Emberwind is a fantasy retro platformer inspired by the 8-bit era of games.
It is set in the land of Dalriada where the human Kingdom of Grendale has
ruled from many years. Its people were watched over by the guardians of the
earth from Elderwood: gnomes, brownies and fairies. When king Gyro is crowned,
he introduces industrial inventions, putting down roads and installing street
lights, and the need for protection by the earth spirits diminishes. Satisfied
with the progress the king calls for a big celebration, but he disappears on
that very night. The gnome Kindle is warned and decides to investigate.

Players control Kindle as he travels through the country to find out what is
happening. While searching for the king, his most important goal becomes
freeing the villagers from the invading gremlins. He usually has to locate
about six homes per level and light the fireplace to save the villagers and
push back the invaders. Levels often have multiple paths, in the clouds,
running over the roofs, to sections at different heights and even under the
ground. Kindle’s most important weapon is a staff. Starting with a basic
attack, the first stages feature skill books that open up new moves, such as
the barrel roll, cannon ball and multiple combos. There is a complex pattern
of movement, including double jumps, wall jumps, a dashing jump with much more
height and a rocket jump to reach very high areas. Kindle can also hide for
enemies and use his cover to remain almost invincible for a short time. Much
of the game is spent exploring and using a quick succession of jumps to reach
new or hidden areas.

Levels are filled with items such as donguri, jewels and coins. These build up
a score that provides Kindle with additional life points at set intervals.
Donguri can also be used at wishing well to receive a large amount of loot.
Secret passages often contain chests and enemies also leave behind items.
There are many different opponents and they often come in large numbers. Using
the different moves they can be juggled in the air for a long time to build up
combos or chain attacks, unleashing fireworks or special attacks that hurt all
enemies on the screen. Next to an endless steam of gremlins, there are flying
creatures, cannons and moving towers, along with other hazards.

Scattered around the level are brownies. These companions need to be located,
can be swapped, and provide additional power along the regular attacks. They
release magic dust that puts enemies to sleep, shoot donguri, release
tornadoes, capture opponents in floating bubbles, or launch an explosive
fireball. Kindle can mark checkpoints by lighting lanterns. When dying (there
is an unlimited amount of continues) the game starts from there, but without
the acquired brownie. Regular health can usually be refilled by saving
villagers and gathering food in their houses. The rarest of items are the
fairy stones with the flamesprite. They are well hidden and collecting three
of these, divided over different levels, provides a melee damage attack
upgrade. Kindle is always guided by three fireflies and they often reveal the
location of hidden caves.

Level progress is shown on a general map screen. At any time players can
return to an earlier level to pick up missed items or get a better score.
Between levels Kindle is carried by his companion Wick, a giant snow owl. Wick
also receives his own bonus levels. After completing a boss battle, a bonus
stage opens up where Wick can fight in the skies against the army of the cloud
king, much like a side-scrolling shooter.

Emberwind