Review: Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights – a Metroidvania built of care and charm

Once upon a time, these houses used to be homes. Inside, jars and flatware line the open shelves, and books sit unopened on kitchen tables next to empty fireplaces. There are trunks and boxes and bundles of something – clothing, perhaps? – huddled together, as though someone was getting ready to leave. They wait for owners that will never return.

Ender Lillies: Quietus of the Knights reviewDeveloper: Live Wire, AdglobePublisher: Binary Haze InteractivePlatform: Played on SwitchAvailability: Out now on Switch, PS4, Xbox, PC

Today, these homes lie mostly in ruin. Walls have crumbled away and missing slates leave gaping holes in the roofs. Sometimes, but not often, you’ll see a splash of something crimson thrown against the broken planks and know that something terrible happened here. What was once a warm, lively village is now damp and dark, and it echoes only with the endless patter of the rain outside and your light, speedy footfalls.

ENDER LILIES: Quietus of the Knights – Announcement Trailer – Nintendo Switch Watch on YouTube

The buildings of Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights are a stark reminder of what Land’s End used to be before the Rain of Death fell, decimating its earth, its flora, and its people. The folks that used to throng here are now twisted beyond all recognition, morphed into trolls and skeletons and pulsating beasties, intent on one thing and one thing only, it seems; stopping

Occasionally, you’ll defeat an enemy that will be so relieved to have been bested by you – so overwhelmed by grief and exhaustion – they’ll beg you to purify their soul before they die. In exchange, these freed spirits vow to fight at your side and while that might sound a touch strange – surely they’re only swapping one imprisonment for another? – you’ll be grateful of their offer as you open up more and more of Land’s End, believe me.