Deepest Sword

What is Deepest Sword?

Deepest Sword is a quirky physics-based platformer developed by Tom and Jonas, originally created for the Ludum Dare 47 game jam. The game tasks players with guiding a knight through a treacherous dungeon to confront a dragon who demands the deepest sword they have ever seen. The longer your sword, the harder the game becomes, creating a unique risk-reward dynamic that has charmed indie game enthusiasts worldwide.

Gameplay Mechanics

The core gameplay revolves around controlling both the knight's movement and the angle of an unwieldy, oversized sword. Each sword extension you collect makes navigation progressively more challenging as your weapon clips against walls, ceilings, and floors. Players must learn to maneuver carefully through tight corridors while managing the awkward weight and length of their blade.

Controls and Movement

The knight is controlled with standard movement keys while the sword angle is adjusted using the mouse or right stick. This dual-input system creates a delightful tension between forward progress and weapon management, demanding patience and finesse from players.

The Dragon Encounter

At the end of the dungeon, you must impress the dragon with your sword's depth. The dragon judges your weapon based on its length, leading to multiple endings depending on how many extensions you managed to collect during your descent.

Tips and Strategies

• Take your time with sword angles before attempting tight passages
• Use vertical drops to your advantage by angling the sword upward
• Practice the jumping mechanics in open areas before tackling narrow sections
• Decide early whether you want a difficult run with maximum extensions or a quicker completion
• Save your progress frequently as some sections require multiple attempts
• Learn to use walls as pivot points for sword positioning

Multiple Endings

Deepest Sword features several endings based on your final sword length. Players can choose to collect every extension for the ultimate dragon-impressing weapon or rush through with a manageable blade for an easier but less prestigious conclusion. This replay value encourages multiple playthroughs.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Genuinely funny premise with charming visual humor
• Innovative physics-based gameplay that rewards skill
• Short playtime makes it accessible for casual sessions
• Multiple endings provide replay incentive
• Affordable price point for indie game lovers
• Excellent pixel art style with personality
• Tight, responsive controls once mastered

Cons

• Very short overall length may disappoint some players
• Steep learning curve for sword physics
• Frustration potential in narrow corridors
• Limited content beyond the main dungeon
• Difficulty spikes can feel uneven
• Not ideal for players who dislike physics puzzles

Who Should Play Deepest Sword?

This game is perfect for fans of quirky indie titles, physics-based puzzles, and games with strong personality. If you enjoyed titles like Getting Over It, QWOP, or Octodad, Deepest Sword will likely resonate with your sensibilities. Those seeking a long, narrative-driven adventure should look elsewhere, but anyone wanting a memorable hour of laughs and challenges will find this game delightful.