If you’re a fan of the old-school platforming and hard as nails series Mega Man, then BerserkBoy Games may just have something that will peak your interest. Their latest title Berserk Boy aims to capture the vibe and tone of that legendary series but also blend it with a modern twist. So, you can expect a high-speed platformer packed with action, along with few hints of Metroidvania gameplay along the way.
The game is set in a distant future, where a mad scientist Dr. Genos and his army of darkness seek to enslave the people of Earth, but there is a resistance who are trying to fight back but they need a hand. You play as Kei along with his green haired friend Dizzie, who are tracking down mysterious orbs called berserk orbs, that just happen to transform Kei into BERSERK BOY! The pair – along with a winged friend – set out to find all the berserk orbs while foiling the diabolical Dr. Genos and his army of Dark Energy minions and helping the resistance to ultimately save the world before it’s too late. As tales go it’s well written and very Saturday morning cartoon vibe and tone, with a cast of likeable characters. Gameplay on the other hand is as tight as a drum, which sees you fighting through a number of different areas called districts. With each being made up of three different levels, but they are far from point A to B affairs and often being huge sprawling places where you explore about and will likely find more than a few secrets and goodies.
How big is Berserk Boy you may be asking? Well… each levels have its own teleporter network to help you get around, which is a welcome addition as it saves the headache of getting lost or if you return to the level later to mop up things, you can dart about with ease. As you clear districts and beat the bosses you’ll find that you bag new orbs that give you knew powers: like lightning, fire, ice, air, and earth – which open up not only the combat, but the level design as you can switch between them on the fly. Beware though – to keep using the orb, you’ll have to find energy pick-ups as you go that keep it topped up. Though not all orbs are the same let’s say, as some are a little bit overpowered and will see you blasting through sections with ease if you pick the right one at the right time. Boss fights are the highlight on the combat front, each having its own challenge to overcome and delivering the most satisfying fights you’ll find in the game, making each a welcome foe. When not kicking ass, you’ll spend time back at base where you can grab a few new upgrades and buffs as well as having to defend it from time to time from attack enemies, which is an interesting element.
Visually the game is a feast for retro eyes, as it is packed with vibrant and stylish pixel art – full of colour and charm in equal measures, as it all moves buttery smooth with fluid animation, backed up by fun enemy designs and interesting backdrops. Sound-wise it is a little special too, as the music is by Sonic Mania’s composer Tee Lopes – who also worked on Streets of Rage 4 and Metal Slug Tactics too and it delivers a high-energy action-packed soundtrack that never misses a beat. Berserk Boy is a blast from a what-if past, that captures the vibe and tone of classics, but builds on it in fun and innovative ways. Looking amazing and sounding great to boot, the game is a joy and a must play for fans of 2D action platformers or anyone just looking for a good time.
An Xbox review copy of Berserk Boy was provided by BerserkBoy Games PR team, and the game is out now on PC, PlayStation, Switch and Xbox for around £15.
The Verdict
Stuart Cullen
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