Computer Marko: Beyond Brave Review

Marko: Beyond Brave began as a Kickstarter project on July 13, 2021, promoting itself as a "2D action-adventure game: A mix of classic cartoons, Balkan folklore, and Slavic mythology." The campaign hit its $18,500 goal in less than three weeks, by July 29. Studio Mechka, the developer, allocated 33% of the funds to art. Hand-drawn animation is a key selling point for Marko: Beyond Brave. The game's visuals are impressive, with smooth animation for almost all bosses. However, this costly and time-intensive animation style has a major downside, leading to my main criticism: enemies lack diverse movesets. I suspect limited funds or time prevented more attack animations. This hurts combat because while Marko has many ways to fight, enemies show their full moveset within seconds.

Sound design received 10% of the Kickstarter funds. Sadly, the ambient sounds are unremarkable, often reminiscent of old flash game effects. However, the background music and overall soundtrack are genuinely catchy and solid throughout.


Development got 30% of the funds, a broad category covering remaining aspects. The story takes a back seat, mostly told through lore columns scattered across areas. These columns are intriguing and sometimes crucial for progress. However, we learn nothing about Marko, the hero. We only know he's a hero and woodsman. No character discusses his background, and Marko himself is silent. The dragon featured in trailers doesn't reappear, at least in the bad ending. Only the darkness affecting the world, the endgame area, and the final boss are explained. But for a Metroidvania, it's not critical for the story to be the main focus.

The platforming in Marko: Beyond Brave stands out as its strongest feature, offering a genuine challenge. Various obstacles like timed platforms, lasers, and spikes keep the gameplay fresh and engaging. Later levels ramp up the difficulty with longer, more complex sections that can lead to occasional deaths. However, the spear-throwing mechanic, while innovative, suffers from a frustratingly slow animation. This ability, used in some platforming puzzles, requires precise timing and positioning, which can be annoying.


As someone unfamiliar with Balkan folklore and Slavic myth, I can't comment on the game's cultural references. Any clever nods or easter eggs likely went unnoticed. (For instance, I learned after playing that Marko's name is a nod to a medieval ruler in folk tales.) Still, this cultural backdrop sets Marko apart from other games in the genre.

Marko: Beyond Brave shows potential but needs significant improvement. While the art and animation shine, they can't make up for the shallow combat and overall lack of depth. The game feels more like an early access title than a finished product. With more time and resources, many of these issues could be addressed in updates or a sequel. However, in its current state, I can't recommend Marko: Beyond Brave. The developers have laid a foundation, but the game needs more work to truly excel. For those interested in supporting the project's future development, you can find more information on their Kickstarter page.