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Berserk Boy

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Berserk Boy
Item: Berserk Boy
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2024

GenresAdventure, Indie, Action, Platformer, Side View Perspective, Single Player

AvailableMar 6, 2024

PlatformNintendo Switch, PC

DeveloperBerserkBoy Games

Overview

Berserk Boy is a vibrant, retro-inspired 2D action platformer that lets you… GO BERSERK! Change into different forms and use the power of Lightning, Fire, Earth, Air, and Ice as you race through stylish stages in a heroic battle to save the planet from the evil Dr. Genos!

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

40%

Mixed (50-79)

60%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Berserk Boy seems to have received mixed reviews from critics. Nintendo Life praises the narrative for being well handled, incorporating stills and quick dialogue exchanges to create a solid action adventure experience. GameGrin also appreciates the detailed backstory involving orbs, resistance, and a scientist's betrayal, indicating a strong setup for the plot. Additionally, God is a Geek commends the simplicity yet effectiveness of the story, suggesting that it complements the gameplay well. These positive aspects highlight the efforts made to intertwine the narrative with the gameplay seamlessly, providing a cohesive experience for players. On the other hand, there are critics who express concerns about the story of Berserk Boy. Digitally Downloaded criticizes the game for having a light touch on the narrative, with a lack of emergent storytelling and a forgettable plot. NintendoWorldReport notes that while the story focuses on the protagonist Kei and his transformations, the story beats may not be as captivating as the gameplay itself. Gaming Nexus adds to this sentiment by mentioning that the game takes common and lighthearted story tropes too seriously, potentially impacting the overall engagement with the narrative. These criticisms suggest that the storytelling elements may not have reached their full potential in captivating the players' interest. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards a somewhat positive reception of the story in Berserk Boy. While there are criticisms regarding the depth and engagement level of the narrative, the general sentiment acknowledges the efforts put into creating a cohesive storyline that complements the gameplay experience. TheSixthAxis highlights the creative and endearing characters that add personality to the standard hero's journey narrative, showcasing a positive aspect of the storytelling. Despite some reservations about the storytelling execution, the game seems to offer a fresh direction for the series, as noted by GAMINGbible. In conclusion, while there are areas for improvement, the overall sentiment suggests that the story of Berserk Boy contributes positively to the overall gaming experience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed views on Berserk Boy's story. Positive feedback praises its seamless integration with gameplay, creative characters, and strong setup. However, some critics find the narrative lacking depth, with forgettable plot points and overly serious treatment of common tropes. Overall, while there are areas for improvement, the story adds value to the gaming experience by complementing the gameplay effectively.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

93%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Berserk Boy has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics, with many highlighting its engaging and fast-paced nature. Digitally Downloaded praises the game for its variety of abilities and puzzle-like levels, emphasizing the enjoyable skill challenges that require quick thinking. GamingTrend commends the unique form-swapping mechanic that adds depth to gameplay, requiring players to strategize and efficiently utilize different abilities based on the situation. Nintendo Life appreciates the diverse gameplay elements, including combat hooks, platforming, and unique character forms with special attacks, offering a well-rounded experience. TheSixthAxis notes the fun and engaging combat encounters, with a focus on melee combat and chaining attacks, reminiscent of classic side-scrollers like Mega Man X and Sonic. While the overall sentiment towards Berserk Boy's gameplay is highly positive, there are some minor criticisms mentioned by a few critics. Digital Chumps points out that some powers in the game may require fine-tuning, suggesting potential balancing issues that could affect the overall gameplay experience. Additionally, ZTGD mentions that the gameplay feels arcadey with a larger margin for error, which could lead to some frustration for players seeking a more precise and challenging experience. These critiques, however, appear to be minor in comparison to the overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding the game's mechanics and overall enjoyment factor. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that Berserk Boy offers a highly enjoyable gameplay experience that successfully combines elements from classic side-scrollers while introducing unique mechanics like form-swapping and diverse abilities. The game's fast-paced nature, engaging combat encounters, and variety of challenges have been widely praised by reviewers, with Gaming Nexus highlighting the addicting combat system and enjoyable traversal mechanics. Despite minor criticisms regarding potential balancing issues and a more forgiving difficulty level, the overall sentiment towards Berserk Boy's gameplay is overwhelmingly positive, making it a recommended choice for players looking for a fun and frenzied action experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Berserk Boy's gameplay has earned high praise for its engaging, fast-paced nature and unique mechanics like form-swapping. Critics highlight the addictive combat, diverse abilities, and challenging skill tests. While some mention minor issues like potential balancing problems and a more forgiving difficulty level, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive, making it a top choice for action game fans seeking a fun and frenzied experience.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

64%

Mixed (50-79)

36%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics praised the graphics and visual design of Berserk Boy, highlighting various positive aspects. Critics like Gfinity and Hobby Consolas appreciated the vibrant colors, fluid animations, and anime-inspired character designs that harkened back to classic 16-bit games. NintendoWorldReport and ZTGD commended the game for its vibrant color palette, neat visual effects, and distinct world designs that added to a visually pleasing experience. GAMINGbible also noted the fantastic environments with detailed graphics that showcased the capabilities of new-gen hardware, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the game. However, there were some criticisms regarding the graphics and visual design of Berserk Boy. Digitally Downloaded mentioned that while the protagonist's design was detailed and well-executed, it lacked an interesting or memorable identity. They also pointed out that the level design was straightforward and lacked inspiration. Nintendo Life noted that certain frames and guises in the game may be preferred over others, suggesting some inconsistency in the visual presentation. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the graphics and visual design of Berserk Boy. The game was praised for its retro-inspired art direction, reminiscent of classic gaming eras like the Game Boy Advance, SEGA Genesis, and Super Nintendo. Critics appreciated the flashy and impactful visuals that contributed to an energetic experience, blending inspirations from classic platformers while adding unique twists. The majority of reviewers found the graphics to be visually appealing, with engaging character designs, vibrant colors, and well-executed animations, ultimately enhancing the overall gameplay experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about Berserk Boy's graphics, praising its vibrant colors, fluid animations, and anime-inspired designs reminiscent of classic 16-bit games. While some critics found the protagonist lacking a memorable identity and the level design uninspired, overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive. The retro-inspired art direction, flashy visuals, and engaging character designs make Berserk Boy a visually appealing and energetic gaming experience.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

73%

Mixed (50-79)

27%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of critics praised the Sound Design and Music of Berserk Boy, highlighting its positive aspects. Critics like Hobby Consolas and Nintendo Life appreciated the fitting melodies and top-notch music composed by Tee Lopes, driving the adventure with catchy themes. Digital Chumps also commended the incredible soundtrack full of nostalgia, electro-inspired chiptunes, and upbeat tracks that capture the essence of classic action platformers from the SNES era. The energetic and impressive soundtrack by Tee Lopes, known for his work on Sonic Mania, was a standout feature that enhanced the overall presentation of the game, as noted by ZTGD. The game effectively utilized its music to create an immersive experience, with GamingTrend mentioning how the energetic soundtrack added to the frenzy of action, fitting well with the gameplay and visual design. While the overall sentiment towards the Sound Design and Music of Berserk Boy was overwhelmingly positive, there were a few critiques mentioned by some critics. One potential downside could be the possibility of the music feeling repetitive over extended gameplay sessions. However, this criticism was not a major concern raised by the reviewers. It's important to note that the variety and quality of the music seemed to outweigh any potential repetitiveness, as highlighted by GameGrin, who mentioned the upbeat, catchy music that complemented the gameplay without feeling monotonous. In conclusion, the consensus among the critics is that the Sound Design and Music of Berserk Boy were exceptional, with the majority of reviewers praising the game's soundtrack for enhancing the overall experience. The contributions of composer Tee Lopes were widely appreciated, with critics like NintendoWorldReport noting the signature sounds that provided a treat for the ears. The positive reception from critics like God is a Geek, who described the soundtrack as "banging" and complementary to the gameplay experience, further solidifies the notion that Berserk Boy succeeded in delivering a memorable audio experience that resonated with players and critics alike. Overall, the Sound Design and Music of Berserk Boy were key strengths of the game, contributing significantly to its immersive and engaging gameplay.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics unanimously lauded the Sound Design and Music of Berserk Boy, with high praise for composer Tee Lopes's top-notch melodies that perfectly matched the game's vibe. The soundtrack was hailed for its nostalgia-inducing chiptunes and energetic tracks, seamlessly enhancing the gameplay experience. While some critics noted potential repetitiveness in extended play, the overall consensus was overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers like God is a Geek dubbing the soundtrack as "banging." In conclusion, the Sound Design and Music were standout features that elevated Berserk Boy's immersive and engaging gameplay, making it a hit among players and critics alike.

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

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Technical Performance

Analysis Unavailable

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technical performance

Description unavailable

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

42%

Mixed (50-79)

58%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The reviewers generally agree that Berserk Boy offers various elements that enhance its replay value. Nintendo Life praises the game for its Metroidvania backtracking, prisoner liberating side-missions, and multiple character forms with unique abilities, which all contribute to encouraging replayability. TheSixthAxis also highlights the multiple biomes, stages, tools, transformations, and upgrades that add depth to the gameplay experience, providing players with different abilities and playstyles to explore. Additionally, ZTGD appreciates how the stages in Berserk Boy are designed to be revisited, offering entertainment from start to finish without being overly frustrating. On the downside, some critics point out aspects of Berserk Boy that may hinder its replay value. NintendoWorldReport mentions repetitive boss fights, lack of enemy variety, and tedious base defense segments, which detract from the overall replayability of the game. GamingTrend echoes a similar sentiment by criticizing the transparency of exploration intentions and the requirement to collect a certain amount of items for the true ending, leading to tedious backtracking. Hobby Consolas also notes that some sections of the game may feel unfairly difficult, potentially impacting the enjoyment of replaying certain parts. Overall, while there are some criticisms regarding certain aspects of Berserk Boy that may affect its replay value, the consensus among the critics is that the game offers a decent amount of content and incentives for players to revisit its stages. Gaming Nexus highlights the efforts made to extend the experience for completionists with performance ratings and limited life-count options, catering to those seeking challenges. Despite some drawbacks mentioned by critics like NintendoWorldReport and GamingTrend, the general sentiment is that Berserk Boy manages to provide an engaging gameplay experience that encourages replaying missions for better scores, collecting orbs, and upgrading abilities, ultimately offering replay value for players looking for a mix of exploration and action in a platformer game.

TL;DR

replay value

Berserk Boy impresses with Metroidvania gameplay, diverse character abilities, and engaging backtracking features that boost replay value. Critics note drawbacks like repetitive boss fights and tedious segments, but overall agree that the game offers incentives for players to revisit stages, collect orbs, and upgrade abilities for an exciting mix of exploration and action.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

79%

Mixed (50-79)

20%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Berserk Boy has garnered praise from multiple critics for its positive aspects. GamingTrend and Digital Chumps commend the game for its unique gameplay mechanics, energetic soundtrack, and impactful visual design. NintendoWorldReport and TheSixthAxis highlight the fast-paced gameplay, vibrant visuals, and enjoyable music that contribute to a satisfying gaming experience. ZTGD also appreciates the game's ability to deliver nostalgia while standing on its own, catering to fans of classic platformers like Mega Man. On the flip side, some critics point out certain shortcomings of Berserk Boy. Digitally Downloaded raises concerns about the game's lack of originality and failure to establish its own identity beyond paying homage to existing franchises. GamingTrend and GamingTrend (PC) mention flaws in the exploration elements and collectibles that could potentially impact the overall experience for players. These criticisms suggest that while the game excels in various aspects, there are areas where it falls short of delivering a flawless experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Berserk Boy is a solid platformer that successfully blends nostalgic elements with modern gameplay mechanics. Hobby Consolas and Digital Chumps appreciate the game's ability to cater to both retro and contemporary gamers, offering a fun and challenging experience. Despite some minor issues highlighted by certain reviewers, the general sentiment is positive, with many critics recommending Berserk Boy to fans of the genre. The game's ability to strike a balance between capturing classic gaming essence and providing a fresh take on the platformer genre seems to have resonated well with the gaming community, making it a noteworthy addition to the indie gaming scene.

TL;DR

Berserk Boy impresses critics with its unique gameplay, energetic soundtrack, and impactful visuals, while some note its lack of originality and flaws in exploration elements. Overall, it successfully blends nostalgia with modern mechanics, appealing to retro and contemporary gamers alike. Critics recommend it despite minor issues, making it a standout in the indie gaming scene.

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Reviews

57 reviews found

Digital Chumps

Mar 5, 2024