The Siege and the Sandfox Review: Fox on the run

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Typically, when someone mentions the term ‘Metroidvania’, my mind often wanders, yearning for the tranquility that comes with the end. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t dislike Metroidvanias; it’s just that I’ve played a lot of them and seen many more. Being immersed in this genre for an extended period can feel overwhelming, especially in the independent gaming scene. Therefore, when I choose to play a Metroidvania game, I seek something beyond merely emulating Super Metroid and Symphony of the Night.

The game “The Siege and the Sandfox” stands out amidst the multitude of Metroidvania-style games available today on Earth’s digital storefronts. While it boasts impressive pixel art and a captivating soundtrack, these features are quite common in contemporary gaming. However, what truly sets it apart is not just its aesthetic or auditory qualities; I seek something more distinctive when evaluating a game’s uniqueness.

In the heart of the sun-drenched city of tales, Kariman, I find myself, a seasoned gamer, drawn into an unforeseen tale. A relentless horde, like a sea of sandstorm, has breached our once impregnable walls, laying siege to the city that was a beacon in the desert. My long-time ally, the king, is now under attack by none other than his own queen, who accuses me, the revered Sandfox, of regicide.

As I approach the palace gates, I sense an air of treachery. Upon entering, I find the king poisoned, the queen’s guilt etched upon her face. In a twisted game of power and deceit, she accuses me, stabs me with my own blade, and throws my lifeless body into Traitor’s Fall, a deep chasm leading to Kariman’s hidden prisons. But little does she know, I am not so easily defeated. This is just the beginning of my journey to clear my name, restore peace, and uncover the truth behind the queen’s treacherous plot.

In “The Siege and the Sandfox,” you find yourself on an intriguing journey, attempting to escape the queen’s grasp but failing, as the cunning Sandfox miraculously survives. Determined for revenge, you delve deep into this forgotten city, navigating damp caves, treacherous prisons, and decaying mausoleums, parts of the city long abandoned. This isn’t just a story about revenge; it’s a journey that unearths the unexpected. As you venture deeper, you’ll find the narrative guiding you each step of the way, reminiscent of a bedtime tale. The setting is captivating, the music enchanting, and the plot engaging. However, what truly captured my heart wasn’t just these elements; it was the profound emotional connection I formed with the characters and the rich, immersive world they inhabited.

I find it charming because it’s a game where stealth is key, not combat. In The Siege and the Sandfox, instead of engaging in fights, you hide, evade, or sneak around guards. If you manage to get behind them, you can knock them unconscious with a blackjack, but only if they aren’t wearing helmets. Generally, your main objective is to stay unnoticed.

In this game, the Sandfox character boasts unique abilities such as scaling walls, unlatching doors, traversing ceilings, slipping beneath low ledges, and even gliding. These skills are acquired by discovering necessary gear scattered throughout the world. Since we’re talking about a Metroidvania title here, exploration is key, and each piece of equipment discovered opens up fresh zones within The Siege and expands the Sandfox’s extensive map.

Conceal yourself in a container like a box or vase while a guard is present, then snuff out a candle and surreptitiously move past him. Remain hidden on a ladder as he crosses above you on wooden planks. Show patience and resourcefulness; think like a fox to succeed. Often, opponents are too astute, or located in tricky spots, or they detect you and persistently follow, but generally, the emphasis on stealth is effective, and I appreciated playing a game that didn’t primarily rely on violence. If necessary, I could render them unconscious, but it was preferable if they never even sensed my presence at all.

Throughout your adventures, you’ll encounter numerous individuals. One fellow requested my aid in locating his pet rat, only for him to consume it before my eyes. The Underking tasks me with settling a dispute in an underground colosseum to outshine his rival. She requests that I vandalize a portrait depicting him. A man on the losing end of a game of chance asks me to arrange a mirror, intending to use it in his counterattack. It might be wiser if he weren’t gambling with dice. Each encounter, though brief, is distinct. Every character serves as a stone along your path.

Navigating through Sandfox is mainly enjoyable. The jumping and running feel substantial yet not cumbersome. Scaling walls, leaping from one column to another or from one surface to another, as well as climbing, are all rewarding experiences. However, I find an issue when The Siege and the Sandfox necessitates you to leap off a ledge, slide down a wall, and then position yourself for precise jumps, which can be tricky. Sometimes it’s simpler to step off the edge completely and then climb back than it should be. Ideally, there would be a button that allows me to drop off the edge automatically and grab hold instead of having to execute it manually, but it’s a minor inconvenience.

I had a great time playing The Siege of the Sandfox. I found myself captivated by its universe, intrigued by its challenges, and curious about which new skills would help me progress. It was incredibly rewarding to question if I could scale something, leap, or ascend something, only to find out that I indeed could, revealing a whole new realm in the process. The Siege of the Sandfox never fails to maintain that element of surprise as you navigate it, and I truly appreciate this quality. Plus, it doesn’t linger too long. You can expect to complete the entire game within 6-8 hours, unless you’re a collector at heart, in which case there are optional collectibles that offer additional insights into Kariman and its inhabitants. These aren’t essential, but I always felt pleased when I discovered one and expanded my understanding of this world. Like the Sandfox itself, this game is efficient, accomplishing its objectives swiftly, and I often lost track of time while playing.

This unique Metroidvania stands out from the crowd by confidently defining its own style, skillfully avoiding overt homage to predecessors while still preserving a distinct identity. I found myself engrossed in its gameplay, appreciating that it forged its own path without losing sight of its roots. Much like Sandfox, this game is a product of its history yet carves out a unique trajectory for itself.

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2025-05-27 16:28