Felix The Reaper – Review (PC)

When you think about the Grim Reaper who do you imagine? Possibly an ominous figure with a large scythe. Or maybe you think of a goofy character whose life is eternally bound to two clever children. However, I’d bet you’d never think that the Grim Reaper, of all people, would be a chubby, lovesick, perpetual dancer. Felix the Reaper will undoubtedly change all your preconceived notions on the identity of the bringer of death. 

In Felix the Reaper you take control of Felix, a lovable “field reaper” who will do anything to come in contact with the love of his life. Through the game’s five levels you’ll have to maneuver through the shadows to elaborately plot the deaths of many an individual. Whether it’s worth the hefty $24.99 price tag is highly dependent on the kind of gamer you are.

Story

Before getting my hands on the game I had assumed it would have quite a bit of story. This assumption was mainly due to the marketing toting the title as a “romantic comedy about the life of Death.” In reality, it’s quite the opposite. Players are treated to a fantastic animated opening introducing us to Felix and his plight. After that, the story is basically nonexistent. The sole exception to this fact is placed at the very end of the game where, at the risk of being hyperbolic, we’re given the largest cliff hanger since Life Is Strange Episode 4. 

While it’s plain to see that Felix’s story is meant to be told over many parts with the developers obviously setting up a sequel, the small morsel of a story I was given during this first entry isn’t enough to tide me over until a followup comes around. Luckily, what Felix The Reaper lacks in story, it makes up for in its fun and complex light-based puzzles.  

Gameplay

This might sound like an insult to the game, but there were multiple times while playing that I felt like a complete idiot. There were several instances where I’d spend way to much time trying to perfectly position oil drums in order to cross a gap, only to find out that all I had to do was shift the sun to a different position and I’d reach my objective. 

Seemingly, the developers knew that little dumb-dumbs like me would eventually come across their game. In order to deal with us, they implemented a hint feature that allows you to see the next step in the puzzle. However, these aren’t ever exactly straight answers. You’ll still have to figure out a way to accomplish the step, which is an incredibly clever way of making your game more accessible while not taking all the challenge out of a puzzle. 

For those masochists out there looking for real difficulty, you’re in luck. While Felix The Reaper has some nice aforementioned accessibility features, you can choose to forgo all that in order to undertake a real challenge – as well as those standard in each level. These challenges include finishing a puzzle in a certain amount of moves or under a given time limit. While I can’t say for myself, I would imagine these a nice added touch for those with above-average intelligence – unlike myself.   

Unfortunately, the gameplay experience in Felix The Reaper isn’t flawless. My favorite part of solving the game’s puzzles is seeing their outcome. Watching the ghoulish characters get smashed by boulders or impaled by a friend’s spear is oddly satisfying. Sadly though, these moments are few and far between. Instead, you have to slowly build up to them through a series of smaller puzzles that can really drag out the experience.

Another problem is the lack of a proper pause menu. This might seem like I’m being knitpicky, but the songs don’t actually change on their own. If you’re ever sick of one or flat out don’t like another you’re forced to endure it for the sake of time. Because of this, those hoping to 100% Felix The Reaper will undoubtedly mute the music eventually.

While I really enjoyed my time with the game, I’d be hard-pressed to recommend it to anyone hoping to enjoy a good story. The personality of this world and its characters are outright endearing. However, the lack of any real narrative is a large oversight in my book. However, those looking for fun and, at times, difficult puzzles are guaranteed to enjoy what is present. With the added benefit of accessibility features and hardcore challenge modes, those who tout gameplay as king will find themselves at home within Felix The Reaper.