Berserk Boy has been gaining attention in the gaming community as the latest addition to the action platformer genre on the Nintendo Switch. Many had anticipated it as an homage to the iconic Mega Man series, but it reveals itself as resembling the Gunvolt series by Inti Creates more closely, although with its distinct flair. Set in a futuristic world, the narrative follows Kei, a young protagonist who must team up with a firebird named Fiore to thwart the schemes of the rogue scientist, Dr. Genos. While the story doesn't push boundaries on uniqueness, it’s provided with a charming delivery through stunning still illustrations and brief dialogue exchanges, offering a narrative that compliments the gameplay without overwhelming players.
Berserk Boy’s gameplay derives inspiration from a plethora of classic titles while managing not to be derivative. From the hub section's nod to Mega Man Battle Network to the Gunvolt-influenced combat style and platforming elements reminiscent of various 2D platformers, Berserk Boy presents itself as a well-crafted blend of the old and new. The protagonist wields the Berserk Orb, which supercharges Kei, transforming him from an average boy to a devastating force to be reckoned with, reminiscent of classic hero transformations in gaming.
The game structure includes five main Sectors, each comprising numerous sub-stages that deliver extended playthroughs. New Hope City acts as a starting point, but players will find themselves returning to the Lab between missions. This hub not only serves as an information point to interact with resistance characters but also houses a shop where players can purchase critical upgrades such as increased health, attack power, and combo lengths, augmenting their strategic options. While you can replay stages to grind for in-game currency, Berserk Boy doesn’t excessively pressure players to do so, striking a good balance in progress and player choice.
In terms of character enhancements, backtracking plays a significant role, drawing from the Metroidvania genre. Certain sections of earlier stages become accessible only with specific power-ups, adding depth and replayability to the game. These explorations yield rewards in the form of alternative 'EX' missions, contributing to the game's overall longevity. The five Berserk Orbs, each conferring new abilities and elemental attacks, are a highlight—beat a fire-themed boss, for instance, and you unlock the Flame Orb, enriching Kei with fire-based attacks. These Orbs allow for interesting interactions with the environment and must be adeptly used to navigate through obstacles and save stranded soldiers.
Interestingly, Berserk Boy isn’t strictly like Mega Man. It’s more fluid, fast-paced, and less formulaic, leaning towards arcade-style action with its unique offerings. There's freedom to experiment rather than stringent rules on utilizing specific power sets against certain bosses. This flexibility shines through combat, where quick transformations among different Berserk forms enhance player engagement and strategy mid-gameplay. A feature that notably enriches the experience is the vehicle sections, providing a different kind of challenge amidst the platforming action.
Taking a closer look at the combo system, it proves to be another well-executed component of Berserk Boy. Achieving high ranks in stages relies significantly on stringing together combos and playing through without losing a life. The game incentivizes a rhythmic pacing where quick successive hits against enemies lead to higher combo meters, skillfully enticing players to dodge and weave through levels.
From an aesthetics standpoint, the game’s visual and audio elements impress. The graphical design stands out brightly, with bold sprite work and a lively backdrop that captures the essence of its 16-bit inspirations. The soundtrack, delivered by Tee Lopes of Sonic Mania fame, provides an energetic backdrop that compliments the fast-paced gameplay. However, not everything in Berserk Boy is without critique. Some players may find the bosses and stage lengths not entirely balanced, with a few boss patterns reused and levels sometimes dragging a bit longer than desired.
Besides these relatively minor details, there was an odd glitch encountered during gameplay akin to those found in early console games. This glitch, which only occurred once, involved Kei becoming stuck in the scenery but fortunately didn't seem to be a frequent issue. It's a testament to the game's overall polish that such incidents are rare and far between.
Overall, Berserk Boy is a commendable foray into the platformer genre for the Nintendo Switch. It melds diverse influences seamlessly, offering a game that feels both familiar and fresh. Its gameplay mechanics encourage exploration, creativity, and mastery, while its visual and sound design pay homage to the classic titles that pervaded our collective gaming childhoods. It’s certainly worth considering for those seeking an engaging platformer with a retro vibe on their Switch.
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