Azure Striker Gunvolt: Striker Pack PS4
Azure Striker Gunvolt: Striker Pack PS4
Publisher: Inti Creates & Yacht Club Games
Developer: Inti Creates
Genre:
PEGI:
Comments:
Azure Striker Gunvolt: Striker Pack includes two side-scrolling action games (Azure Striker Gunvolt 1 & 2) that appear comparable to the Mega Man platformer series. However, with Mega Man as such an established franchise, is there a need to add another series of pixelated run and gun games to your library? We’ll take a look at how these games stack up and give you our best advice – take a read and let’s see how Azure Striker Gunvolt: Striker Pack measures up now that it is available on the PS4!
It goes without saying that platformers are not for everyone. They can be brutal, unforgiving games that make players pull their hair out and occasionally smash their accessories in frustration. The flipside is that they can also be extremely rewarding. Few gaming moments come with more elation that finally beating the boss of a particularly grueling side-scroller level.
Azure Striker Gunvolt: Striker Pack offers no exceptions to this rule. The gameplay feels a little more complex than its spiritual predecessors, which can at times both increase and decrease the level of enjoyment. Instead of focusing solely on shooting accuracy, players ‘tag’ their opponents with one attack and then are free to attack these tagged foes with their electric field, the latter part of which does not require any aiming.
The narrative of the game is not the most clean cut we have seen, however the story isn’t exactly gripping to begin with, so suffice it so say you aren’t missing much. While it is fair to say that action platformers are not known for their storytelling, it would be a refreshing change to see a well-thought plot evolve in one. One day, but not today.
One thing that is nice to note, however, is how many improvements were implemented in the second game. It appears the developers truly took the criticisms of the first game to heart. This includes improved level design with moving platforms and other obstacles that really enhance the overall platformer experience. The game also offers a second playable character, Copen, who has an entirely different playstyle and features his own complete story mode, basically turning the second game into two games of its own.
While the graphics are pixelated by design, the detail and animation is still very competent, providing a passable and not distracting background for all of your side-scrolling mayhem. The developer uses the 2D art to full effect, with each pose and animation offering a striking still-image, which is truly an impressive feat.
While the core gameplay of both Azure Striker Gunvolt 1 & 2 is very solid, the upgrade system falls a little flat. The equipment available, which alters how you are able to play the game, can be quite frustrating to aquire. You are forced to either replay past levels to obtain enough crafting materials or compete unique challenges that will provide you with rewards. It is clear this was done in an attempt to add replayability to the levels, however it becomes quite mundane very quickly.
Overall, Azure Striker Gunvolt: Striker Pack for thePS4 features two enjoyable action side-scrolling games that play quite well.. If you are new to the genre, keep this one in the back of your mind for after you have completed some of the more prominent series’.