Maid of Salvation Review: Dungeon Crawling Action with a Unique Twist on Nintendo Switch
Maid of Salvation has arrived on the Nintendo Switch, offering fans of dungeon crawling RPGs a distinctive take on the genre.
Developed for Nintendo’s hybrid platform and available via the Nintendo eShop, Maid of Salvation invites players to step into the shoes of battle-hardened maids, equipped as much for monster hunting as for spring cleaning.
With its unique premise and classic dungeon-crawling elements, the game stands out in the crowded action RPG landscape on the Switch. Roleplaying as one of the Maids, players are tasked with guiding lost souls—referred to in-game as fiends—toward purification and a peaceful transition to the next stage.
However, not every creature is redeemable, and that’s where the Maids’ arsenal comes into play.
From elegantly oversized swords, such as the signature Maid’s Katana, to powerful firearms, combat is at the heart of Maid of Salvation’s gameplay.
The game delivers a familiar mix of features: navigating intricate, maze-like dungeons, battling various monsters, collecting valuable resources, leveling up, acquiring new abilities, facing formidable bosses, and more. Maid of Salvation employs a control scheme typical of modern action games on the Nintendo Switch, utilizing both sticks and buttons for movement and combat actions such as attacking, parrying, and jumping.
Notably, the menu navigation diverges from standard conventions, with the B button serving as select and the A button as exit.
While this is an unusual choice, it does not significantly hinder gameplay and can be adapted to with ease.
Item and inventory management also relies on directional controls, so players should be cautious to avoid accidentally consuming items. The storytelling in Maid of Salvation is present, though somewhat minimalistic.
Much of the narrative unfolds via text, with limited voice acting beyond basic sounds and expressions.
This approach allows players to focus on the action, though attentive gamers may still uncover helpful narrative details by paying attention to dialogue and lore entries. Visually, Maid of Salvation presents a mix of strengths and limitations.
The isometric, top-down camera offers a clear overview of each dungeon but limits the detail seen in both character models and environments.
While combat animations and some monster designs showcase the developers’ creativity, the distant viewpoint can underplay visual intricacies.
Character close-ups in conversations highlight higher quality rendering, especially within the game’s Sanctuary hub, where players interact with other Maids and take on side quests. Combat ranges from dispatching minor foes to challenging impressive bosses, integrating parrying, dodging, and skill-based swordplay.
Players can access crucial gameplay features at statues throughout the Sanctuary and each level—one statue is dedicated to leveling up and another to saving progress.
The robust skill tree allows for progressive character customization using the resources earned during adventures, though core skill upgrades require fulfilling specific branch requirements. Players can also engage in side activities, such as taking on quests or trading equipment at the Sanctuary’s store.
The musical score effectively establishes the game’s eerie, somber mood, with sound effects that enhance immersion, though some aspects—like inconsistent footstep rhythms—may feel slightly off. Maid of Salvation offers a rewarding action RPG experience on the Nintendo Switch but demands significant time invested in level grinding to optimize progression.
While the game incorporates all staple components of the genre, there are areas where further polish and more intuitive puzzle hints would benefit the player experience.
Some in-game icons lack clear explanations, which may lead to occasional confusion regarding hidden areas or objectives. Overall, Maid of Salvation on Nintendo Switch brings a creative twist to dungeon crawling with its distinct visual identity and challenging combat, while leaving room for refinement in several key areas.
If you enjoy action RPGs and are seeking a new indie adventure via the Nintendo eShop, Maid of Salvation is worth exploring.
Developed for Nintendo’s hybrid platform and available via the Nintendo eShop, Maid of Salvation invites players to step into the shoes of battle-hardened maids, equipped as much for monster hunting as for spring cleaning.
With its unique premise and classic dungeon-crawling elements, the game stands out in the crowded action RPG landscape on the Switch. Roleplaying as one of the Maids, players are tasked with guiding lost souls—referred to in-game as fiends—toward purification and a peaceful transition to the next stage.
However, not every creature is redeemable, and that’s where the Maids’ arsenal comes into play.
From elegantly oversized swords, such as the signature Maid’s Katana, to powerful firearms, combat is at the heart of Maid of Salvation’s gameplay.
The game delivers a familiar mix of features: navigating intricate, maze-like dungeons, battling various monsters, collecting valuable resources, leveling up, acquiring new abilities, facing formidable bosses, and more. Maid of Salvation employs a control scheme typical of modern action games on the Nintendo Switch, utilizing both sticks and buttons for movement and combat actions such as attacking, parrying, and jumping.
Notably, the menu navigation diverges from standard conventions, with the B button serving as select and the A button as exit.
While this is an unusual choice, it does not significantly hinder gameplay and can be adapted to with ease.
Item and inventory management also relies on directional controls, so players should be cautious to avoid accidentally consuming items. The storytelling in Maid of Salvation is present, though somewhat minimalistic.
Much of the narrative unfolds via text, with limited voice acting beyond basic sounds and expressions.
This approach allows players to focus on the action, though attentive gamers may still uncover helpful narrative details by paying attention to dialogue and lore entries. Visually, Maid of Salvation presents a mix of strengths and limitations.
The isometric, top-down camera offers a clear overview of each dungeon but limits the detail seen in both character models and environments.
While combat animations and some monster designs showcase the developers’ creativity, the distant viewpoint can underplay visual intricacies.
Character close-ups in conversations highlight higher quality rendering, especially within the game’s Sanctuary hub, where players interact with other Maids and take on side quests. Combat ranges from dispatching minor foes to challenging impressive bosses, integrating parrying, dodging, and skill-based swordplay.
Players can access crucial gameplay features at statues throughout the Sanctuary and each level—one statue is dedicated to leveling up and another to saving progress.
The robust skill tree allows for progressive character customization using the resources earned during adventures, though core skill upgrades require fulfilling specific branch requirements. Players can also engage in side activities, such as taking on quests or trading equipment at the Sanctuary’s store.
The musical score effectively establishes the game’s eerie, somber mood, with sound effects that enhance immersion, though some aspects—like inconsistent footstep rhythms—may feel slightly off. Maid of Salvation offers a rewarding action RPG experience on the Nintendo Switch but demands significant time invested in level grinding to optimize progression.
While the game incorporates all staple components of the genre, there are areas where further polish and more intuitive puzzle hints would benefit the player experience.
Some in-game icons lack clear explanations, which may lead to occasional confusion regarding hidden areas or objectives. Overall, Maid of Salvation on Nintendo Switch brings a creative twist to dungeon crawling with its distinct visual identity and challenging combat, while leaving room for refinement in several key areas.
If you enjoy action RPGs and are seeking a new indie adventure via the Nintendo eShop, Maid of Salvation is worth exploring.
