Flynn: Son of Crimson is an indie game that has been cooking for a while now. The developer, Studio Thunderhorse, launched its Kickstarter on September 26, 2017. This is fun to know as the game has now launched almost exactly four years from that point. This is the studio's first major game too.
In that meantime, Studio Thunderhorse also found a publisher via Humble Games who has proven to know a thing or two about highlight new and unusual indie games. The reviews so far are good so it seems like a strong recommendation for all major platforms out there. What exactly is it and are there any tips to help make the game easier? The answer to that should be obvious so let's take a quick dive into Flynn: Son of Crimson.
6 What Is It?
Flynn: Son of Crimson can best be described as an action platformer. There are some Metroidvania elements to it almost like it started out as one before shifting gears during development. The game is presented with a world map. It’s a lot like the setup in Super Mario World, one of Mario’s more classic entries. Players can hop from stage to stage and can replay them at their leisure.
Many stages have multiple exits that can only be accessed through special keys or acquiring new powers. One power includes an ice blast that can freeze blocks to allow Flynn to reach new heights. That’s the extent of the Metroidvania elements.
5 There Are Accessibility Options
One of the better aspects of Flynn: Son of Crimson is its accessibility options. There are three difficulties levels at the start of the game: Easy, Normal, and Hard. That’s already a good variety to help cater to all types of players. If one hops into the options then they will see a mode that will essentially turn Flynn invincible.
His attack won’t increase but he will no longer take damage. Don’t be afraid to check it out. Many games in 2021 offered similar features like Dodgeball Academia, another Humble Games title, which has a meter to increase or decrease damage taken and given.
4 Shoot To Stun, Go In For The Kill
All enemies have two meters in this Metroidvania-like adventure. There is the obvious one, health, but there is also a stamina gauge which is indicated by a yellow line. The more enemies are attacked, the more the stamina gauge will increase. Once it hits full capacity that enemy will become stunned for a few seconds.
The best way to stun an enemy early on is by zapping them with magic. Early spells don’t do much damage but they do increase the stamina meter more than a few whacks from the sword. Once an enemy is stunned, go in for the kill. This is a good combo to remember for Flynn: Son of Crimson.
3 Note Every Impassable Obstacle
As mentioned earlier, the Metroidvania elements come into play in regard to multiple exits found in some stages. Whenever a passage seems inaccessible, such as a too-high ledge or a locked door, mark it down manually. Take a screenshot which is easy to do on modern consoles such as the Switch.
The Switch, in general, is the best possible console to play Flynn: Son of Crimson on since games like this are great for on-the-go gaming. Also, be sure to mark down what stage the impassable obstacle was in. This will make the search the next time around go a lot faster. Also be sure to hug every wall because there are a lot of invisible barriers in Flynn: Son of Crimson that lead to secrets.
2 What To Upgrade
It takes an hour or two, depending on how much one explores each stage, but eventually, players can upgrade Flynn. The beginning pathways for him are basic but get more in-depth as the game continues. The very first set of upgrades players should buy are in the top section.
These upgrades will increase the size of magic blasts as well as decrease how long it takes to charge spells. The second set of upgrades to get are directly below that and increase Flynn’s combo count with his sword. From there it is recommended to hold out on buying anything else. Just wait and save those points for a rainy day.
1 Healing Crystal Tips
The easiest way players can heal Flynn is by collecting green crystal energy. The beginning of Flynn: Son of Crimson allows players to store three charges although using a slot recharges more than just one point of health. Use the green energy sparingly unless there is an abundance in a level.
Remember, there are checkpoints in stages upon death. The game usually saves from screen to screen. Players don’t want to end up with an empty healing pouch when going into a boss battle. That’s why it’s important to hold out if one can. As a reminder, there is also the invincibility mode which can help with enemies but not with some of the more challenging platforming sections.