I was first made aware of Pseudoregalia through a "souls-like games you might not have heard of" youtube video, which might give you an idea of the type of game this is, but you'd only be half right, and that's because combat is a minor aspect at best. I encountered two bosses, and enemies could almost always just be avoided

Where it does get the souls-like influence from is the environmental aesthetic, and overall vibe. It's your classic derelict castle, with odd creatures roaming the halls, and much to explore, but it also does the souls thing of not explaining anything, leaving it all to interpretation. I have a soft spot for this style, and i like that Pseudoregalia leans into the light comedy of this sort of storytelling. The N64/PS1 graphics also help with this dream-like vibe

Mechanically, it's a 3D metroidvania, but in the purest sense. The main thrust of the game is almost entirely focused on gaining new movement abilities, and then mastering those abilities to reach new areas. Pseudoregalia nails this loop down to a science - pretty much every ability is useful on its own first and foremost, and the fact that they gate your progress almost seems incidental. Brilliant design, in my opinion, and feels good to play with too

Another lovely game played. A bit sad that it doesn't have achievements, but on the other hand, it was kind of freeing, to just play the game as it is, and not worry about anything external