Rating
The Siege and the Sandfox
The Siege and the Sandfox is a 'Stealthvania' – an infusion of stealth into the familiar Metroidvania experience, creating a unique twist on the ever-popular genre. Lovingly realised in an evocative 2D art style, enriched with the power of Unreal Engine 4.
Details
- Released
- May 20, 2025
- Developer
- Cardboard Sword
- Publisher
- Koch Media, Chucklefish Games
- Platforms
- PC
Player pulse
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The Siege and the Sandfox Reviews
Professional reviews from gaming critics
Metroidvania games have long captivated players by rewarding exploration, often layering innovative mechanics onto familiar foundations to forge engaging
The Siege and the Sandfox is a beautifully realized Metroidvania that succeeds in every artistic aspect, from its pixel-perfect visuals and soundtrack to its intricate worldbuilding. While it stumbles somewhat in its necessary backtracking and stiff controls, the overall experience is both compelling and memorable. For fans of stealth, fantasy, and classic Metroidvania exploration, this game serves as a rewarding adventure.
Normally, when someone says the word Metroidvania, my eyes start to glaze over and I begin to long for the sweet release of death. There’s nothing wrong with Metroidvanias; I just play a hell of a lot of them, and see a hell of a lot more. If you spend enough time in this space, you’re practically inundated with Metroidvanias, especially in the indie space. So when I sit down to play one, I look for something a little more than trying to ape Super Metroid and Symphony of the Night.
It's an odd little gem, a diamond in the rough with a distinctive character. A passionate project with great personality, spiced with nostalgia, and with an insidious level of difficulty. The Siege and the Sandfox is not an experience for everyone, and it's no secret that it often feels like a handwritten love letter from 1993, signed by Jordan Mechner. It's beautiful, smart, meditative, and sometimes quite brutal. But it's a journey well worth taking, a sound-sensitive dance between shadows and death that offers a strangely polished experience that richly rewards the tactical and patient.
The Siege and the Sandfox takes a refreshing approach to the Metroidvania formula. With its focus on parkour and stealth, each trip to the array of distinct biomes is a thrill. The core mechanics drive the level design, creating strong segments that challenge your skills. Unfortunately, small but frequent bugs do affect the experience and halt the game from reaching its true potential. Even so, its inventive design and atmosphere make it a memorable entry in the genre.