Soulshard from Nibb Games and Ratalaika Games is a minimalist puzzle platformer built around short, single-screen challenges. Learn more about this title in our Soulshard review.
In a realm between life and death, a confused soul seeks redemption and freedom from a past life filled with misguided choices.
In Shoulshard, you play as a lost soul navigating a strange realm between worlds, solving bite-sized puzzles to move forward. While its simplicity makes it easy to pick up, the experience that follows is a mix of straightforward ideas and uneven execution.
Simple Puzzle Design and Low Difficulty
Each of the game’s 31 levels takes place on a single screen and follows the same basic structure: reach a key using objects found in the environment, unlock the door, and move on to the next stage. The mechanics are introduced gradually, keeping the experience approachable from start to finish, and overall low difficulty ensures that most players will be able to progress without much resistance.
That said, the simplicity of the design means the game never truly evolves. While a few levels introduce light twists, the core gameplay remains largely unchanged throughout. A local couch co-op mode is also included.
Frustrations in Execution
Where Soulshard struggles the most is in its execution. Some puzzles rely on trial and error, which can lead to unnecessary repetition. More frustrating, however, are issues with the controls and interactions. Crates, for example, often fail to behave as expected. When attempting to push them into holes, they can slide over instead of falling in, forcing you to restart the level even when your solution was correct. These moments feel particularly unfair, as they stem from imprecision rather than player error.
Movement also lacks consistency, especially when dealing with stairs. Jumping toward them frequently results in missed inputs and accidental falls. Since many levels require precise positioning, these control issues turn otherwise simple puzzles into frustrating obstacles.
Minimalist Presentation
Visually, Soulshard adopts a pixel art style that is functional but extremely limited. The game features a single background theme throughout, with minimal variation in scenery. A handful of hazards are reused across most levels, reinforcing the sense of repetition. The lack of audio presence further contributes to the monotony. Background music is either very sparse or entirely absent during gameplay, making the experience feel somewhat empty. While the minimalist approach may be intentional, it ultimately leaves the game lacking personality.
Easy Trophies
For trophy hunters, Soulshard offers a very straightforward completion. The list includes 11 Gold trophies, and the good news for trophy hunters is that the full list can be unlocked in roughly 20 minutes, with all trophies tied to natural progression. And since this one is from Ratalaika Games, that means that you’ll be able to download the PS4 and PS5 versions of the game, and each one will have its own trophy list and Platinum trophy. There are no missables, no additional challenges, and no need for optimization, making it an easy and accessible platinum for those looking to add to their collection. If you feel like you need some help, you can check out this Soulshard Trophy Guide.
Conclusion
Soulshard delivers a simple and accessible puzzle experience that is easy to complete and is Cross-Buy between the PS4 and PS5 versions with separate trophy lists. While its short length and straightforward design make it approachable, frustrations with controls and a lack of variety hold it back from standing out. That said, the game remains functional and does not overstay its welcome. Trophy hunters looking for a quick and easy completion may still find some value here. For others, however, its lack of polish and depth may limit its appeal. Soulshard is available with a $4.99 price tag.
Disclaimer
This Soulshard review is based on a PlayStation 5 copy provided by Ratalaika Games.
