After consuming Bram Stoker’s classic horror novel, Dracula, I have become a great lover of the iconography and generic conventions of Gothic media. Therefore, witnessing these elements appear prominently in the artistic design of Ghost Sweeper equipped me with nothing but the most sublime delight.
However, this delight quickly dissipated in part on my discovering it to be a puzzle-platformer – a genre I am far from suitably skilled in. So, would this lack of skill prevent me from enjoying the gameplay of Ghost Sweeper? Read on, if you dare.
Deceiving Appearances
Before this question receives an answer, I shall discuss the aforementioned visual aspects in greater detail. Though, indeed, the iconography pleases me greatly, and the overall graphical fidelity is serviceable, there are flaws that prevent Ghost Sweeper from maintaining a perfect appearance.
For example, the modern designs of the dual protagonists contrast displeasingly with the Gothic backdrops, which only vary slightly from chapter-to-chapter. Further, the menu-based UI lacks a level of professional polish seen even in low-budget mobile puzzlers.
Fortunately, though the visuals fall short of perfection, these minor issues can be overlooked when taking into account the adorably cartoon-like monster designs. The majority of adult gamers may seek a more mature aesthetic, but younger gamers will be enraptured.
Un-settling The Score
As I seat myself down to compose this review, what I witnessed in-game continues to continuously circle my cerebellum. Alas, the same cannot be said of the music present in Ghost Sweeper.
I can recollect that the tracks which score Ghost Sweeper are simple in their composition, almost of a low-fi quality and short in length, yet maddeningly looped without reprieve or variation. Alas, I could not hum you a single tune outside of the Nutcracker theme, which monotonously loops in the background of the stage select screen.
Death is Only the Beginning
As the heading may suggest, Ghost Sweeper is not devoid of the usual frustrations that await some who tackle puzzle-platformers.
Much of this frustration is derived from the trial and error nature of the gameplay. While it is true some individuals may receive a sense of appropriate challenge, reward and satisfaction from this gameplay loop; I was met with monotonous tedium, accompanied by rare relief.
In fact, combine this style of gameplay with the inclusion of one-time-use upgrades without a traditional, console-appropriate levelling system, and the result is a console title which would be suited much better to mobile devices.
However, this lack of a levelling system allows players to switch between the dual protagonists of Ghost Sweeper at will without the fear of losing EXP. Unfortunately, players may feel discouraged from doing so as both of these characters function almost identically to each other.
The Thousand-Year Slumber
Ultimately, Ghost Sweeper is an adorable little puzzle-platformer. But that has no business dwelling among its console peers and works best when played in short bursts. As a result, many dedicated gamers may briefly sample it before neglecting it completely.
On the other hand, children and more casual gamers will find sufficient entertainment to satisfy. That is, if they can effectively practice the patience needed to complete certain stages.
