Berserk Boy mini-review

Retro fans, you’re going to like this wild child.

With its succession of elemental-themed abilities gained every time you defeat a boss, Berserk Boy is likely to be compared with the Mega Man franchise. But peer past the rousing drip-feed of new weaponry and the pursuit of a maniacal mad scientist, and Inti Creates’ output might provide a more appropriate comparison.

For better or worse, the Blue Bomber’s exploits are rather deliberate, as you trot across platforms and take aim at adversaries. But Berserk Boy’s abilities habitually send your sprite bouncing around the screen. Within minutes of starting the fifteen-stage campaign, you’ll gain access to a dash that can be used to rocket to elevated walkways and dart from danger. Soon, you’ll earn your first dividend, a lightning orb that lets you smash into enemies, triggering a remote lock-on where you can dish out additional damage.

The Peppiness of an Energy Drink

Sure, it feels like Azure Striker Gunvolt, but if you’re a fan of frantic, 2D action – this kind of homage is a very good thing. Much like how Sonic the Hedgehog offered a hyper-caffeinated interpretation of Mario’s platforming, Berserk Boy feels amped up, whether he’s grinding rails, ping-ponging between clusters of enemies, or flinging kunai faster than Shinobi’s Joe Musashi.

Agreeably, tapping the shoulder button allows you to switch orb styles on the fly. And it’s not just your offensive skills that change, but also your navigational abilities as well. From double jumps and even flying, each orb modifies how you’ll scramble across each stage. And since you’re able to take advantage of everything from i-frames to being able to burrow in the ground, mastery of each different moveset is essential.

A Hub in Need of Downsizing

Although level architecture leans toward simple (and why must your HQ be so spread out?), the design decision allows for players to rocket through each stage as well as enter areas that are only accessible after you’re returned with a new orb. And yes, that means you’ll be doing a bit of backtracking. Whether saving resistance members to unlock alternative stages or currency-grinding so you can unlock upgrades, Berserk Boy will goad you into scouring each stage.

Unsurprisingly, combos are a key focus. As you find a rhythm, you’ll progressively fill a meter that lets you dish out a special attack that’s ideal for surviving the game boss encounters. And it’s here that Berserk Boy further flaunts its appreciation for the classics. Your initial confrontation feels like old Dr. Robotnik/Eggman is inside a spider suit and subsequent showdowns all provide nods to the sixteen-bit era.

Conclusion

Draping all the delicious action is a storytelling that is smart enough to avoid loquacious. Sure, protagonist Kai’s journey from impulsive youth to world savior feels a bit cliché, especially with his obligatory firebird sidekick, Fiore. But if you can forgive the familiarity of the set-up, Berserk Boy does have its rewards. The game’s spritework is thoroughly attractive while Tee Lopes’ soundtrack sets a tuneful tempo for the action. Altogether, it’s a nostalgia-doused trip that’s undoubtedly worth taking.

Berserk Boy was played on PC with review code provided by the publisher.