Chronicles of the Wolf is a 2D action-platformer Metroidvania that places players in the role of Mateo Lombardo, the final apprentice of the Rose Cross Order. The story follows his pursuit of the Beast of Gévaudan through a gothic-inspired setting drawn from historical legend. Combat, exploration, and ability progression form the core loop in a single-player experience built around interconnected areas filled with enemies, secrets, and environmental challenges.
Gameplay
Players navigate a sprawling map that connects castles, forests, and ruins. Movement relies on precise platforming combined with combat encounters against varied foes. Weapons collected along the way expand attack options, while new abilities gained through progression open previously inaccessible paths and shortcuts. Puzzles require observation of the environment and use of acquired tools to advance. Boss encounters demand pattern recognition and timing, often requiring multiple attempts to master specific attack sequences and positioning. The interconnected design encourages backtracking once abilities allow new routes, revealing additional items and story details through conversations with non-player characters.
Game Modes
The game operates entirely as a single-player campaign. There are no separate multiplayer options, co-op features, or alternate modes such as survival or versus play. Progress centers on completing the main quest while uncovering optional areas and upgrades that enhance the central experience. A demo version exists for players to sample the initial sections before committing to the full release.
Story and Presentation
Narration by Robert Belgrade provides context and atmosphere throughout the journey. A guest appearance by the character Bloodless adds a distinct encounter voiced by Kira Buckland. Illustrated cutscenes advance key moments, supported by an original soundtrack from Jeffrey Montoya that incorporates a guest composition by Óscar Araujo. The visual style emphasizes detailed pixel art environments that shift between dimly lit interiors and overgrown exteriors, reinforcing the dark tone of the narrative.
Is It Worth Playing?
Steam user reviews stand at Very Positive based on over 400 ratings, reflecting consistent praise for the combat feel, exploration depth, and boss design. Metacritic critic scores hover in the mid-70s range across platforms. The game suits players who enjoy deliberate Metroidvania titles that reward careful mapping and repeated boss attempts rather than fast reflex action alone. Those seeking a focused single-player adventure with strong gothic atmosphere and historical ties will find a complete package released in June 2025 with no ongoing seasonal content required. Availability on PC makes it accessible for those with compatible hardware meeting the modest system requirements.
