8Doors: Arum’s Afterlife Adventure is an excellent action-adventure that delivers a satisfying experience by using a few notable influences. Normal combat can become monotonous, but fights against bosses are deeply rewarding, mirrored by the sense of exploration needed to find everything the game has to offer. This is a game that’s perfect for any looking for a charming and unique Metroidvania experience, with added layers of difficulties for veterans of the genre.

There's a lot to love about 8Doors: Arum's Afterlife Adventure, from its ease of platforming to exciting and varied combat. But the obnoxious boss battles eat away at any good feelings you have toward the game.

Ultimately, while 8Doors: Arum’s Afterlife Adventure is a competent enough addition to the Metroidvania genre, with a decent story and acceptable gameplay, it doesn’t do enough with its potential to rub shoulders with the giants of the field. If you’re mad for these types of games, you can do much worse. However, if you’re only interested in something more unique, this probably isn’t interesting enough to do the job.