Experience the Raw Grit and Exhaustion of Aged Through Blood’s Demo

Unleashing Laika: A Unique Blend of Excitebike and Castlevania

The concept of combining Excitebike and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night seemed unlikely, but that’s exactly what Laika: Aged Through Blood offers. Dubbed a “motorvania,” this game offers both side-scrolling exploration and a dark twist on the racing mechanics of Uniracers.

During Steam Next Fest, a demo of Laika was released, allowing players to experience this unholy union firsthand. With over an hour of gameplay, the demo offers a substantial taste of what the game has to offer.

Screenshot by Destructoid

A Dark and Apocalyptic Adventure

In Laika: Aged Through Blood, players take on the role of Laika, a dog-powered dirtbike. From the start, the game sets a grim tone, with Laika’s companion, Poochie, brutally killed and crucified with his own entrails. This game combines elements of Redwall and the original Mad Max, with its wasteland aesthetics and animal protagonists.

The story unfolds slowly, leaving players with many unanswered questions. While the narrative eventually reveals itself, it can be overwhelming to grasp all the information while learning the intricacies of dirtbiking.

Laika: Aged Through Blood exploration
Screenshot by Destructoid

Master the Art of Motorcycling

Comparisons to Excitebike are fitting, but Laika shares more in common with games like Joe Danger and Uniracers. Players must constantly adjust their bike’s orientation mid-air to achieve the best possible landing. However, Laika adds a unique twist by allowing players to perform full backflips to reload their pistol and use their bike as a shield against incoming bullets.

Despite being a side-scrolling game, Laika presents a steep learning curve. Switching to aiming mode triggers slow motion, providing players with a chance to strategically choose their targets. The controls can be challenging to master, but the game’s depth and skill requirements add to its appeal.

One notable aspect of Laika is the demanding nature of the controls. The majority of the game is spent on the bike, which can be mentally taxing. Playing the hour-long demo alone felt exhausting, raising concerns about the full game’s runtime. Taking breaks may be necessary to avoid fatigue, hindering the overall experience.

Bar Quest
Screenshot by Destructoid

A World of Desolation and Mystery

Despite the control challenges, Laika: Aged Through Blood showcases impressive level design. However, it remains to be seen if the game can provide enough variety to sustain its intended runtime. The inclusion of animated cutscenes and intriguing characters adds depth and interest to the overall experience.

Supporting the game’s atmosphere is the melancholic soundtrack by Beícoli, the in-house composer for Brainwash Gang. Her music perfectly complements the game’s tone and sets the mood for this desolate world. Fans of atmospheric music will find themselves immersed in the game’s unique soundtrack.

Despite the challenges faced during the demo, Laika: Aged Through Blood has captured my attention. The vision of Brainwash Gang and the game’s overall production quality are commendable. While many questions remain unanswered, I eagerly anticipate future updates and the release of the full game. Based on the high level of polish in the demo, it appears that players won’t have to wait until the end of the world to experience Laika.

Zoey Handley

Staff Writer – Zoey is a gaming gadabout. She got her start blogging with the community in 2018 and hit the front page soon after. Normally found exploring indie experiments and retro libraries, she does her best to remain chronically uncool.

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