I’ve spent over a week mastering every wall jump and sword slash in Mute Crimson DX. As a tight and challenging platformer, it easily stands next to classics like Ninja Gaiden and Super Meat Boy. Iced Lizard Games released it on August 16, 2024, and their love for the game shows in every detail—from the art to the music.
Overall Impressions
Right away, Mute Crimson DX shines with smooth controls and clever level design. It mixes the tough fun of old-school games with modern touches that make it easier to play. For example, checkpoints are placed often, so you don’t have to replay long sections after losing. On top of that, two new worlds, fresh music, and colorblind support make this version much better than Mute Crimson+. Compared to other top games in the genre, DX hits the sweet spot between accuracy and fun.
Gameplay Mechanics
From the first level onward, I guide Ninja up walls, through traps, and into hordes of enemies. Notably, the controls feel exceptionally tight. Wall jumps land exactly where I expect them to, while combat combos flow effortlessly. In addition, Iced Lizard’s generous checkpoint system cushions every misstep. This echoes what many player reviews highlight—a fair challenge without excessive frustration.
Furthermore, boss fights require pattern memorization and flawless execution. I cleared the first boss after six attempts, but importantly, each failure taught me something new. Conveniently, the rewind feature lets me correct a single mistake without restarting entire segments. Collectibles and post-game extras provide strong replay motivation. Likewise, speedrunning feels intuitive, thanks to smart level skips and clear layouts. Even after a 12-hour playthrough, I continued to uncover hidden surprises and secret paths.
Story and Characters
Admittedly, Mute Crimson DX keeps its narrative minimal—but that’s not a bad thing. The story follows a classic ninja quest to repel looming evil. Although NPCs appear sparingly, they serve to move the quest forward through brief but meaningful exchanges. In particular, the moth-like guardian character adds a touch of charm and mystery.
Additionally, subtle environmental storytelling adds depth. Ancient shrines and blood-red skies hint at a darker history without overt exposition. While it doesn’t aim for emotional storytelling, the stripped-back narrative fits the genre’s gameplay-first philosophy perfectly.
Visuals and Graphics
Visually, Iced Lizard Games makes bold design choices. The retro-inspired color palette bursts with crimson hues that frame each level in a foreboding glow. More importantly, the pixel art enhanced with modern shaders looks crisp, especially on high-resolution displays. Backgrounds feature parallax layers, which help reinforce the sense of depth.
Enemy animations deserve a special mention—they’re fluid and responsive, reacting realistically to every slash. Additionally, the two new worlds introduce icy caverns and rotating machinery that feel distinct. Colorblind accessibility options also ensure that no player misses key visual cues. Altogether, each design element builds tension while reinforcing the fast-paced gameplay.
Sound and Music
Sonically, the chiptune soundtrack energizes every moment. Each level theme is finely tuned to match its environment, ranging from frantic factory beats to tranquil forest tones. In particular, boss tracks deliver extra intensity with driving percussion.
Moreover, sound effects offer satisfying feedback—the slice of the blade, the thud of a failed jump, the chime of a collected item. Although I would appreciate more ambient sounds in quieter zones, the existing audio still heightens the impact of every leap, clash, and narrow escape.
Difficulty and Replayability
When it comes to difficulty, Mute Crimson DX finds a smart balance. I finished the main campaign in about six hours, which aligns well with community feedback of 4–7 hours. The inclusion of checkpoints and rewinds makes the game accessible to less experienced players.
At the same time, speedrunners will relish time-attack modes and shortcut opportunities. Hidden collectibles encourage thorough exploration, while unlockable post-game content tests even the most seasoned players. Notably, despite logging 114 hours in the original Mute Crimson+, I still found plenty of fresh content here. Simply put, DX earns its “Deluxe” label through quality enhancements.
Developer Trivia and Behind the Scenes
For fans interested in the game’s origins, here’s some developer trivia. Iced Lizard Games started as a two-person indie team back in 2017. Lead designer Aria Blackwood reportedly built the game’s first prototype in her apartment. She cites classic arcade platformers as her core inspiration.
Initially, early demos launched via Xbox Live Indie Games, building a small yet passionate fan base. Fast forward to today, and the DX update showcases thoughtful community-driven improvements—like colorblind filters and new music by composer Dex Volt. Interestingly, rumor has it that a DLC expansion may already be in early development.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Mute Crimson DX brilliantly fuses retro intensity with modern polish. It controls crisply, looks fantastic, and delivers excellent replay value. Although the story takes a backseat, it suits the fast-action focus. I encountered no game-breaking bugs during my playthrough, and only minor gaps in ambient audio stood out.
Overall, I strongly recommend this to any player in search of a challenging, rewarding platformer.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Mute Crimson DX achieves near-perfection in the precision platformer space. With fair difficulty, tight controls, and meaningful content upgrades, it’s a must-play for fans of the genre.
