Tails of Iron is a side-scrolling game developed by Odd Bug Studio. In this game set in a fallen kingdom, you will roleplay Redgi, the heir to the Rat Throne. You aim to restore your broken kingdom by banishing the Frog clan and their ferocious leader.

Tails of Iron offers punishingly brutal combat. You will fight harrowing battles and dodge and parry your way to victory. It gives you no quarter and demands that you learn its intricacies at once. Also, be ready to see many You Died screens as you play since the battles can be too hard. 

Simple gameplay but hard to play

At its core, Tails of Iron has simple gameplay. You attack, dodge, block, and parry the enemy. However, defeating the enemy is a true challenge. Each enemy type and boss has their move set and quirks. You will have to adapt, or else you will repeatedly die. Moreover, you will also need to combine your attacks to have a better chance of winning.

Rather than a Metroidvania, the game is rather an RPG-lite. You don't have stats, but you have a wide range of armors, shields, and weapons to help with your playstyle. The gameplay is also give-and-take. Some weapons hit harder, while others attack faster. However, know that healing is a slow process. With this, you will have to judge when to recover your health or when to attack.

More than a challenging, if not brutal, combat, this game allows you to explore a wide variety of environments. The art style is a fantastic, story-book design that fits the premise perfectly. Even better, the areas change virtually as you play and repair your kingdom. The menus and loading screens are also well-done. However, this cartoony, graphic novel look will not hide the gory, violent, and harsh setting.

A great 2D game

Overall, Tails of Iron is a game that takes the 2D side-scrolling genre to a new height. It has simple mechanics, but actually achieving your goal is a challenge. The combats are brutal and can be frustrating for some. It will really push your limits as you have to fight multiple enemies at once. However, if you like challenges, then this will be for you.