FlynnVines
1994
Playing shantae and it's mediocre attempt of a metroidvania got me in the mood to play the grandmaster of the genre.
The age of the game is clear to see on replaying, vague clues about where to go (and no clue at all about the majority of them), health sponge bosses in particular ridley and mother brain, as well as poor platforming.
The game still shines through its atmosphere and its music however creating a scary feeling of being on an unknown planet, its important to notice its flaws but also its strengths thematically, as well as of course being a pioneer of a genre with such amazing games.
The age of the game is clear to see on replaying, vague clues about where to go (and no clue at all about the majority of them), health sponge bosses in particular ridley and mother brain, as well as poor platforming.
The game still shines through its atmosphere and its music however creating a scary feeling of being on an unknown planet, its important to notice its flaws but also its strengths thematically, as well as of course being a pioneer of a genre with such amazing games.
The idea to switch shantae to a traditional metroidvania was a smart idea, previous games in the series like pirates curse were essentially metroidvanias as is, without a map and having to travel between locations setting it apart.
The transformations are heavily improved after the vastly disappointing 1/2 genie hero, giving it a more fluid feel whilst still keeping the old dances in form of siren powers.
Overall any shantae game that doesn't live up to the pirates curse quality is a shame for me, but this was a huge step in the right direction for recapturing that magic and I'm excited for what's to come.
The transformations are heavily improved after the vastly disappointing 1/2 genie hero, giving it a more fluid feel whilst still keeping the old dances in form of siren powers.
Overall any shantae game that doesn't live up to the pirates curse quality is a shame for me, but this was a huge step in the right direction for recapturing that magic and I'm excited for what's to come.
It's biggest strengths lie in the atmosphere, story and lore and sound design. The music swelling as you climb a collusus and the sombre music that plays after you defeat it never get old and are great feelings.
Annoying and clunky controls get in the way of this amazing story and atmosphere and leave much to be desired.
Annoying and clunky controls get in the way of this amazing story and atmosphere and leave much to be desired.
This review contains spoilers
Ruined completely by the last 10 minutes and the ending of the game, Darth Vader appearing was predictable but cool nonetheless, what followed was severely underwhelming and left me wanting more (but not in a good sequely way)
2017
A fun quick romp through an interesting world with really cool enemies, loved the chef's and the guy with the long arms.
Would've liked a bit more explanation on story elements without having to read any comics, but excited to play LN2 eventually.
The lighting and sound design especially was insanely good, from the creepy and sometimes calming music to the slaps of six’s feet against various surfaces, I couldn’t fault it.
I could fault however, the clunky controls and the annoyance of getting caught and snagged on any obstacle in my path, this wasn’t as much as an issue towards the last half but still jarring early on.
As a character I love six, mysterious and seems to be in the same boat as the player in terms of knowing the lore, goes through some crazy character developments and ends as a really brilliant character at the end.
Would've liked a bit more explanation on story elements without having to read any comics, but excited to play LN2 eventually.
The lighting and sound design especially was insanely good, from the creepy and sometimes calming music to the slaps of six’s feet against various surfaces, I couldn’t fault it.
I could fault however, the clunky controls and the annoyance of getting caught and snagged on any obstacle in my path, this wasn’t as much as an issue towards the last half but still jarring early on.
As a character I love six, mysterious and seems to be in the same boat as the player in terms of knowing the lore, goes through some crazy character developments and ends as a really brilliant character at the end.