Take one part Mega Man, add a dash of Metroid, mix in some Sonic the Hedgehog, and you’ve got the makings of Berserk Boy. The go-for-broke first title from solo developer BerserkBoy Games, and a dream come true for fans of action platformers worldwide.
The visuals, gameplay, and vibrant world all wear their influences proudly. At a glance, it would be easy to mistake Berserk Boy as a new installment of Capcom’s iconic series. Long-time fans of the genre will discover the controls to be intuitive and familiar, like riding a bike after a long break. The greatest compliment that Berserk Boy earns right off the bat is that it feels like the games that inspired it. Not once did I think of it as a lesser imitation or a budget stop-gap to tide me over. Within an hour, Berserk Boy took its place in the conversation alongside the titans of the genre.
Set in a distant sci-fi future, Berserk Boy is the story of Kei, a rookie hero who becomes intertwined with the fate of the world when he gets his hands on an orb full of mysterious power. Like Captain Planet, the orbs give him the power to control the elements. Soon, lightning, fire, earth, air, and ice are at his fingertips. As a mad scientist seeks to decimate the planet, Kei must learn to master his powers and lead the resistance to victory.
The story, like the gameplay, is familiar in the best kind of way. It has the feeling of a childhood favorite, a kind of cult classic movie to re-discover all over again. The characters, all wacky archetypes, are the best part. Each one brings something memorable to the table, which is exactly what you want from a game like this.
Where Berserk Boy really shines is in the tight level design and action. From the tutorial onwards, it’s clear that this is far beyond a simple love letter. It’s an evolution of its own, smartly utilizing modern sensibilities with retro-infused platforming. You can even choose to play on a more unforgiving difficulty, reminiscent of the golden 8bit era.
Combat is nicely varied, as well, and rarely allows for you to rely on just a single power. The further the story progresses, the more it emphasizes the need to switch between elements and attack patterns to get ahead. While there’s plenty of trial and error, including some frustrating instant-death puzzles, I never found Berserk Boy to be aggravating. It’s tough, but fair, and that’s an exceedingly hard balance to strike.
Thankfully, developer BerserkBoy Games showcases an innate understanding of the genre, and the result makes Berserk Boy a joy to learn. There’s a sense of progression that reminds me of how Mega Man felt the first time I figured out how to conquer a level. Berserk Boy has the same childlike sense of wonder and joy that comes when every element of the gameplay works in sync.
Combined with a fantastic soundtrack by Tee Lopes, Berserk Boy is a rare gem of an indie title. The kind that overcomes any comparison with its competitors, and stands proudly alongside them as an addition to a vast and storied genre. It reminded me why I love side-scrolling action games in the first place, and reignited a passion I had feared lost.
It’s one of the best games of the year, and easily among the best additions to the genre.