Our Nocturnal PC Review

After playing through Nocturnal on PC, I walked away both impressed and occasionally tested. It’s a compact, atmospheric 2D action platformer that fuses fire-based mechanics with deliberate exploration and puzzle-solving. What stood out most wasn’t just the swordplay or the misty backdrops, but how much heart and detail Sunnyside Games poured into the world of Nahran.

You play as Ardeshir, a soldier of the “Enduring Flame” returning to a homeland overrun by corruption and darkness. From the very first steps into its misty ruins, Nocturnal pulls you in with haunting beauty and an ambient soundtrack that carries you forward.

It reminded me a little of Dark Souls in tone – less in difficulty and more in its approach to world-building, storytelling, and isolation.

If i was to directly compare it to any game, then it would have to be Ori and the Will of the Wisps (2020). That too, is a 2D platformer that has beautiful scenery and tough puzzles. Although, i would give the edge to Nocturnal personally.

The central hook here is fire. Ardeshir’s flame-wreathed sword doesn’t just deal damage, it’s your literal lifeline. Without it, the creeping black mist surrounding you will start eating away at your health. That tension, keeping the flame alive while solving puzzles, exploring dark caverns, or fighting back corrupted foes, adds a constant layer of urgency.

There’s a clever rhythm to how Nocturnal plays. You ignite your blade, light a brazier, fend off a few enemies, and then sprint through a shadow-choked corridor before your flame dies out.

It never feels gimmicky, it’s integrated deeply into both the combat and platforming. Some of my favourite moments came from desperately looking for a light source after pushing too far into darkness, my heart pounding as I watched Ardeshir slowly succumb to the mist.

Combat is sharp, though it takes a bit of getting used to. You’ll fight both human and mist-touched enemies – some charging you head-on with swords, others launching dark magic or explosive bombs from afar. Every type requires a slightly different tactic. There’s also a dodge-and-strike system using a short glide mechanic that, once mastered, feels really smooth and satisfying.

That said, the difficulty does spike in places. Certain enemy gauntlets and even some puzzle sections had me running in circles before something clicked. It’s not always well signposted, and that can lead to occasional frustration. Thankfully, the game features a generous checkpoint system, so any losses are short-lived and never feel punishing.

In total there are 6 boss fights. The Shadow Dog was my personal favourite, and Arsia (who’s the final boss) was worthy of an end-game.

There’s a light RPG layer, mostly through flame upgrades. You’ll collect coins from combat and exploration, which can be spent to extend flame duration, unlock healing abilities, or improve your sword attacks. The upgrades aren’t overly complex, but they do feel meaningful, especially the healing function, which I ended up relying on a fair bit during tougher segments.

Exploration also rewards lore lovers. Hidden letters and ancient tombs help build the backstory of Nahran and Ardeshir himself. I was genuinely intrigued to learn how the flame was passed down through generations, and piecing together the island’s fall kept me invested between battles.

Visually, the game punches well above its weight. I would say this is Nocturnal’s best feature by a mile! The contrast between glowing flames and pitch-black fog is stunning, and the level art – whether it’s ruined temples, open plains or shadowed halls – maintains a rich and cohesive style. The animation is fluid too. Fire dances, enemies collapse with weight, and every attack has a tactile feel to it.

Nocturnal isn’t trying to reinvent the genre, but what it does try, it commits to with confidence. It’s a game that wants to challenge you, but also immerse you.

Some of the puzzles and combat encounters can frustrate if you’re not fully tuned into its logic, and the upgrade pacing might feel a little slow early on, but the overall experience is one of beauty, tension, and depth.

It’s not long – maybe 4 to 5 hours, but it’s focused. Every moment feels handcrafted. The difficulty is moderate, but it’s a lot easier than other souls-like games. If you’re looking for a tight, flame-fuelled action-platformer with atmosphere to spare, Nocturnal is worth your time.

This was my Nocturnal PC Review, if you want to check out the game for yourself, visit the official Steam page using the hyperlink. Please note, we do not include affiliate links and do not earn any commission.