Furi is a game executed with a "design by subtraction" methodology not unlike the games of Fumito Ueda. The game is presented as a series of sequential boss fights prefaced by sequences where the player character languidly walks through abstract scenery which serves as an external representation of the boss fight's character and colour.

The player character is some sort of imprisoned demi-god whereupon should he be released would supposedly bring about disaster for the world. In essence, no character in the game aligns to any melodramatic coding of "good" or "bad"; the narrative serving as a framing for the main character's existential struggle against the institutions and forces which seek to contain him which is reflected in his atitude towards his oppressors: he largely treats the bosses with respect, empathy and mercy...the bosses, on the other hand berate and insult him and their frequent handing of your ass to you reinforces the core narrative pursuit of the game with the player and the main character's desire to beat their opponent frequently merging.

The gameplay reminds me distinctly of playing as Yasuka in Neo Contra- the game is twinstick shooter but with the ability to weild a powerful sword attack. The fights exhibit a remarkable balance as each fight can be exploited with the right moveset to make the player character feel almost like a boss themselves. This reinforces the game's subtext as each defeat feels more like a personal failing than a pitfall to untelegraphed attacks-- the game expertly manipulating the player's continued attachment to their goal.

The game is more than happy to subvert your expectations on a number of occasions to counter what at surface seems like a formulaic game. The shaman figure who releases you and serves as your spiritual guide defeats a boss offscreen and simply walks you to your next destination. Another boss fight is pathetically easy with the boss running away from you in scared destitution while another boss may pursuade you to return to your imprisonment should the player choose to.


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