Where to start with this game. I’ve been looking forward to this gem by Capybara since I saw the first screenshot nearly a year ago. The meticulously crafted pixel art immediately grabbed me. After much time and not very much information, Capybara finally released Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP in March. I had no clue what to expect, other than an interesting adventure game with some great visuals. What I got was a work of art.

Upon first launching Sword & Sworcery, the game recommended I use headphones while playing. I can’t stress enough how sound this advice is. The soundtrack to this game is fantastic. It really absorbs you in the world. I liked it so much, I ended up buying it on iTunes. It’s great to listen to while reading or while going to sleep. Anyway, back to the game.

In Sword & Sworcery, the narrative follows the Scythian, an adventurer in this wondrous forest environment. A pipe-smoking, laid back narrator will guide you along the way in the form of text boxes and the occasional vocal dialogue. He’ll give you (very little) aid in solving the puzzles you encounter on your adventure. A lot to this game is left to discovery by simple point and tapping around the screen. Sometimes you’ll just end up rustling a bush, and sometimes you’ll find that cave opening you need to go through. As the name suggests, magic is a large part of the game. Without giving too much away, I’ll say there are spirits and fairies that you will use to vanquish evil. There is some sword fighting to the game too, but it’s a one button affair that feels a bit gimmicky. One of the very interesting parts of the game is that it incorporates its own lunar cycle. Certain puzzles and elements are only revealed during the full moon, but I can’t digress too much without spoiling the game.

This is one of those games that is very difficult to summarize and sell people on. It’s one of those few magical gems that you have to tell everyone you know about. The soundtrack is worth the $4.99 price tag alone. Sword & Sworcery is a universal app for iPhone and iPad, which you can download here [iTunes link]. If you only have an iPhone or iPod touch, there’s a $2.99 version available for the smaller devices. Go get this game now, you won’t regret it.