Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider Reviews
In fact, in some ways, it could actually stand to hew more closely to them, especially when it comes to exploration and difficulty. Taken as it is though, Vengeful Guardian is an approachable, stylish retro platformer that I can see many falling for once they give it a chance, and I encourage anyone curious enough to do so. I think much like myself, you'll find a surprising amount to appreciate here, even if you'll be left wanting more.
Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider is far from the most original game out there. It wears its 16-bit influences on its sleeves, and developer JoyMasher certainly isn't a stranger to this specific kind of game. However, there is a level of expertise on display in Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider that ends up making the game a pure joy to play, thanks in no small part to its snappy controls, excellent visuals, and a stunning soundtrack.
Vengeful Guardian Moonrider is yet another fantastic retro gaming experience from Joymasher, and it shows that the developer has really found its niche. However, with the game being way too short for it's own good, and speedrun games aren't for everyone, Vengeful Guardian Moonrider is in an awkward position. Great gameplay, great music, it's just too damned short.
Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider reminds of great classic games like Shinobi and Strider, demonstrating how the genre is still alive and kicking.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Delivers that crunchy, stylized arcade action that helped make the Genesis generation so memorable.
Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider is a quick and powerful hit of retro action platformer nostalgia.
It must have taken a lot of guts from JoyMasher to release a linear 2D action platformer that relies on a “lives” system in 2023. The spectacle and lavish pixel art are some of the best around and it is apparent that the artists poured all their sweat, blood, and tears into every dot for Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider. They went for it and crafted what is possibly one of the greatest examples of its genre.
Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider is a fantastic platformer that combines the best elements from the SNES and Genesis era with some fresh and fun ideas. It is difficult, as some of its inspirations, but beginners can still enjoy it and have a great time.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
There's no doubt that it's a decent way to spend a couple hours as far as action-platformers go, and fans of the genre–particularly the retro-focused kind–will get a kick out of something so clearly paying homage. For my money, though, I'd have liked to see a few twists and a bit more risk taking with such a well-worn type of video game. Falling short of being a full Moonrider, Vengeful Guardian does enough to make rolling credits worthwhile, if not much else.
Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider is a great mix of ninja-themed titles that gamers may have experienced on the SNES. It has a wide variety of gameplay elements that make every stage feel fresh and new from the others. This challenging game will be a must-play for people who love ninjas and a challenge!
Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider is visceral, brutal and quite challenging – which is great. With beautiful pixel art graphics, a great soundtrack and satisfying combat, it's a must-have title for fans of the 16-bit era.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider is a game that stepped right out of the '90s. It's a fun little platformer that controls well and is a delight to play, and it evokes a remarkable amount of nostalgia for a game that is coming out in 2023. Much like Blazing Chrome, it's the closest you'll come to a new Strider game that plays like the old-school Strider. If that is what you're looking for, you'll be delighted, and if you love old-school platforming action, Moonrider offers it in spades, without the quarter-munching or rental fees.
At the end of the day, Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider is a solid retro-inspired action game that does a good job of offering a satisfying albeit brief campaign. You could definitely do a lot worse but there is substantial room for improvement, that's for sure.
Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider is not original and could be a little more challenging, but the honesty by which adheres to its core tenets (simplicity, tight controls, and balls to the wall action) will not go unnoticed by anyone over thirty.
"Another speedy retro cyber ninja!"
Review in Finnish | Read full review
Look, I’m a kid of the 90’s so this is a hard game to truly review without some level of taint. It looks, plays and sounds like a refinement of games of the Mega Drive. An elevation to a new level, a classic of a system it’s not even for. It’s a strange experience to explain, but an experience I don’t think you or I should explain. Instead, simply play Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider. You’ll thank me.
Though in general it doesn’t break new ground, 16-bit era fans should enjoy this pretty authentic action platformer
As it stands right now you just have a 3 hour, phenominal retro adventure to slash through that you’ll enjoy every second of, and arguably exceeds the great retro balance found in Blazing Chrome, nearing outright perfection in several aspects. The ultimate definition of short and sweet.
Although the game gets interesting just before it ends, Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider is a fantastic throwback specially for fans of Ninja Gaiden or the recently released Cyber Shadow. Also the CRT filter in Switch OLED is just fantastic.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider has a steel-like focus on its demographic: people who either grew up with titles like Shinobi and Strider or people who have taken the dive into retro gaming and want the thrill of something new that feels authentic to the time period. The short run time, use of a lives system, and difficulty that some may feel is cheap may deter some gamers. That said, all in all, the developers have knocked it out of the park once again with some high-octane ninja action with intuitive controls, smooth gameplay, and the kind of pick-up-and-play style hook that the loftier AAA games just don’t have.