Platform(s): PC (version reviewed), PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
Genre: Metroidvania, Adventure, 2D, Fantasy

Ebenezer and The Invisible World would be my first time playing a “Christmasvania”. An interesting premise given the classic Disney’s A Christmas Carol movie and Charles Dicken’s beloved story blends with 2D search action mechanics. I’ve heard and played even more of what seems out of the box Metroidvania games and the experience can surprisingly be good gameplay.

The 2D Metroidvania adventure features a unique concept where the protagonist, Ebenezer Scrooge, who was once a miserly codger, transforms into an unlikely hero and assists ghosts with their problems as a part of his redemption. However, the game’s execution falls short on almost all fronts due to its unrefined storyline, bland combat, and overall poor presentation.

Out-Of-Tune Carol

The problems begin from the very start due to a lack of a proper introduction. There is no recap of the original story or any explanation of the sequence of events. In Ebenezer’s Mansion living room, he is suddenly approached by a spirit named Eric Fellows. This ghost proceeds to tell a story about his friend, Caspus Malthus, an industrialist who is heading down a dark path despite being visited by The Three Ghosts of Christmas. Caspus has devised a plan to harm his factory workers by utilizing his private guard and creating a peculiar energy source. Ebenezer is now tasked with assisting this stranger by gathering spectral allies who will aid him in his fight against enemy forces. Alongside this, he must also obtain certain objects that will serve as reminders to Caspus of his better nature.

The game offers a rich amount of text, but the majority of it consists of straightforward expository dialogue or simple messages that drive the plot forward. The main source of danger in this game is the combination of both the police force and ghosts from the “invisible world” who are determined to hinder the progress of the titular character. I truly appreciate the concept behind this game, particularly the bustling streets and the initial act of rescuing a protesting worker from a corrupt official. The idea of a Metroidvania set in such a turbulent yet vibrant location holds great promise. However, this particular storyline is quickly overshadowed by another plot, causing it to take a backseat.

In contrast to other games in the same genre, the combat and platforming in this game lack the same level of finesse and precision. Bosses possess a considerable amount of health and unleash numerous projectiles. However, they are easily defeated due to the abundance of healing items available. Defeating destructible objects and respawning lights will earn players enough currency to buy an unlimited amount of turkeys and plum puddings.

Additionally, players can acquire a powerful spirit weapon called the Lion Cane, which can shoot formidable projectiles that enemies struggle to defend against. The combination of these healing items and the Lion Cane significantly diminishes the difficulty of every challenge. This includes the final area that serves as a test for the game’s most formidable adversaries.

Pretty In Wrap

One of the most notable aspects of the game is its visually striking background art. The hand-drawn backgrounds truly steal the spotlight, featuring captivating elements like enormous spectres lurking in certain areas of London. These ghostly apparitions sometimes appear to track Ebenezer’s every move as he navigates platforms and wields his cane in the iconic metroidvania style. However, it seems that in Ebenezer and The Invisible World, there is no explicit explanation regarding the identities of these entities. As a result, they serve more as fleeting glimpses rather than fully explored characters that players can delve into.

On the other hand, its most unfavourable aspect is its map. Navigating through it can be a time-consuming task due to its large size, lack of significant speed enhancements, and scarcity of travel stations. However, what makes it even more frustrating is its in-game representation. Each regular screen is depicted as a nondescript rectangle, with exits marked along its perimeter. This representation fails to consider the layout of individual rooms, at best using colours to distinguish different zones. It gives the impression of an unfinished map hastily put together solely to have one.

Ebenezer and The Invisible World shows promise as a Metroidvania game, offering fans and players a chance to revisit a classic story, much like the recent Lies of P. However, it ultimately disappoints in several areas, resulting in a lacklustre and frustrating Christmas gaming experience.

In terms of holiday food, it can be compared to Green Bean Casserole — a traditional dish found on many Christmas tables. Much like the casserole, unfortunately, the game falls short with its mushy mix of uninspiring elements and missed opportunities.

PROS

• Stunning hand-drawn Christmas-themed visual.

CONS

• Unrefined storyline – too many unnecessary details and lack of backstory.
• Repetitive combat feels unchallenging when you get the grasp of the controls.
• Basic map layout, making the gameplay experience much more frustrating.

FINAL SCORE: 30/100

Ebenezer and The Invisible World was reviewed on PC via Steam based on a review copy provided by publisher Play on Worlds. Ebenezer and The Invisible World is now available for the PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC.