Lone Fungus: Melody of Spores

Last updated: 2025-11-10

Listen

0:00 / 0:00
Summary
  • Fluid controls and core gameplay experience.
  • Highly polished, overall enjoyable experience.
  • Exemplary Metroidvania genre design.
  • Lacks predecessor's depth and overall challenge.
  • Extensive abilities and character upgrade systems.
  • Broken, grindy game economy reported.
Lone Fungus: Melody of Spores header

Categories

MetroidvaniaPlatformerExplorationReal-time CombatCharacter ProgressionSingle-player StoryResource Management

Emotions

Satisfaction31%Excitement14%Enjoyment10%Joy8%Disappointment7%
Reviews
(sample size)
80
Helpful reviews
76%
Unhelpful reviews
24%
Protest reviews
0%
Positive points
309
Negative points
77
Gameplay points
77
Perf. points
1
Rec. points
36
Misc points
19
Point
Fluid controls and core gameplay
Description
The game receives strong praise for its incredibly smooth and fun controls, particularly in platforming and combat. Players enjoy the responsive movement options, engaging action system, and well-balanced optional challenges, making exploration and progression highly satisfying.
Importance
99%
Highly polished, enjoyable experience
Description
Players consistently praise the game for its exceptional polish, fluid gameplay, and overall engaging experience. This leads to a high level of enjoyment and satisfaction, with many describing it as one of the best games they've played recently.
Importance
84%
Exemplary Metroidvania design
Description
The game is lauded as an outstanding Metroidvania, often cited as a top-tier title in the genre. Players specifically highlight its successful homage to classic Castlevania games, including satisfying 8-directional whip combat and well-defined genre vibes.
Importance
49%
Major sequel improvements
Description
Reviewers widely agree that the sequel represents a substantial upgrade over the first game in almost every aspect. This includes improved game design, polish, pacing, boss fights, and map layout, making it a much better and more thoughtful experience.
Importance
42%
Enhanced visual charm and world
Description
The game's art style is significantly praised as an improvement, with a polished, charming, and aesthetically pleasing look. The world itself feels more thought-out, lively, and refined, contributing to an immersive experience.
Importance
34%
Smart Quality of Life features
Description
The game introduces several highly appreciated Quality of Life (QoL) features, such as the innovative snapshot mechanic for map markers and intelligent auto-markers for points of interest. These additions streamline exploration and enhance overall convenience.
Importance
31%
Challenging yet fair bosses
Description
Boss encounters are consistently described as cool, tough but fair, and a significant improvement over the predecessor. Players find them enjoyable and well-designed, adding a strong layer of challenge to the game.
Importance
18%
Skilled and player-focused developer
Description
Players recognize and appreciate the developer's significant improvement in game design skills, noting a clear dedication to creating a player-respecting experience. The game's quality is particularly impressive given its solo development.
Importance
18%
Rewarding optional challenge rooms
Description
The optional "Astral Gates" (and ladybug rooms) are highlighted as well-crafted, fun, and challenging bonus rooms. Players appreciate their return and find them to be a satisfying aspect of the game.
Importance
16%