A breezy and electrifying action-platformer expertise.
Having performed by means of and loved the earlier two video games within the collection, Azure Striker Gunvolt 3 is unquestionably a sequel that has been on my radar since its announcement. Whereas it could not have the cachet of one thing like Mega Man, Gunvolt isn’t any slouch in the case of fast-paced motion. This third entry within the mainline collection provides a satisfying expertise with just a few bumps alongside the best way.
It’s humorous to see Gunvolt 3 lean a bit extra into its story provided that its most important draw is the gameplay and general aesthetic. Right here you begin off as Kirin, a Battle Priestess who throws talismans and wields a sword. After the tutorial mission, you meet up with Gunvolt and from then on can change between the 2 characters kind of on the fly. From there, the pair tackle a handful of phases–a couple of dozen in complete–that culminate in fights towards bosses referred to as Berserk Adepts, every with their very own explicit theme. Each Adept you defeat joins your crew, resulting in new alternatives for banter in between missions. Ultimately, you run into one other section of villains who’re making an attempt to harness a harmful energy. Despite the fact that the voice performing is fairly good, I discovered myself shifting rapidly by means of many of the dialogue in order that I may get again to the motion that a lot quicker.
There’s one thing concerning the circulation of the Gunvolt video games that simply makes them a pleasure to play. Hitting an enemy with a projectile to lock-on to them in an effort to shock them with electrical energy or sprint into them nonetheless hasn’t gotten previous. Kirin’s talismans permit her to mark her targets with one button after which fly into with one other; targets which might be marked additionally take extra harm from her sword slashes, however most simple enemies will explode with a single sprint assault. A number of the platforming revolves round throwing talismans at lanterns or different objects after which dashing to them to scale vertical sections. Marking a number of targets directly after which executing a single sprint leads to a good looking chain of destruction that yields a point-multiplier, however greater than that, it simply feels superior. Despite the fact that Gunvolt controls a bit in a different way and strikes a bit slower than Kirin, there are particular sections the place his potential to double leap and float makes him a better option, and his offensive talents can actually do some sustained harm throughout boss fights.
Not one of the ranges overstay their welcome, and there are collectibles to search out in every that unlock new passive and energetic talents. A number of the talents might be upgraded to enhance their effectiveness, however which of them you uncover on the finish of each stage is random. Whereas this could be irritating for completionists, I dare say that the majority gamers gained’t really want many extra talents than whichever ones you find yourself with. For example, I had passive talents that elevated my expertise gained and my leap peak, and energetic talents that I may use to heal myself. One stunning facet of Azure Striker Gunvolt 3 is that the sport’s extremely simple, to the purpose the place I didn’t die even as soon as. I don’t bear in mind the earlier two video games, and even the spinoff Luminous Avenger iX video games, being so devoid of problem. Whereas I’ve actually performed my share of video games on this style, the dearth of problem choices is a stunning omission, even in the event you can return to earlier phases to enhance your rating, time, and rank.
What’s undoubtedly Azure hanging about Gunvolt 3 is simply how unimaginable it seems. Inti Creates have as soon as once more proven simply how proficient they’re in the case of HD pixel artwork, and the top product provides a visible expertise that’s among the many finest on Nintendo’s hybrid platform. Whereas the character designs aren’t groundbreaking, each time Gunvolt or Kirin are in movement, it’s inconceivable to disclaim the great thing about what’s unfolding on display. One noticeable subject with the presentation is happily one thing that may be toggled off or adjusted, Story Mode+, which places dialogue and speaking heads over the underside of the display, generally obscuring enemies and managers. If you happen to’re not absolutely engrossed within the story, I’d advocate switching it off.
Azure Striker Gunvolt 3 represents one other step ahead for Inti Creates and their retro-inspired taste of jump-and-shoot, slash-and sprint motion video games. Even when the emphasis on story gained’t land for everybody, the lightning-fast gameplay is crammed with lasers, explosions, and that enjoyable model of chaos that simply appears to hit proper. The third Gunvolt entry is a straightforward suggestion for followers of the collection or its spinoffs, and even when the quantity of content material and problem aren’t that strong, the visible spectacle actually helps make up for it.
