PSN is getting three new downloadable titles this week: Frogger Returns for $5, plus Revenge of the Wounded Dragons and PixelJunk Shooter for $10 each. I’m calling a pass on Frogger Returns (I couldn’t do the deed on WiiWare either), but I put some time into the other two. Are they worth it?
Revenge of the Wounded Dragons is a beat ‘em up developed by Artificial Mind & Movement. It stars the player (or players, in 2p offline co-op) in a funk-tracked homage to old kung-fu flicks of yore. Punch, kick and occasionally weaponize through four acts to get revenge on your father’s death and/or sister’s kidnapping.
It looks decent, sounds pretty good, but the gameplay leaves something to be desired. Animation is a bit stiff and the combat is not varied enough. There are a few different punches and kicks, but no combos, so fights involve rolling to a side and taking on dudes one at a time. Invincible Tiger did the whole kung-fu throwback thing a few months back with much more combat variety for only $5 more.
Still, even though I could low punch my way through the whole first act (never underestimate a punch from the crouch), it was kind of fun. There was running and jumping, item gathering, and collectible collecting, plus the whole sense of progression. Co-op would probably be pretty fun, as one player can hold dudes and let their partner beat on them. I liked the finishing moves. The game has some sort of mini-game stuff hidden in it, but I didn’t unlock any.
Those really jonesing for some beat ‘em up action, co-op or non, could get some decent value out of this. Otherwise, it might be wise to wait for a demo. Hopefully next week?
PixelJunk Shooter is the fourth in Q-Games’s PixelJunk series. These are games based around established, usually simple gameplay concepts, presented with unique style and soundtracks. I’ve been a big fan of all of them, even if sometimes they lean more towards art than game.
Shooter is a cave-flyer. Pilot around caves, rescuing little scientist/miner dudes while occasionally shooting at bad guys and solving little puzzles. The game plays in 2D, uses both analog sticks to move/aim, and two shoulder buttons to shoot and deploy the grabber… thingy. The real highlight of the game is the way it deals with fluids, and those sorts of puzzles just seem to get more insane the deeper I delve.
I really like the look and sound of the game. It’s colourful but muted, with each area having a theme. The soundtrack is sort of trip-hoppy and kind of hard to nail down, but seems appropriate from what I’ve heard so far. Unlike some of the other PixelJunk games, the actual gameplay is very approachable and immediately accessible. Plays great, looks great, and sounds great too. What’s not to enjoy?
The game supports two player co-op, but offline only. The only online interaction is leaderboard support. I’m only just at the start of the second act, but it looks like the game is three acts long, with five levels and a boss fight in each. So, not the longest game in the world.
Shooter has in-game support for video recording and can auto-upload to YouTube. I captured a video of myself playing a whole level, for those who want to see the game in action.
I love stylish little titles like this. I’m a little unsure of how much content is here, but I’ve had a great time so far, and am recommending Shooter.
Anyone else tried out any of these?
Brad Petch has been playing games longer than most gamers have been alive. This does not mean he's good at them, or has good taste in them. Online interactions are not rated.