An undisputed basic from the golden age of the arcades, Berzerk deserves higher than this limp Recharged providing from Atari. When my 2600 cart gives extra choices and selection, I need to query how this reimagining hopes to succeed in a excessive rating. It could be nice sufficient as a brand new sport (briefly stretches), however as a Berzerk revival, it’s subpar.
This replace feels fairly darn completely different, with a twin-stick setup. It’s not inherently poor (I get pleasure from loads of twin-stick shooters), however calling this Berzerk is a stretch proper out of the gate, gameplay-wise. These sufficiently old to have performed Berzerk within the arcade or on the VCS are used to a single joystick, which gave the sport a problem and magnificence that’s lacking right here. Sure, Berzerk Recharged retains the single-screen maze-like layouts, with loads of robotic heavies to shoot. And Evil Otto remains to be a smiling/invulnerable looming risk. I noticed him a lot earlier and extra typically than I anticipated.
The Rechared staples are right here, however is {that a} good factor? Single life setups. Missions which are principally the identical (“Destroy all enemies”). Music that’s good however overly acquainted. Energy-ups which are first rate however don’t add a lot substance. Settings for brand new (admittedly welcome) options like inverted controls, leaderboards, and vibration, however not for sport variations from 30-plus years in the past. On the threat of repeating myself from early opinions of Recharged video games, for those who’re going to revive a basic, don’t attempt to disguise what made it a basic from the outset.
Berzerk: Recharged lacks the one-more-time vibe of the unique. I ought to’ve busted this evaluate out weeks in the past, apart from my struggles to play it for various minutes at a time. I ought to stress that whereas Atari has let the PN workforce down with the Rechared collection as a rule (besides David), high-score chasers who don’t know these authentic classics will get pleasure from them extra. The identical is true with Berzerk. So, if you wish to view the PN workforce as “previous males yelling at clouds,” that’s truthful sufficient.
I’ve genuinely tried to click on with Berzerk: Recharged (and the Recharged collection general). However, after many weeks, it’s clear I by no means will. This sport doesn’t ship what it guarantees, which is a “revival of an arcade basic.” Not solely does it not really feel like the unique, however it’s lacking lots of the choices and selection supplied by the basic dwelling port. Gamers who by no means skilled Berzerk within the ’80s will benefit from the shallow twin-stick taking pictures of this reimagined take for a time, no less than (much more so when enjoying with a buddy), however that is a median sport at greatest. Atari’s curious method with the Recharged collection continues for higher or worse, and it’s more and more main in direction of the latter. Evil Otto is smiling, however I’m not.
