depth. During my playthroughs, I found myself itching to push on to the next area after every boss battle. Unfortunately, the local co-op didn’t get enough use at all. Playing with a friend changes most all battle strategies and creates those moments of chaotic fun we all know and love.
This game is great, there’s no denying it. I felt bad enjoying the game so much and trying to find faults in it! Though the music a bit lackluster and simplistic, it still worked! You have to give credit where its due, especially when a two person studio puts every element into a platformer properly. You can’t even complain about the price tag with this much content.
Hands down, Salt and Sanctuary is the most fun and challenging platformer I’ve explored yet. Get it now on PS4, Steam, or Nintendo Switch!
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With the recent success of The Hunger Games movie, ladies everywhere are looking for more wearable styles inspired by their favorite badass huntress, Katniss Everdeen! To answer that demand, I’ve taken quotes directly from the books and applied them to styles that will make you feel like a tribute yourself! May the odds be ever in your favor in these outfits!
Hunting Outfit
“I swing my legs off the bed and slide into my hunting boots. Supple leather that has molded to my feet. I pull on trousers, a shirt, tuck my long dark braid up into a cap and grab my forage bag.”
Shirt: Mossimo Scoop Neck Tee in Heather Gray – 8.00 at Target
Pants: 1969 Bootcut Jeans in Medium Tint – 44.62 at GAP
Boots: White Mountain Loon Riding Boots in Black – 49.95 at DSW
Hat: Washed Military Hat in Army Olive – 13.99 at Sears
Bag: Military Tote Shoulder Bag S9 – 28.51 on Ebay.com
Reaping Day:
“To my surprise, my mother has laid out one of her own lovely dresses for me. A soft blue thing with matching shoes.”
Dress: Belted Shirtdress in Blue – 14.50 at Forever 21
Flats: Orlena Canvas Flat in Grey – 19.00 at Target
Dress: Darling Slate Blue Dress – 45.00 at Lulus.com
Heels: Audrey Brooke Marian Suede Pump in Grey – 59.95 at DSW
Interview Dress:
“Because my dress, oh, my dress is entirely covered in reflective precious gems, red and yellow and white with bits of blue that accent the tips of the flame design. The slightest movement gives the impression that I am engulfed in tongues of fire.”
Can we all just take a moment to lament the fact that the Tributes in the blockbuster movie of the same name, The Hunger Games, were NOT dolled up in Capitol-worthy couture and looked more like they were heading to Junior Prom? No wonder the Sponsor gifts were few and far between. Since this style of clothing is nearly impossible to find, not to mention unaffordable, here is my alternative to Katniss’ interview dress for the film and the one I wanted to see her wear the most, from Georgio Armani’s 2010 Fall Haute Couture line. You can’t tell me that this wouldn’t work better than that drab orange monstrosity. I get that they were going for “affordable,” but that is not what I envisioned from the Capitol.
Arena Outfit:
“Cinna has no say in my outfit, does not even know what will be in the package, but he helps me dress in my undergarments, simple tawny pants, light green blouse, sturdy brown belt, and thin, hooded black jacket that falls to my thighs. The boots…are better than I could have hoped for. Soft leather not unlike my ones at home. I think I’m finished when Cinna pulls the gold Mockingjay pin from his pocket.”
Top: Racerback Ribbed Tank in Olive – 4.50 at Forever 21
Pants: Linen-Blend Cargos in Shining Armor – 25.00 at Old Navy
Jacket: Hooded Rain Anorak in Black – 34.99 at Target
Boots: White Mountain Loon Riding Boots in Taupe – 49.99 at DSW.com
Belt: Basic Leather Belt in Brown – 16.50 at OldNavy.com
Pin: Mockingjay Prop Rep Pin – 11.34 on Amazon.com
Backpack: Targus Sport Backpack – 5.95 on Ebay.com
Games Recap Dress/”Innocent Dress”:
“Cinna comes in with what appears to be an unassuming yellow dress across his arms. I am still the ‘Girl on Fire.’ In this dress, I give the illusion of wearing candlelight. I look, very simply, like a girl. A young one.”
Dress: Tiers of Joy Yellow Lace Dress – 42.00 at Lulu’s
Shoes: Glittered Sandal – 10.50 at Charlotte Russe
Hair: Silver Arrow Headband – 23.00 by Bellamantra on Etsy.com
Face: Benefit Moon Beam Luminous Complexion Enhancer – 26.00 at Sephora
Victor Interview Dress:
“When Cinna comes in, he shoos them out and dresses me in a white, gauzy dress and pink shoes. Then he personally adjusts my makeup until I seem to radiate a soft, rosy glow.”
Dress: O’Neil Honalula White Gauzy Dress – 39.95 at Zumiez
Shoes: Qupid Tanya Kitten Pumps in Blush – 25.00 at Lulu’s
Face: Too Faced Caribbean in a Compact in Snow Bunny – 29.00 at Sephora
Lips: Dior Addict Lip Glow – 30.00 at Sephora
That’s it for Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games! Which fictional hero would you like us to tackle next? As always, if you try out any of these styles yourself, show us in the comments or via Twitter and Facebook!
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