A recreation that repeatedly says “Go Berserk” 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 bundle that drastically impresses.
The plot is…I neglect. One thing a couple of mad scientist and his robotic military? The story hits acquainted notes. Darkish vitality, a metropolis underneath 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 cases that jogged my memory of elements in video games from both sequence. As soon as I hit double digits, I ended. In the long run, it didn’t a lot matter. Each these sequence are amongst my favorites. And Berserk Boy is among the many higher video games I’ve performed in 2024.
Berserk Boy might have acquainted speedy gameplay (frantic at factors), however it additionally has the fluidity to make it work. These controls are tight, and the varied strikes (and altering varieties) shouldn’t be too overwhelming for these aware of video games of this fashion. Any run-and-gunner will quickly discover themselves racking up combos. The advertising mentions, “you’ll have the ability to play for giant scores,” and certain sufficient, excessive scores are a draw. I discovered myself replaying missions in hopes of enhancing. Acquainted enjoyable continues to be enjoyable all the identical.
That mentioned, after the preliminary thrill had set in, repetition adopted, and prior to I anticipated. However the presentation excels, which helps reduce any monotony. Critically, that is a formidable recreation to each look and take heed to. It fares even higher in movement than nonetheless pictures can convey with animation and pace. And the boss fights supply a enjoyable, truthful problem.
At 7 or 8 hours, Berserk Boy might overstay its welcome barely for the sort of recreation, though a few of that is dependent upon how a lot of a completionist you’re. However it’s a enjoyable recreation to play a mission right here or there, and coming again to it, even after a niche, 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 bunch of platforming classics, it’s onerous to not advocate Berserk Boy. The plot might 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.