Absolutely inspired by the 8 and 16-bit eras and the likes of the classic Castlevania series, Cathedral should be quite good at scratching the old school Metroidvania itch for genre fans. You’ll set out to explore a sprawling map full of puzzles, secret rooms, and various enemies, and the overall feel and action beats feel highly reminiscent of that time. The thing is, that can be both a good and bad thing depending on your modern expectations. There are elements in classic titles that haven’t aged as well as others, and the lack of overall guidance will at times burn some of your time (and perhaps enjoyment) as you backtrack and try to figure out what you may have missed given the way the map is laid out as a whole. Additionally, the level of challenge I would consider consistent with the titles that inspired it but may prove frustrating for some folks given its old school “git gud” approach. If you treasure modern games that fully honor the old style this is a must-buy proposition, but if you were hoping for a retro feel with more modern sensibilities you’re more likely to be disappointed.