Every year, like clockwork, I find myself immersed in a retro-style 2D game that captivates me. Indie developers have mastered the art of replicating and enhancing the enjoyment of old-school platformers. Recently, titles like Cyber Shadow, Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider, and now, Berserk Boy have kept me thoroughly entertained.
Created by the aptly named BerserkBoy Games, this new release is a homage to classic Mega Man games, evident from its title. Players navigate through vibrant 2D stages teeming with hostile robots, platforming hurdles, and unique abilities that prove invaluable against bosses. It’s a formula that feels familiar yet refreshing.
While Berserk Boy may appear as another pixel art throwback at first glance, its defining feature is speed.
While drawing inspiration from Mega Man, Berserk Boy also pays homage to Sonic the Hedgehog’s fast-paced adventures on the Sega Genesis. The movement is fluid and swift, allowing players to dash through the air and glide on rails to navigate levels effortlessly. This agility is crucial for revisiting levels with newfound abilities, such as a drill form that helps uncover hidden secrets. The game’s hyper-fluid mobility eliminates the clunkiness typically associated with retro-style games, making exploration a breeze.
The combat in Berserk Boy is equally dynamic and gratifying. Players can utilize the air dash to obliterate enemies, chaining attacks and incorporating platforming elements seamlessly. With an arsenal of elemental forms accessible through a radial menu, each form offers a unique gameplay twist. Whether hurling kunai with an ice form or drilling through enemies at close range, the ability to swiftly switch between forms mid-battle adds depth to the combat experience.
Berserk Boy may seem like just another retro release on the surface, but its captivating gameplay sets it apart. Despite its seemingly conventional elements, the game engrosses players in its fast-paced world, leaving them immersed and invested in the action. Even as I pause to write about it, I find myself drawn back to its vivid world, losing track of time as I engage in thrilling battles and explore its intricacies. The allure of witnessing enemies explode into a cascade of vibrant pixel art never diminishes, showcasing the timeless appeal of classic gaming aesthetics.
Berserk Boy launches on March 6 for Nintendo Switch and PC.
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