The mixing of two genres has worked wonders in the gaming industry. Whether it be Mass Effect meshing third-person shooting with RPG storytelling mechanics or perhaps the recent The Riftbreaker doing RTS and top-down shooting simultaneously, a truly unique experience can be had with titles that opt to multitask. So, how about a Beat-Em-Up and an RPG? Young Souls manages to do just that, so how well do the two work together in this game?

Controlling two characters, Tristan and Jenn, you’re tasked with felling foes by the dozen, as any Beat-Em-Up would have you do. Different weapons will have different swing speeds, damage outputs, and more to consider. Optimally, you can have two playstyles going by outfitting each sibling with a fine-tuned kit to take on every situation. This RPG depth, bolstered by looting as much as a Borderlands game, makes for a super-fun gameplay loop. Throw in plenty of cutscenes in the game’s signature art style, and Young Souls has all the puzzle pieces needed for a comprehensive title.

The interactions between Tristan and Jenn are quite typical for a coming-of-age pair of teenagers with a tragic backstory to back up their banter. Thankfully, the back-and-forth between the two is delectable and reveals a lot about each character. Where Jenn gushes over a good book, Tristan yearns for the next stylish pair of shoes. Almost every task in the game engages both members, whether it be in single-player or co-op, so you won’t just be using one or the other much at all.

Speaking of, the duality between single-player and co-op is perfectly acceptable, as you don’t necessarily miss out by not bringing a friend into Young Souls. Sure, it streamlines the gameplay to have a partner controlling a character, but the switching mechanic in single-player is well-thought-out and the health/mana not being shared means switching is a must to learn. It’s a learning curve that may frustrate many players, myself included, but once it gets mastered, it’s a powerful tool that can turn the tide of any fight.

I found these fights to be engaging, particularly the boss battles that warranted the best out of the player. The parry mechanic feels great and the timing for it is just right, but one of the many accessibility options that Young Souls offers gives you leeway if timing is a challenge for you. While I did run out of health on more than one occasion, I persisted and didn’t opt to give myself an advantage, instead opting to work on my gameplay to beat tough battles. Nevertheless, there’s a sturdy accessibility options list if one so needs it.

Young Souls will challenge those looking for a fight, entertain those looking for an involved story, and dazzle those looking for that savory indie game art style. It isn’t a short one-and-done affair, either. HowLongToBeat.com suggests it’s in the 10-hour range for most gamers. If you’re willing to grind in the game’s gym, fight the same tough boss a ton, actively change weapons/armor, and be flexible in your playstyles, you’ll have a blast in Young Souls.

A PC review copy of Young Souls was provided by The Arcade Crew for this review.

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Young Souls

$24.99

7.5

Score

7.5/10

Pros

• Unique Gameplay
• Strong Dialogue Humor
• Fun Gameplay Loop

Cons

• Brutal Difficulty Curve
• Unclear Target Audience
• Grinding