They Bleed Pixels (2012)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

They Bleed Pixels: A Lovecraftian Nightmare Platformer

Released in 2012, They Bleed Pixels is a fiendishly difficult action platformer that draws inspiration from the works of H.P. Lovecraft and classic horror. With its unique blend of pixel art and paper and ink textures, They Bleed Pixels is a visually striking game that sets the tone for its dark and unsettling atmosphere.

Players take control of a young woman named Iris, who finds herself trapped in a strange and dangerous world. As she explores this nightmarish realm, she must fight her way through hordes of grotesque monsters, solve challenging puzzles, and uncover the secrets of her own past.

One of the things that makes They Bleed Pixels so unique is its combat system. At its core, the game features a simple one-button combat scheme. However, this simplicity is deceptive, as the game offers a surprising amount of depth and versatility. Button mashing is discouraged, and players are rewarded for stylish kills.

The game’s unique checkpoint system also encourages players to experiment and take risks. By earning and placing their own checkpoints through stylish kills, players can create their own path through the game. This system adds a layer of strategy to the gameplay, as players must carefully consider their every move.

They Bleed Pixels is a challenging game, but it is also a fair one. The game’s difficulty is never cheap or unfair, and players who are willing to learn and adapt will be rewarded. The game’s controls are tight and responsive, and the level design is brilliant.

The game’s visuals are also top-notch. The pixel art is beautifully rendered, and the paper and ink textures give the game a unique and unsettling atmosphere. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, and it perfectly complements the game’s visuals and gameplay.

Overall, They Bleed Pixels is a must-play for fans of action platformers and horror games. It is a challenging but fair game with unique and rewarding gameplay, beautiful visuals, and an excellent soundtrack.

Lovecraftian Influences

They Bleed Pixels is heavily influenced by the works of H.P. Lovecraft. The game’s dark and unsettling atmosphere is reminiscent of Lovecraft’s stories, and many of the game’s enemies are inspired by Lovecraftian creatures.

For example, one of the game’s bosses is a giant squid-like creature that bears a striking resemblance to Cthulhu, Lovecraft’s most famous creation. Another boss is a giant spider that is similar to the creatures that appear in Lovecraft’s story “The Shadow Over Innsmouth.”

The game’s protagonist, Iris, is also a nod to Lovecraft. Her name is a reference to the character Irene from Lovecraft’s story “The Dunwich Horror.”

Critical Reception

They Bleed Pixels received critical acclaim upon its release. The game was praised for its unique and challenging gameplay, its beautiful visuals, and its excellent soundtrack.

The game was nominated for several awards, including the Independent Games Festival Award for Excellence in Visual Art. It also won the IndieCade Award for Best Action Game.

Legacy

They Bleed Pixels has had a lasting impact on the indie game scene. The game’s unique blend of action and platforming has inspired many other games, and its visuals have been praised by critics and players alike.

The game has also been featured in several exhibitions and retrospectives on indie games. In 2015, the game was included in the Museum of Modern Art’s exhibition on the history of video games.

Conclusion

They Bleed Pixels is a classic indie game that deserves to be played by all fans of action platformers and horror games. It is a challenging but fair game with unique and rewarding gameplay, beautiful visuals, and an excellent soundtrack. If you are looking for a game that will test your skills and patience, then They Bleed Pixels is the game for you.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Profile photo of Nish

Nish is a software engineer by day and avid gamer who loves to play video games after he puts his two boys to bed. His insights delve into the mechanics, and storytelling of the games he plays with the aim to share his passion with the audience. He loves to travel back to his native India and travel the country on his restored Royal Enfield Bullet 350, a relic from a simpler time, like some of the games he plays.

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