Quick Review: Lion Quest

Abstract and a mix of 2D/3D?
Daring, let's see how that turns out

Several games have attempted to combine 2D and 3D in new ways. Many developers experimented with such an idea – some experiments were successful, some were just okay, and some were definitely not.

Lion Quest is a game by Dracula’s Cave that was released to Steam on July 11th, 2016. You control Jethro, a lion on a quest to repair the universe after it was messed with by a teleportation experiment involving portals. The same portals you will be using to go around the levels.

"Launch you into space"? Is this really going to save you?

The character can move left and right, and jump with the Space bar. Later, Jethro gets the ability to summon cubes and constructions falling from the sky, and can stop their fall with the Zen mode, used by pressing Z and X. The game is on a 2D plane, but is actually in 3D, as you can notice the cubes and other constructs falling off with a clear 3D build to them. It's a bit subtle, but you will notice after a moment. Using the Zen abilities, you can stop falling cubes at just the right height so you can cross chasms.

Oh, I have to suspend them in mid-ar?
I thought I had to see them land in 3D and then jump!

There’s a tutorial, nine long and labyrinthine levels, and three short “X” challenge levels. At several points in the main levels, you activate switches to destroy platforms or scenery elements, or open new paths. Jethro can also rescue his animal buddies by helping them through the puzzles – when they’re on the same screen, they copy all of Jethro’s movements, and it becomes a puzzle to control both at the same time.

Last but not least, it’s possible to collect money, the rectangular golden items spinning in place – and then spend that money in the Store. This lets the player unlock new characters to play as, some of which have different speeds and even bonus abilities. The last ones cost 1000 and 2000 rectangles. I didn’t even collect 1000 during my complete playthrough. There’s no quick way to collect money in the game either, so these amounts are kind of insane.

HELP! Iam literally stuck between a square and a skull!

The game includes an arcade mode if you want an extra challenge, and a VS mode that can be tried locally or with Steam Remote Play.

This game is actually pretty tough – you have infinite lives, and thank God for that, because some areas are insane. Loads of single-square platforms, traps all over the place. One issue I’ve had more than once is getting trapped underneath fallen blocks, being unable to get out, and thus having to restart the level (see picture). And remember, I said the levels were long. The “X” challenge levels were probably built by sadists. Imagine having to jump up this.

No, yu're not goin down - you're supposed to climb up this.
With very little spaceto jump properly.

Wait, how many of those bears do I have to save here?

Having a game played in 2D with secret 3D is sort of cool, but the concept isn’t really taken advantage of. The story is almost nonexistent for much of the main levels. There are attempts at giving this world a lived-in feel, and the “world tearing apart” aspect is acknowledged with platforms and blocks falling, fair enough. The plot only picks up on Level 9, unlocked after beating all previous eight. The graphics are basic, per the base idea for the game, and the music is only okay. I do like that the game tried to include more options, like Arcade and Versus modes, but the game is otherwise somewhat lacking. Thankfully, while the game can be tough, checkpoints are plentiful across the long levels. If you want a genuine challenge, this game can provide it, but it doesn’t offer much else to keep a player invested. I still took three hours of my time to finish it, so… take from that what you will.

Lion Quest is available on Steam for 5.99$.