Clearly inspired by Capcom’s Mega Man series, Berserk Boy follows Capcom’s winning formula while adding some modern, personalized flare. Plus, the main character is basically a Super Saiyan wearing cargo shorts and the gameplay puts a much bigger emphasis on dashing.
There is a plot, which takes a while to get going, but it takes an acceptable backseat when compared against all the shootie combat, quick dashing traversal, and excellent anime pixel art. In fact, the pixel art is this striking HD retro pixel art that might look like a 16-bit gem in screenshots but moves with memorizing fluidity. The visual presentation is an obvious highlight.
It might look like a Mega Man clone, but this is its own game. Instead of focusing on ranged combat, Berserk Boy favors the short game. Although there are no boss absorbing powers, but elemental orbs can collected to unleash new attacks. However, there isn’t necessarily a rock-paper-scissor weakness system in place. Instead, it is probably better to realize that each attack is just different instead of stronger. By linking attacks, there is a satisfying combo system that builds a super meter, which of course is used to unleash the smackdown on your enemies. There is even some minor Metroidvania level progression as secrets can be found if steps are retraced later.
Matching the visual quality is the soundtrack. Composed by the same musician that powered Sonic Mania and TMNT: Shredder’s Revenger, the faster paced audio themes pleasantly merges retro chip tuns with contemporary tones to create something that aligns so well with the action.
Berserk Boy is a modern take on Mega Man X style of gameplay but implements many different features to become something entirely different. There isn’t anything here that hasn’t necessarily been done in other run-and-gun action games, but it hits the target where it matters most.
SCORE: 8/10
Also Play: all the Mega Man collections
Better Than: Mighty No. 9
Wait For It: A new Mega Man with a different roman numeral
By: Zachary Gasiorowski, Editor in Chief myGamer.com
Twitter: @ZackGaz
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