A recreation that repeatedly says “Go Beserk” in its promoting higher ship pleasure. Fortunately, that’s the case with Berserk Boy. Whereas not with out some issues, the general recreation is sweet enjoyable, with an audio/visible package deal that tremendously impresses.
The plot is…I overlook. One thing a few mad scientist and his robotic military? The story hits acquainted notes. Darkish vitality, a metropolis beneath assault, the world needing saving. The combo of full-screen artwork with animated cutscenes works to get you invested early, and exposition (with some sparse vocals) at your own home base between missions suffices.
Berserk Boy is marketed as a mashup between Mega Man and Sonic. I respect the reality in promoting. I reached a degree the place I began noting particular situations that jogged my memory of components in video games from both collection. As soon as I hit double digits, I finished. Ultimately, it didn’t a lot matter. Each these collection are amongst my favorites. And Berserk Boy is among the many higher video games I’ve performed in 2024.
Berserk Boy could have acquainted speedy gameplay (frantic at factors), however it additionally has the fluidity to make it work. These controls are tight, and the assorted strikes (and altering varieties) shouldn’t be too overwhelming for these acquainted with video games of this type. Any run-and-gunner will quickly discover themselves racking up combos. The advertising mentions, “you’ll be capable to play for giant scores,” and positive sufficient, excessive scores are a draw. I discovered myself replaying missions in hopes of enhancing. Acquainted enjoyable remains to be enjoyable all the identical.
That stated, after the preliminary thrill had set in, repetition adopted, and before I anticipated. However the presentation excels, which helps reduce any monotony. Significantly, that is a formidable recreation to each look and take heed to. It fares even higher in movement than nonetheless photographs can convey with animation and velocity. And the boss fights provide a enjoyable, honest problem.
At 7 or 8 hours, Berserk Boy could overstay its welcome barely for one of these recreation, though a few of that depends upon how a lot of a completionist you’re. But it surely’s a enjoyable recreation to play a mission right here or there, and coming again to it, even after a spot, you shouldn’t really feel misplaced. Additionally, you shouldn’t really feel overwhelmed difficulty-wise, as some welcomed choices could make the sport extra accessible for newer or much less skilled gamers.
For followers of Mega Man, Sonic the Hedgehog, and a number of platforming classics, it’s exhausting to not advocate Berserk Boy. The plot could not flip heads, however the fluid controls and presentation ought to. Will this recreation make you “Go Berserk?” Maybe. Right here’s hoping for an 8-bit demake to comply with.