Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider Reviews

Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider is ranked in the 79th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
7.8 / 10.0
Jan 13, 2023

One of the best things going for Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider is its length. Making your way to the last level and defeating the final boss only takes a few hours. In this way, it knows exactly what it is: a brief but enjoyable nostalgic experience that doesn’t overstay its welcome. By the time you start feeling like you’ve completed a full retro meal, credits are right around the corner and I appreciate it for that. Moonrider’s adventure likely won’t linger with you, but I don’t regret playing the short, familiar, and satisfying experience.

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7.5 / 10.0
Jan 11, 2023

Solid and definitely have an audience. There could be some hard-to-ignore faults, but the experience is fun.

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84 / 100
Jan 11, 2023

An ode to the golden age of 16 bits, which perfectly transmits those sensations. As a game, it is a somewhat brief challenge, but very intense and varied, that tempts you to improve more and more.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

TJ Denzer
Top Critic
8 / 10
Jan 11, 2023

Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider is great in a lot of ways. Even if it stays almost too close to the Mega Man X formula, it still utilizes it well. The visuals and music are definite highlights that put this game apart, but it also just feels satisfying to play. The ride is over all-too-soon, but I’m happy to have taken it. It was another good challenge and we cut up tons of machines, fascists, and fascist machines along the way. More than that, I’d love to see some speedruns of this game because it looks ripe for excellent players to learn and master. If you want a decent action platformer to kick 2023 off with, you can’t go wrong with Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider.

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8 / 10.0
Jan 11, 2023

Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider is easy to recommend for those longing for retro platformers, but is over a bit too quick.

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Jan 12, 2023

Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider is a throwback to 90's action-platformer games that will appeal to those looking for a challenging nostalgia trip.

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70 / 100
Jan 18, 2023

Rather than being a game for people who miss the old school ninja platformers of yesteryear, Moonrider feels more like a game made for the people who miss the idea of them, rather than the games themselves. The game borrows liberally from its inspirations and combines them into a game that looks and plays the part just fine. It just doesn't push itself or the player on a level that will fully satisfy people who still regularly enjoy the games it takes from.

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8 / 10
Jan 11, 2023

Each level feels unique, and goes through phases that ensure the gameplay remains interesting and engaging. And it’s all complemented by a jaw-dropping art style, which can feel a little grungy on occasion, but has some true standout set-piece moments – like the boss enemies that fill the entire screen. A CRT toggle is available for true retro enthusiasts, but we preferred to play with unfiltered, razor-sharp 4K pixels. And we loved every minute.

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84 / 100
Jan 11, 2023

I loved Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider, but it won’t be for everyone. It’s a must-play for 2D action platform veterans. Especially those that value speedrunning. The 80s inspirations hit all the right nostalgia buttons for me. It might look a little generic on the surface, but anyone who gives Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider their time, will find a tight action platformer, with lots of unique nuance. If you’re at all curious, don’t hesitate to pick it up.

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9 / 10.0
Jan 12, 2023

Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider is a fantastic game. It reminds you of how those old SNES and Genesis games were, enhanced with plenty of quality of life elements. If all your side scrolling melee retro games got together, and created a game in the lab of a maniacal government, it would be this. If you love retro 16-bit action games, you won't regret this. Cyber ninja vanish.

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Unscored
Jan 12, 2023
Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider | Review in 3 Minutes - YouTube video thumbnail
Ken McKown
Top Critic
8.5 / 10.0
Jan 17, 2023

Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider stands out among the pack of games looking to capture that 16-bit nostalgia. It is not just an art style. There are so many pieces that go into making a modern retro game and JoyMasher continues to prove they are better at it than most. I highly recommend this game and don’t let it slip through the cracks. It is definitely one of the better ones available.

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8 / 10
Jan 11, 2023

Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider has a lot of heart and very strong level design, but it's weakened by a low level of challenge.

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9 / 10
Jan 11, 2023

Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider is an absolute triumph in 'neo-retro' game design. It boasts fluid combat with plenty of variety in environmental and enemy design and an art style that looks like it beamed straight over from the early '90s. While its overall short length might be a bit of a sticking point for some, those looking for an action title that is not only a fantastic experience but also feels like an authentically retro one will find this to be an absolute no-brainer. It's straight up one of the coolest games to kickstart 2023.

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Gameblog
_SutterCane
Top Critic
7 / 10
Jan 11, 2023

As Blazing Chrome, Vengeful Guardian Moonrider is a neat tribute to old action games. It really feels like a lost Mega Drive title, but on more modern platforms. A good retro trip with a gorgeous aesthetics from the 90s and a soundtrack that could have been in a Streets of Rage game. Imperfect, yes, but generous.

Review in French | Read full review

Liked-a-lot
Jan 11, 2023
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Jan 11, 2023

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.

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7.5 / 10.0
Jan 17, 2023

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.

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7.5 / 10.0
Jan 11, 2023

While short and inconsistent in challenge, Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider is a fun throwback to late 90s Japanese cyberpunk spectacle.

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4 / 5.0
Jan 11, 2023

Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider conjures the spirit of the golden age of 16-bit gaming.

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