\r\n

Developer:\u00a0<\/strong>Artdink<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Platforms: <\/strong>Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 (Reviewed)<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Genre: <\/strong>Action, RPG\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Publisher:<\/strong>\u00a0ININ Games\/STUDIOARTDINK<\/span><\/p>\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n

Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World is the wonderfully updated version of the same game that was released for the Sega Megadrive in 1994. It's updated for modern generation consoles while keeping the gameplay and general charm of the game intact. It is a throwback to old school RPG action games from the early 90s.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World is an action-adventure RPG that remains faithful to the original title but has spruced up graphics and brings it into the modern console generation. While the graphics don't match the levels of AAA titles, it does a great job of making them fit for this generation of gamer. At its heart, it is a platformer with RPG elements thrown in, you navigate numerous dungeons, solve puzzles and extract information from multiple characters in each environment. It follows the classic platformer game mechanics of collecting coins, kills enemies, dodges pitfalls, traps and progresses to more complex levels.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n

<\/p>\r\n

The level design of action elements, platformer sections and puzzles are densely packed into each area which consists of a lot of dungeons. The platform and puzzle mechanics are the standouts for me, they have managed to replicate the original but improve them as well. The controls are responsive and you always feel in total control.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Each dungeon and environment has been rendered using a mix of 2D and 3D animation which gives the levels and dungeons a bigger sense of scale. Asha and Pepelogoo, her companion, are vivid with the use of bright colours to bring their personalities to life. The use of vivid colours brings each area and dungeon to life too. Levels have multiple planes and you navigate them to find power-ups or items required to further your quest. The characters are rendered in a wonderful cartoon style that is thematically present throughout the game. The diverse areas and the cartoony graphics give this game a real modern look and feel which sets the stage for compelling gameplay.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

<\/p>\r\n

Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World is a wonderful recreation of the classic action RPG game released back in 1994. The developers have done a fantastic job of upgrading it and improving the controls to make it more responsive. The use of modern generation graphics breathes new life into this excellent platformer. Even if you haven't played the original, there is plenty here for newcomers. If you are familiar or semi-familiar with the original, this version is a wonderful upgrade and a way to relive the nostalgic era of classic platformers. The game is bright, lots of fun and challenging in many ways. It was sheer joy to play a game that wonderfully updated the original game and revisited this old school platform RPG game from the 90s.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

<\/p>\r\n

The boxed retail version of Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World comes exclusively with the original Monster World IV published by ININ Games. So you can relive the glory days of the original.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The digital version of Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World can be purchased from the Nintendo and Sony stores and is published by STUDIOARTDINK.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Overall:\u00a0<\/strong>7.5\/10<\/span><\/p>\r\n","post_title":"Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World Review","post_excerpt":"Updated for modern generation ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"wonder-boy-asha-in-monster-world-review","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-09-04 15:50:34","post_modified_gmt":"2023-09-04 14:50:34","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"http:\/\/comicbuzz.com\/?p=206418","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":206192,"post_author":"11","post_date":"2021-04-26 17:08:23","post_date_gmt":"2021-04-26 16:08:23","post_content":"Developer:<\/strong> Studica Solution, Electric Monkeys<\/span>\r\n\r\nPlatforms:<\/strong>\u00a0PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X (Reviwed) |S\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nGenre: <\/strong>Action<\/span>\r\n\r\nPublisher:\u00a0<\/strong>PQube<\/span>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nGravity Heroes is a retro arcade 2D shooter that embraces the nostalgic world of single-level shooters but uniquely the ability to change gravity, hence the name Gravity Heroes. It combines the all-out action of a retro shooter rendered in beautiful pixel and allows for up to 4 players to play across a host of levels.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe gameplay is a homage to many classic retro shooters, you arrive on a level and you have to survive hordes of enemies. As you survive the hordes of enemies by dodging, killing and changing gravity, you will get access to power-ups to help you. The game is a mix of platformer and shooter but the ability to change gravity is unique and takes time to adjust to. Once you get used to the gravity mechanic, it adds a whole lot more to the game and elevates it from just a retro shooter. The gravity element is what makes the game stand out and novel. The game is chaotic, with limited level size filling up with tons of enemies. The shooter mechanics are superb and if you enjoy any shooters, this is a pleasure to play. The platform elements are decent but the main mechanics are gravity and shooters.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nEach level and each character is rendered in beautiful pixel art. The art style is bright and pops off the screen. The level design is superb and each platform and design element is used to make the game feel even more action-packed. The explosions, the guns and the projectiles are all bright and add an extra sense of impact to the gameplay too. The soundtrack provides some upbeat music to keep you bopping along.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nWith fantastic gameplay elements, the art style and design add extra gloss to this superb shooter.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe game does every game mechanic well, the shooter aspects are satisfying and challenging, there is a real sense of accomplishment as you progress through each level. The platforming elements are minimal but add another layer. The use of the gravity of mechanics is mind-bending at the start but makes the game stand out. It becomes a superb gaming mechanic the more you get used to it. Levels are fun and chaotic, the mix of all gaming elements make for a challenging but enjoyable play. The pixel art accentuates the gameplay and gives some needed style to the game. The game supports up to 4 players local multiplayer which means even more mayhem. This pixel art shooter gets a combination of gaming elements and design spot on, it's chaotic fun and addictive.<\/span>\r\n\r\nOverall:<\/strong>\u00a07.5\/10\u00a0<\/span>","post_title":"Gravity Heroes Review","post_excerpt":"Retro arcade 2D shooter","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"gravity-heroes-review","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-09-04 15:54:06","post_modified_gmt":"2023-09-04 14:54:06","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"http:\/\/comicbuzz.com\/?p=206192","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":205938,"post_author":"11","post_date":"2021-02-05 16:31:01","post_date_gmt":"2021-02-05 16:31:01","post_content":"

Developer:<\/strong> SNK Corporation<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Platforms:<\/strong> PS4, PS5 (Reviewed)<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Genre:<\/strong> Versus Fighting Game<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Publisher:<\/strong> Deep Silver<\/span><\/p>\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n

The King of Fighters XIV Ultimate Edition is the latest in the SNK classic beat 'em up series. It's the latest version in the series that started in the early 90s. It has the classic King of Fighters gameplay and fighting styles. It has been updated for PS4 (current-gen consoles too) with updated graphics, characters, locations, online gameplay and some extra gameplay modes too.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

King of Fighters has that classic 2D beat 'em up gameplay style and it's particularly unique to it, this version features 3D graphics but you still fight along a 2D plane. The main game takes the form of 3 versus 3 and you battle through a whole host of competitors to become The King of Fighters champion. A narrative tries to tie down why you are battling all these characters from all over the world. It's merely a sideshow to the main game action. The game contains a massive 58 characters with each having diverse and unique playstyles. 3 on 3 combat allows you to assemble a team with whatever your playstyle is ranged characters, wrestlers and mixed martial arts.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

<\/p>\r\n

The visuals are bright and pack a punch, the levels enhance the gameplay and don't detract from the action of the game. If you have played the likes of any King of Fighter games or Street Fighter, you will be able to get to grips with the game quickly. The actual gameplay and your moves are dictated by your character choice, nimble characters deal less damage but move quicker across the screen. Big and strong characters are slow but deal more damage and there are characters between each scale of weak and strong. The gameplay and controls are intuitive and responsive, the feeling of total control is always there. The chaining of combos and special moves have a satisfying feel. If you love fighting games or beat 'em ups, this has that superb 2.5D fighting gameplay. The gameplay is slick, fast and smooth. The main story mode is short and straight to the point, battle through a horde of competitors to face the final boss. Other game modes like an online, tutorial (training modes), time attack and survival add some other decent modes. Online and local multiplayer gives the game longevity and the ability to play others from all over the world to test your skills. The game is centred on its playability and fighting style which King of Fighters gets spot on. Online and multiplayer will keep fans of the series happy.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

<\/p>\r\n

The King of Fighters XIV Ultimate Edition contains:<\/span><\/p>\r\n

8 DLC Characters (Rock Howard \/ Vanessa \/ Ryuji Yamazaki \/ Whip \/<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Heidern \/ Blue Mary \/ Oswald \/ Najd)<\/span><\/p>\r\n

10 DLC Costumes<\/span><\/p>\r\n

10 PS4 Themes<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Overall:<\/strong> 7\/10<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n","post_title":"The King of Fighters XIV Ultimate Edition Review","post_excerpt":"SNK classic beat 'em up series","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"the-king-of-fighters-xiv-ultimate-edition-review","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-09-04 15:58:46","post_modified_gmt":"2023-09-04 14:58:46","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"http:\/\/comicbuzz.com\/?p=205938","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":205911,"post_author":"11","post_date":"2021-01-27 15:30:22","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-27 15:30:22","post_content":"Developer: <\/strong>Factor 5<\/span>\r\n\r\nPlatforms: <\/strong>Switch, PS4, PS5(Reviewed)<\/span>\r\n\r\nGenre: <\/strong>Action<\/span>\r\n\r\nPublisher: <\/strong>Inin Games<\/span>\r\n\r\nRelease <\/strong>Date: 29\/01\/2021<\/span>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nTurrican Flashback is a collection that comprises Turrican, Turrican 2: The Final Fight, Mega Turrican and Super Turrican. Turrican is the classic 1990s shooter, platformer and adventure game. It combines several retro genres into one superb game. It's this mix that makes this a fantastic game to revisit.<\/span>\r\n\r\nDesign-wise it compromises the classic side-scrolling levels of a 2D retro platformer but has all the action and mayhem of a shooter. The visuals have that classic 2D feel, with multi-tiered levels, Turrican's level design is excellent. The level designs have the traditional element of going from left to right linearly, however, levels go underground, into the water and the sky. The levels keep you guessing in terms how to progress through them, the designers have also managed to keep a sense of uncertainty as you progress through the levels. Other techniques such as environmental factors like wind, asteroid\\meteor storms, ice and water affect the levels as you play through them. The levels have a really rich depth and lots of enemies hidden around each corner. The platform elements are superb but also frustrating (in a good way) at times. Game difficulty is high throughout. There is one retroelement of timed levels which are in Turrican which add another level of difficulty. Turrican managed to make all these elements work seamlessly together to produce a brilliant rich gaming experience.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nControls and game mechanics are spot on, the controls feel tight, intuitive and responsive. The power-ups allow for you to choose different guns and the power gets ramped up. Your gun can match the type of style you want to play through levels. Players also can leverage bombs, rolling and powered attacks too. The soundtrack (Chris Huelsbeck) is superb for a 90s game, the music and sound effects stand out and lend another dimension to this game. It reflects what is going on in the game, the change in weather and level too. It all adds to the sense of this ever-changing game.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nModern-day updates include the ability to rewind, save the state and load the state of the game. The rewind features allow you to replay any point that you may die at, this will happen often, this is very useful due to the difficulty of the game and probably is the only way to finish the game! If you don't use the rewind feature, this game reminds of the super arcade games with limited continues. If you want a challenge try without the rewind.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTurrican is the original and sets the basis for all the other games, it's build and level design lay the foundation for the other 3 games. I found this to be the toughest and as it's the oldest, the visuals are lagging behind the others.<\/span>\r\n\r\nTurrican 2: The Final Fight has some extra guns and I found it not as tough as the original but the look, feel and the gameplay is similar. I would class Turrican and Turrican 2 similar in a lot of ways. Minor gameplay improvements and animations.<\/span>\r\n\r\nMega Turrican and Super Turrican are very similar in look and feel, they look the best in the series and it's a toss-up between these two as which is my favourite. The graphics do the best they could in terms of 16-bit graphics. They both extend the complex level design and possibly get close to perfection for Turrican.<\/span>\r\n\r\nTurrican flashback contains 4 superb retro games to play, control-wise and gameplay-wise they play similarly. The later version of the games do boast better graphics and textures. The gameplay is superb throughout though, an amazing array of well-crafted platform levels mixed with a shooter. The mix of gameplay is chaotic, challenging and tons of fun. I don't remember playing the original but the games do show a level of polish for a game that is 30 years old. The modern-day features of rewind and saving game state take the edge of the difficulty of the game. A fantastic game to revisit or experience for the first time.<\/span>\r\n\r\nOverall: <\/strong>8.5\/10<\/span>","post_title":"Turrican Flashback Review","post_excerpt":"Turrican collection","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"turrican-flashback-review","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-09-04 15:58:25","post_modified_gmt":"2023-09-04 14:58:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"http:\/\/comicbuzz.com\/?p=205911","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":205282,"post_author":"11","post_date":"2020-09-07 14:13:27","post_date_gmt":"2020-09-07 13:13:27","post_content":"Developer:\u00a0<\/strong>Wildfire Game<\/span>\r\n\r\nPlatforms:\u00a0<\/strong>PC<\/span>\r\n\r\nGenre:<\/strong>\u00a0Action, Adventure, RPG, Early Access<\/span>\r\n\r\nPublisher:<\/strong>\u00a0bilibili<\/span>\r\n<\/span>\r\n\r\nEastern Exorcist is the wonderfully dark animated side-scrolling hack and slash RPG. It is a hack and slash that requires thought and strategy, you can't just button bash through monsters, spirits, and bosses. It's light on the RPG elements but builds a hugely impressive and immersive world.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe first thing that struck me is the art style, hand-drawn Chinese art style. It underpins all the aspects of the game from level design, character design, demon, and boss design. This wonderful art-style brings all the aspects together. The level design and game presentation look amazing, it's a visual feast. On top of this, the wonderful character animation brings your character and his actions to life. You get immersed in this dark and demon-filled world from your first battle. The level design complements this world so well, the world enhances the story and game progression. The animation of the character is just superb, every enemy and boss has the same attention to detail as the protagonist. The art style brings this game to life and to be honest, I haven't been this impressed by the visual of a game in a long time. You could spend hours in awe of the visuals alone.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe game centres around a hack and slash combat style with a highly responsive control system. Every action you make with your character is fluid, realistic, and responsive. This game perfects the mechanics of combat and character movement, you get the sense you are in total control. There is no lag or jitteriness in your character control. The game places an understanding that each mechanic serves a purpose. To successfully negotiate the game you need to master and understand when to use each mechanic. Every aspect of the game has it's a purpose and as the player explores, the more you learn. Eastern Exorcist is a difficult but rewarding challenge, while it may become frustrating at times, there is a huge sense of achievement as you progress.<\/span>\r\n\r\nGame controls and the visual feast on display emphasise the two most important parts of the game, the other less integral part is the RPG element. I'm not a huge RPG fan, I like a mix of RPG and combat with the emphasis being on combat and game mechanics. For me the game strikes the right balance, there are some light RPG elements, and the storyline complements and enhances the game. I loved the storyline is set out fairly early and this darkness sets a backdrop for the entire game. The dark levels, bosses, and world play well with the story of the battles in the game. The story element isn't obsolete but is somewhat of an unsung hero in the game.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIn totality, I thoroughly enjoyed the game however I did find parts of the game samey. In between each boss fight, I found there was a level of repetition of platform sections and killing demons. Some more variety of puzzles would have complemented the killing a lot more. I think this is where you could find criticism of the game. I felt the variation in bosses more than outweighed the pre-boss section.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThis is a real gem, wonderfully animated and designed. A good learning curve with a lot of frustration at times due to boss fights, the frustration is the unforgiving nature of the game if you use the wrong mechanic as opposed to a badly designed or skewed game. The payoff of beating each boss and progressing to the next one and the relief in some cases. It's a wonderfully tough game that requires a level of concentration to beat it. It's a must buy.<\/span>\r\n\r\nOverall:<\/strong> 9\/10<\/span>\r\n\r\n ","post_title":"Eastern Exorcist Review","post_excerpt":"2D side-scrolling action RPG","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"eastern-exorcist-review","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-09-04 16:18:35","post_modified_gmt":"2023-09-04 15:18:35","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"http:\/\/comicbuzz.com\/?p=205282","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":17},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_22"};