Duskfade Makes Boss Fights Feel Poignant

Duskfade passed by last month without too much notice. To the extent that it gained attention, it was for its Nomura-like character design that appeared to be aping Kingdom Hearts. And while that isn't inaccurate, it also feels like an unfair simplification. Duskfade is very little like Kingdom Hearts, more reminiscent of a PS3-era action-platformer than an action-RPG. Its gameplay is composed mostly of really satisfying platforming with occasional, merely so-so combat encounters. But what really resonated with me most was its story, which for all of its storybook-like simplicity, had impactful moments that utilized boss fights like nothing else I've seen. Spoilers follow. Duskfade takes place in a fantasy world where Clockmakers are essentially steampunk wizards. You play as Zirian, the young hero on a quest to find his big sister, Allira. After your grandfather, the master clockmaker Gramps, became ill and close to death, Allira locked herself in her workshop to build some mysterious contraption, but things went wrong and a massive explosion plunged the city into eternal dusk. As you look for her, you come across Cuckoo, a mechanical bird that's tied to Allira's memories, as wel…