Selfloss review

Introduction

Selfloss throws you into a melancholic odyssey, where you play as Kazimir, an elderly healer on a mission to cleanse his sorrow in a myth-infused world. Kazimir, under guidance from a spirit, travels through mystical landscapes inspired by Slavic and Icelandic folklore. Unfortunately, while the game looks as magical as it sounds, a few lingering frustrations keep Selfloss from reaching its full, soul-stirring potential.

Gaming Heaven

First off, Selfloss nails atmosphere. The land of Jord feels simultaneously ancient and alive, with grand ruins and vivid flora taking over as nature reclaims old battle sites. Each step, by land or sea, is accompanied by a haunting soundtrack that echoes whale songs and primal chants. Stunningly illustrated scrolls are hidden throughout, adding depth to the world’s lore without voice acting—a bold move that surprisingly works, giving the whole experience a mystical, dreamlike quality. Selfloss delivers strong emotional beats in Kazimir’s journey, and some of the creatures he encounters are both hilarious and horrifying.

Gaming Hell

Despite the gripping visuals, Selfloss stumbles when it comes to mechanics. Puzzles lack creativity, revolving mostly around moving the light from Kazimir’s staff in mundane ways. The “selfloss” ritual, for instance, is supposed to be profound but ends up feeling like a grocery list errand—a fish here, a relic there, then you’re done. Combat is equally lacklustre, repetitive, and clunky, and the camera sometimes seems determined to make the game as unplayable as possible.

Final Judgement

Selfloss shines brightest in its atmosphere and world-building, but the gameplay clips its wings. With a touch more polish and some unique puzzles, this could’ve been a modern fairytale with real emotional payoff. As it stands, Selfloss is beautiful but flawed, much like the world it depicts.