Each level boasts a stirring '80s-inspired score filled with synth melodies and quick-tempo beats that will get your heart pumping in no time. The same level of care and attention has also gone into the music and audio design. On the plus side, a CRT filter can be applied at any point, one of the more successful uses of the effect we've seen in quite some time. It’s all implemented beautifully, though if we’re being picky, there’s a “3D” motorbike section that doesn’t quite have the same impact as the 2D environments, lacking detail that otherwise permeates the experience from start to finish. There’s plenty of visual variety on offer, including cyberpunk cities, murky underwater passageways, and digital spaces that reminded us of the VR missions in Metal Gear Solid. The 16-bit pixel art style here is reminiscent of classic side-scrolling games like Castlevania: Bloodlines and has a timeless quality we can't get enough of. In terms of its visuals, Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider is absolutely stunning. If you happen to die, then chances are you’ll know exactly where you went wrong and be able to rectify it on a subsequent try. That said, it never feels unfair, and the level of challenge is wholly reliant on your own ability to master Moonrider’s skills and learn your enemies’ attack patterns. We wouldn’t go so far as to say that it’s quite as difficult as some of the SNES’s most notorious titles (looking at you, Super Ghouls ‘n Ghosts), but there’s enough here to keep you on your toes, particularly if you’re unfamiliar with 2D action games like Shinobi III. It’s a good job Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider gives you these options, too, because the game not only feels retro in its audio-visual design, but it’s also pretty challenging at frequent intervals. You can only equip two modifier chips at any one time, so choosing which to use depending on your situation is key to getting through the levels in the quickest and most efficient manner. These grant skills like the double jump, but also provide more passive upgrades such as enhanced armour and the ability to detect hidden areas in the environment. These can be obtained by beating the boss characters and by collecting modifier chips hidden throughout the levels. Additionally, you have special attacks which are slightly more powerful but come with limited availability each use of your special attack will deplete a blue gauge in the top corner, which you’ll need to replenish with pick-ups as you make your way through the environment.Īlong with your basic moveset, you’ll also gain new abilities as you progress. Otherwise, you can stand still and unleash a series of basic sword attacks, which is generally enough to dispatch most standard enemies. Navigating through the stages feels fluid and intuitive Moonrider will walk by default, but holding down 'ZR' causes it to run, which enables the performance of a pretty powerful swooping attack that can cut down enemies in an instant if executed at the right time, resulting in a fountain of pixelated blood that never gets old. Very similar to Mega Man in many ways, then. Each stage houses its own boss character and beating each of these will grant you a new ability. After making your way through the opening level (we recommend playing through the excellent tutorial section, too), you’ll have a choice of six additional stages to tackle in whichever order you see fit, followed by two final stages to round out the experience. Inspired by the likes of Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master and Strider, Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider is a sci-fi action platformer in which you take on the role of the titular Moonrider, a cybernetic ninja who rejects its intended purpose as a tool to preserve a totalitarian state and instead wages war against its creators. Much like its previous effort with Blazing Chrome, the team has successfully created a 2D action title that looks, sounds, and plays like it came straight from the early ‘90s, down to the exceptional environmental detail and enemy design. Implementing pixel art visuals and calling it a day just doesn't cut it, but what developer JoyMasher has done with Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider is truly remarkable. But creating a retro-style experience that feels 100% authentic to the source inspiration adds a whole extra layer of difficulty. Making any video game is exceptionally hard work. Captured on Nintendo Switch (Handheld/Undocked)
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