Game: Twilight Monk
Genre: Action, Adventure, Platformer, Fighting
System: Nintendo Switch (Also on Steam (Windows))
Developer|Publisher: Aquatic Moon Games | Gravity Game Arise
Age Rating: EU 7 | US Everyone 10+
Price: US $19.99 | UK 16.75 | EU € 19,99
Release Date: March 27th, 2025
A review code was provided, thanks to Gravity Game Arise.
Twilight Monk – A Great Extension of the Books
Being from an older generation of gaming, I’m often sceptical when a game is based on already established media. Many adaptations fail to capture what made their source material special, but times are clearly changing. Twilight Monk is an adventure game based on a popular book series and comic. Its writer, Trent Kaniuga, has a background in video game writing, which likely explains why the transition from book to game feels so natural. However, if you, like me, are unfamiliar with the series, don’t worry. Twilight Monk is a solid adventure game that is well worth playing, even on its own merits.
More Than Meditation
The story puts you in control of Raziel, a Twilight Monk who solves his problems through action rather than deep meditation. The antagonist, Rox, is searching for three powerful rings to bring chaos to the land, and it’s up to Raziel to stop him using his rather massive weapon.
Throughout the adventure, you’ll meet a cast of NPCs, many of whom will likely be familiar to fans of the books. While I didn’t know the lore going in, I found the game easy to follow. There’s clearly been a lot of effort put into world-building, but some of the humour felt a bit forced, occasionally missing the mark. However, this could be in line with the tone of the original material.
A Different Adventure Structure
At first, Twilight Monk feels like a traditional 2D action-adventure game, but it quickly becomes apparent that it breaks away from the typical formula. Instead of a single interconnected world, the game segments its levels, connected by a top-down overworld map. While travelling, you may be intercepted by enemy sprites, triggering small arena battles where you can choose to fight or flee.
Levelling up is tied to combat, so there’s an incentive to take on enemies rather than avoid them. One feature I particularly appreciated is that your next objective is always clearly marked on the map, preventing unnecessary backtracking and confusion.
A Unique Weapon
Raziel’s weapon of choice, the Phantom Pillar, is one of the game’s most interesting features. A large, hulking structure attached to a chain, it’s used not only for attacking enemies but also as a defensive tool, a platforming aid, and a puzzle-solving mechanic. Despite its size, the weapon feels surprisingly fast and fluid to use.
In addition to the Phantom Pillar, you can find and use sub-weapons at the cost of mana. However, these are supplementary rather than the main focus of combat.
Exploration and Upgrades
Exploration is a key part of progression. Level design is engaging, with enough hidden paths and secrets to make exploration rewarding but not so overwhelming that it slows progress.
You’re encouraged to search for talismans that adjust stats and abilities, and health upgrades are tied to collecting three special crystals, a mechanic I personally find a bit tedious but is common in games of this genre.
Coins collected from enemies and chests can be spent at vendors to buy maps, talismans, and temporary food buffs, which provide stat boosts for a limited time. Additionally, you can invest in building up shops, adding a light town-building element.
Difficulty and Checkpoints
The difficulty starts at a moderate level but spikes significantly during boss fights. Fortunately, there are well-placed save points before major encounters, reducing frustration.
However, there’s no difficulty setting, which may discourage casual players or those who prefer a more relaxed experience. That said, if you enjoy a fair but tough challenge, Twilight Monk delivers.
Stunning Presentation
One of the game’s biggest highlights is the hand-drawn art style. It feels like a fully animated version of the original comic, with beautifully detailed environments, expressive character designs, and atmospheric lighting. The world of Speria is dark and chaotic, filled with monsters and danger, but its design offers glimmers of hope.
Whether you’re a fan of the graphic novel or not, the game’s stunning visuals stand on their own.
Performance-wise, I found the game ran smoothly on the Nintendo Switch, both in handheld and docked mode, making it a solid choice for those who prefer portable gaming.
Conclusion: No Need to Meditate on This One
Twilight Monk is an excellent adventure game with a compelling world, rewarding exploration, and a unique combat system. Even if you’re unfamiliar with the source material, it’s an enjoyable adventure-style action RPG that stands strong on its own.
The game’s mix of 2D action, RPG elements, and exploration gives it a distinct feel, setting it apart from typical adventure games. Combat feels fresh, thanks to the Phantom Pillar’s versatility, and the leveling system encourages engagement without feeling grindy.
However, the difficulty spikes may be a bit much for casual players. But if you’re looking for a challenging, rewarding action RPG, there’s no need to meditate on this; Twilight Monk is a great pick.
Final Verdict: I Like it a Lot
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