Developed/Published by pixel.lu
Released for Xbox One (9/7/2018)
Also on PC/PS4/Switch/Vita
Sigi: A Fart for Melusina is a very odd title for a game and for the duration of this review we'll just refer to it as Sigi. Sigi is yet another retro-inspired 2D action-platformer, something we have seen no shortage of in recent years. Does Sigi have what it takes to stand out from the large number of pixelized 2D games in recent years or is it yet another one that will be forgotten in due time?
Before we delve into the game itself, let's briefly go into the name Melusina featured in the title. If you're unaware of the legend of Melusine, like I was, then you may find this Wikipedia entry here of interest. Basically, Melusine is a mythical creature with the upper-body of a human female and the lower torso of a fish, not unlike a mermaid. There are various stories that change up the origins of the creature and at times the form of the creature changes completely. It's an interesting legend that I'd somehow never heard of, despite the fact it's been referenced in several video games over the years. Melusina in Sigi is portrayed as a mermaid, though you'll only see her in the intro and at the end of the game.
There's definitely some inspiration from the old arcade classic Ghosts 'n Goblins in Sigi, featuring an armor-bound knight slaying monsters in an effort to save a lady who was kidnapped. The enemy cast also shares a bit in common with the Capcom classic, with stuff like snakes, bats and zombies. You'll also be able to pick up and swap weapons similar to Arthur. The similarities mostly end there, as Sigi has a very different tone and feel from the old Capcom classic. Many stages take place in broad daylight, which definitely lightens the tone of the game. There's also quite a bit of humor in Sigi, further differentiating it from Ghosts 'n Goblins. I'll try to stop here with the Ghosts 'n Goblins comparisons, I just wanted to address this as that game was the first thing that came to mind when I saw Sigi.
Sigi features 20 stages with 4 of those being boss battles. The stage designs are much more forgiving than many of the brutal 2D games that inspired Sigi, though there are a few parts you will inevitably meet your demise at. It's hard to get too frustrated since when you die you spawn right back in on the same screen, so long as you have a spare life. You'll usually have some lives to spare in Sigi, since extra lives are quite plentiful. Each level will have coins scattered about and for every 100 of them you collet you'll rack up an extra man. There are also shields you can pick up, which will also grant you another life in addition to replenishing your health. Each non-boss stage also feature four letters that spell Sigi for you to collect and all but 1 stage have hidden caves for you to find as well. These hidden cave sections will typically yield coins, bonus lives and other goodies. There are also a few select stages with hidden items to find, though finding these doesn't do much but add to your overall completion percentage and unlock an achievement. At the end of each non-boss stage you'll find a hot dog stand, which replenishes your health and marks the end of each level.
Along the way you'll find weapon pick-ups. Sigi can only wield one weapon at a time, so you lose whatever you had previously upon grabbing a new one. There's a decent range of weaponry, with stuff like triple daggers, axes and throwing maces. Some are definitely better than others and I frequently found myself trying to hang on to the triple daggers as long as possible, as they were far more effective than the other weapons. The boss battles are rather easy since you spawn right back in when you die and you'll likely blow right through them. There are some strange designs for the bosses, with one of them being fast-food fries (Aqua Teen reference?) and the final boss sharing a striking resemblance to Hulk Hogan.
Sigi is an easy one to pick up and play thanks to responsive controls and simple level design. Everything works as it should and I didn't feel like I suffered too many cheap deaths. The presentation is executed well, with good-looking though basic sprite graphics and some solid chiptune music. While Sigi looks, plays and sounds above average, the biggest thing going against it would be its short length. Sigi is a very short game, with an achievement challenging the player to 100% all levels and complete the game within 30 minutes. While this may sound daunting at first, once you get the hang of the game this is actually a breeze.
You may be wondering why the game's subtitle is "A Fart for Melusina" right? Other than the obvious fact that the developers thought it was humorous, there's also a gag in the game where Sigi breaks wind when he encounters Melusina. It's stupid and silly, but helps set the tone for your adventure. Sigi also farts upon picking up food as well. Sigi: A Fart for Melusina is very brief, simple and easy to complete. Those aren't necessarily deal breakers though, and there is still some merit to checking this one out. The lax difficulty makes this a good starting point for those new to 2D platformers or those just looking for something that won't make them want to pull their hair out in frustration. The easy completion also makes this one ideal for achievement hunters. Due to the short length of time you'll invest in the game, you may want to wait for a sale on it though the $5 asking price for the game is fair.
Final Verdict: Sigi: A Fart for Melusina is a simple but enjoyable 2D action-platformer with a fun, silly tone that's very short in length and light on challenge, making it a good choice for beginners.
Related Links:
Buy Sigi - Microsoft Store
Melusine - Wikipedia
pixel.lu - Official Site
Sigi: A Fart for Melusina - GameFAQs
Strategy Guide/Walkthroughs:
Sigi Achievement Guide - Xbox Achievements
Cave and Secret Item Guide - Xbox Achievements
Sigi: A Fart for Melusina - True Achievements
