The Perfect Pencil, from Studio Cima, is a compact Metroidvania on the Switch eShop that pairs precise platforming and visceral combat with a fever‑dream aesthetic. The game casts John, an ordinary protagonist, into a bizarre, labyrinthine realm populated by somnambulist figures and grotesquely oversized infants. Themes of psychological trauma and distorted memories thread through the design, giving the adventure a consistent, unsettling identity.

Gameplay

Exploration adheres to Metroidvania fundamentals: gated progression, environmental puzzles and incremental ability gains that open new routes. Combat is focused and deliberate, favouring timing and risk‑reward encounters over button‑mashing. Encounters and boss confrontations reward observation and pattern recognition, with several set pieces that echo the measured difficulty of recent genre standouts.

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Presentation

Visually, The Perfect Pencil leans into a stylised, often grotesque palette. Character and enemy design frequently veer into surreal horror, bolstered by sparse, moody sound design that amplifies the game's atmosphere. The overall tone sits somewhere between melancholic and nightmarish, and occasional echoes of Hollow Knight are evident in the melancholia and combat cadence, though Studio Cima pushes further into disquiet and dream logic.

Strengths and Shortcomings

The title excels at mood, worldbuilding and tightly choreographed encounters. At the same time, it can be impenetrable: progression sometimes feels opaque, guidance is scant, and the map and objectives can be hard to parse. These design choices enhance the sense of exploration for players who relish mystery, but they will frustrate those who prefer clearer signposting.

Verdict

The Perfect Pencil is a compelling, often unnerving addition to the Metroidvania revival. It rewards patient exploration and an appetite for psychological horror, offering moments of real menace and elegant combat. The game is less recommended for players seeking a hand‑holding experience or immediate clarity of purpose, but it should resonate strongly with those who enjoyed the melancholic fight‑and‑explore loop of titles like Hollow Knight.