Vengeance Hunters enters the arena with a bold take on the age-old genre of belt-scrolling beat 'em ups, aligning itself with the ongoing resurgence of this beloved genre. Many recent entries have seen developers adapt classic franchises or innovate with new concepts, but Nuala Studio opts for the latter in their ambitious project, choosing the archaic yet charming Neo Geo console as the development platform. The game begins with a cinematic sweep over a dark cityscape set in a dystopian future, immediately setting a gritty, politically tinged narrative tone.
The cast of characters includes Candy, an athletic woman, Golem, a hulking robot, and Loony, a burly cyborg. Although these characters sound like they are lifted straight off a comic-book page, their unique attributes add a fulfilling diversity to gameplay. Vengeance Hunters stands out visually, thanks to Nuala Studio's team of talented artists. Whether docked or in handheld mode, the Nintendo Switch showcases the vibrant, detailed backgrounds and lively sprite animations, echoing the visual flair of '80s action cartoons.
The audio ambience, with its synth-heavy tones, attempts to evoke the iconic sounds of the 1980s, though it somewhat lacks the punch and memorability of soundtracks from prominent games like Streets of Rage. The combat system in Vengeance Hunters adds depth to the otherwise straightforward beat 'em up mechanics. Players can use a mixture of light and heavy attacks, jumps, and an unlimited-use signature move. A novel addition is the breakout move, executed by pressing both attack buttons simultaneously. This move risks a part of the player's health bar, but cleverly, the risked health can be recovered if the player successfully counters enemies without taking hits.
Characters have distinctive fighting styles and capabilities, further expanded by juggle opportunities, allowing players to chain aerial and ground hits in quick succession. Candy, Golem, and Loony each bring unique advantages to combat, with Golem arguably being the standout due to his ability to execute command grabs on ground and airborne foes alike.
Despite its robust action, Vengeance Hunter does not shy away from pacing variations. Players will encounter motorcycle rides through desert wastelands and engage in unconventional boss fights, including one within an arcade-style fighting game. These creative detours provide much-needed breaks from the main combat sequences, adding layers to the gameplay and enhancing replay value.
However, certain elements within the game may test player patience, notably the frequent and somewhat redundant explosions that disrupt the flow of combat. Another odd choice is the inclusion of secondary weapons which, unlike the traditional melee weapons, fire diagonally and hover over characters, proving more cumbersome than beneficial in frantic fights.
One perplexing exclusion is the lack of traditional grabs for most characters, a staple feature in many classic beat 'em ups that helps manage larger groups of enemies. Nevertheless, Golem's signature grabbing move partially mitigates this absence.
Vengeance Hunters offers five substantial stages, each requiring time to master, especially with their unique environmental challenges and boss mechanics. The initial rainforest stage, populated by zombie adversaries, might seem out of place following the urban dystopia setup, but it undoubtedly adds an unexpected twist to the adventure.
Local cooperative play is available, allowing two players to join forces on the same console. However, those hoping for online multiplayer functionality will be disappointed, as it is not supported.
Overall, Vengeance Hunters on Nintendo Switch captures the essence of traditional beat 'em ups while introducing fresh concepts that modernize the gameplay. It's a commendable effort that manages to strike a balance between nostalgia and novelty, delivering a satisfying punch for both newcomers and genre veterans.
You must be logged in to post a comment!
