If you groan every time you see another 2D action-RPG on the Nintendo eShop, don’t be dissuaded by Hyper Light Drifter: Special Edition. While it borrows from the Zelda blueprint and games that have followed, it is packaged so perfectly that it stands above the rest. The depth of its vivid world goes beyond what you see on your screen. There’s more lurking there, and you’ll want to discover it all.
The added co-op adds to the value of the game, but the game’s frustrations hamper re-playability. The stripped down nature of the game is part its charm, but can work against it. Sometimes Mugsters’ sandbox just feels a little shallow.
Even though you’re hurtling through the levels, you’ll appreciate the package. Clever levels, obstacles and enemies, all polished with visual splendour and pumping music, ATOMIK: RunGunJumpGun is designed to a tee. And if you’re after every Atomix, it’s a hefty challenge that’ll take you some time. You will feel physically and mentally exhausted, but you will not stop playing. We promise you this – your pulse will be raised.
Short but sweet, Bleed should be praised as an achievement, especially for a one-man studio. You could wait for that sale, but surely you should support the little guy, right? There’s guaranteed fun if you do.
But this game is silly fun, and fun you’ll have. It certainly doesn’t lose out anything in multiplayer. Split two Joy-Con and you’ll get a more simple control-scheme with automatic acceleration and simple trick input. It performs great in multiplayer docked or portable. Obviously, the big screen will emphasise more of the graphical blemishes, but you’ll be too busy performing sick tricks to care. Bring your wetsuit and get ready for a wild ride. Cowabunga dude!
An original look and a decent amount of challenging puzzles with some replay value are sadly let down with poor controls that turn this into a frustrating experience rather than a fun one. Maybe swap this one for a game more worth your time.
If you love basketball, being able to play the best simulation of the sport on the go makes this an essential purchase. Being able to play NBA 2K18 on the bus, or on your lunch break is a dream. Is just a shame its not always the most coherent one.