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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

PlatformPlayStation 5, Nintendo 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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TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on the story of Berserk Boy. Some like the creative characters and effective plot setup, while others criticize the lack of depth and forgettable storyline. The game strikes a balance between entertaining storytelling and focusing on action and gameplay, with the narrative playing a secondary role in the overall gaming experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

35%

Mixed (50-79)

65%

Negative (0-49)

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

The story of Berserk Boy in the eyes of the critics seems to have some positive aspects. Critics like Nintendo Life and TheSixthAxis appreciate the well-handled narrative with intermittent stills and creative characters that add personality to the standard hero's journey narrative. The detailed backstory involving orbs, resistance, and a scientist's betrayal, as mentioned by GameGrin, also sets up the plot effectively. Additionally, God is a Geek finds the story simple but effective, complementing the gameplay without overshadowing it. On the other hand, there are some recurring criticisms regarding the story of Berserk Boy. Digitally Downloaded and Pure Nintendo express concerns about the lack of depth in the narrative, with Digitally Downloaded pointing out the struggle to create an emergent storytelling experience and a forgettable plot. COGconnected mentions that the narrative is not story-driven, focusing more on being delightfully cheesy and entertaining rather than offering a compelling storyline. Worth Playing also notes that the ending requirement to see the real ending may be off-putting to players, indicating a potential flaw in the storytelling approach. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding the story of Berserk Boy is somewhat mixed. While some appreciate the engaging elements such as creative characters, effective setup, and a narrative that complements the gameplay, others find fault in the lack of depth, forgettable plot, and a narrative that doesn't take center stage. The game seems to strike a balance between providing an entertaining story with some cheesy dialogue, as highlighted by Worth Playing, and focusing more on action and gameplay, as noted by ZTGD. Ultimately, the story of Berserk Boy appears to be a secondary element to the overall gaming experience, with varying opinions on its effectiveness in enhancing the player's journey through the game.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Critics love the gameplay of Berserk Boy, praising its fast-paced action, diverse abilities, and engaging combat mechanics reminiscent of classic games like Mega Man and Sonic. The game's unique form-swapping mechanic and challenging skill challenges have won over reviewers. However, some critics noted drawbacks like easy difficulty and potential repetition. Overall, Berserk Boy's gameplay is a standout feature, offering a rewarding and diverse experience that blends classic elements with modern mechanics.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

86%

Mixed (50-79)

14%

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. Many reviewers praised the game for its fast-paced and engaging mechanics, with a variety of abilities and forms to unlock and switch between. Digitally Downloaded highlighted the puzzle-like levels and enjoyable skill challenges, while GamingTrend appreciated the unique form-swapping gameplay mechanic that requires quick thinking and efficient utilization of abilities. The combination of elements from classic side-scrollers like Mega Man and Sonic, as mentioned by TheSixthAxis, added depth and variety to the gameplay experience. Additionally, the game's focus on melee combat, platforming skills, and the ability to unlock new powers and upgrades resonated well with critics like NintendoWorldReport and Pure Nintendo. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception, some critics did point out a few drawbacks in the Gameplay of Berserk Boy. Worth Playing mentioned a lack of challenge in boss fights, which could potentially impact the overall experience for some players. Noisy Pixel highlighted navigation issues and an easy difficulty level as areas that could be improved upon. Pure Nintendo also noted that repetition could set in after the initial thrill, suggesting that the gameplay may become somewhat predictable over time. These criticisms, while valid, were in the minority compared to the overall positive sentiment towards the game's gameplay mechanics. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that the Gameplay of Berserk Boy is a standout feature of the game, offering a blend of fast-paced action, diverse abilities, and engaging combat and platforming mechanics. The majority of reviewers appreciated the variety of gameplay styles, the ability to switch between different forms seamlessly, and the challenging yet rewarding gameplay experience. Gaming Nexus described it as a "delightful gameplay experience," while GAMINGbible highlighted the game's multiplayer aspect and diverse mission structure. Overall, Berserk Boy's gameplay has been well-received by critics, showcasing a successful fusion of classic side-scrolling elements with modern gameplay mechanics.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Critics raved about Berserk Boy's stunning graphics inspired by classic 16-bit games, praising vibrant colors, smooth animations, and engaging character designs. Although some noted minor issues like repetitive sprites and limited resolution options, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive. The game successfully blends nostalgic charm with modern visuals, offering players an energetic and visually appealing experience across different platforms.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

67%

Mixed (50-79)

33%

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, Hobby Consolas, and Pure Nintendo 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, distinct world designs, and smooth controls, contributing to a visually pleasing experience. Additionally, critics such as TheSixthAxis and Digital Chumps noted the retro-inspired art direction, fun character designs, and well-done animated cutscenes that added a unique twist to the visuals. On the other hand, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks in the graphics and visual design of Berserk Boy. Digitally Downloaded mentioned that while the protagonist's design was detailed, it lacked an interesting or memorable identity, and the level design was straightforward and uninspired. Movies Games and Tech highlighted issues with reused sprites leading to repetitiveness, and Worth Playing noted limited resolution options that might disappoint some players. Noisy Pixel also mentioned some fatigue due to default lighting Orb usage, suggesting room for improvement in future entries to focus on different suits. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the graphics and visual design of Berserk Boy. The majority of reviewers appreciated the game's colorful and stylish visuals, engaging character designs, and nostalgic appeal reminiscent of classic platformers. The energetic and impactful visuals, combined with well-executed pixel art and animations, created a visually appealing experience for players across different platforms. While some minor issues were raised by a few critics, the overall sentiment indicates that Berserk Boy successfully delivers on its visual presentation, capturing the essence of retro gaming with a modern twist.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics raved about Berserk Boy's Sound Design and Music, praising its excellent soundtrack by Tee Lopes that enhances gameplay. While some mentioned minor voice acting issues, overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers highlighting the game's immersive atmosphere and memorable experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

83%

Mixed (50-79)

17%

Negative (0-49)

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

The majority of critics unanimously praised the Sound Design and Music of Berserk Boy, highlighting it as a significant strength of the game. Positive aspects mentioned by reviewers include the excellent soundtrack that enhances the overall experience, the energetic and fitting music that complements the gameplay and visual design, and the top-notch music composed by Tee Lopes, known for his work on Sonic Mania. Critics such as Movies Games and Tech and Pure Nintendo specifically pointed out how the music adds to the immersive and memorable gameplay experience, with catchy themes and impressive boss fight tracks that offer a fun challenge. Additionally, the sound design was noted by GAMINGbible for effectively creating an atmosphere of horror and tension, enhancing the overall gameplay experience. While the overwhelming sentiment towards the Sound Design and Music of Berserk Boy was positive, there were a few minor criticisms mentioned by some reviewers. Worth Playing noted that while the soundtrack by Tee Lopes was a highlight and evoked the feeling of a Mega Man title, the voice acting was decent but not fully utilized in all scenes. This suggests that there may have been some missed opportunities in fully integrating the voice acting with the overall sound design. However, this critique was minor compared to the overall positive reception of the game's audio elements. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that the Sound Design and Music of Berserk Boy are exceptional, with the majority of reviewers praising the game for its fantastic soundtrack, energetic and fitting music, and impressive contributions from composer Tee Lopes. The positive comments from critics like Nintendo Life, Digital Chumps, and God is a Geek highlight the overall consensus that the sound design and music significantly enhance the gameplay experience, creating an immersive and engaging atmosphere throughout the game. Despite minor critiques regarding voice acting integration, the overwhelming positive reception towards the audio elements solidifies Berserk Boy as a standout title in terms of its Sound Design and Music.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Critics mostly praised Berserk Boy's technical performance on Nintendo Switch, citing precise movement and gameplay, with some noting potential flaws like reused sprites. On PC, opinions were mixed, with concerns about visual issues and unintuitive progression but noting smooth performance on Steam Deck. Overall, critics agree that Berserk Boy offers a solid technical experience on both platforms, despite minor issues.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

11%

Mixed (50-79)

89%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on the Nintendo Switch, the majority of critics had positive feedback. Digitally Downloaded praised the precision in movement and gameplay, indicating a well-constructed game. Hey Poor Player highlighted the absence of technical issues, suggesting good performance and stability. However, Movies Games and Tech pointed out potential technical flaws such as reused sprites and random appearance/disappearance of text boxes that could impact the overall experience. Nintendo Life and NintendoWorldReport both encountered issues like glitches and malfunctioning upgrades, but these were considered rare occurrences. On the other hand, when it comes to the PC platform, the opinions were more mixed. COGconnected mentioned minor visual issues, sprite blocking by text boxes, annoying sound effects, and unintuitive progression requirements as drawbacks. GameGrin reported only one glitch, while Gaming Nexus criticized the unnecessary large main base/hub and quick enemy introductions as missteps. Worth Playing provided a positive perspective, stating that Berserk Boy runs smoothly on Steam Deck with a locked 60fps frame rate and cloud saving feature, but noted limited resolution options on PC as a potential drawback. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Berserk Boy delivers a solid technical performance across both the Nintendo Switch and PC platforms. While there were some minor issues reported by various reviewers, such as glitches, sprite blocking, and occasional technical flaws, the general sentiment leans towards a well-constructed game with good stability and performance. Worth Playing's positive experience on the Steam Deck highlights the game's potential on PC, despite some limitations in resolution options. Critics like Hey Poor Player and GameGrin also contribute to the overall positive reception by emphasizing the absence of major technical issues on their respective platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics praise Berserk Boy for its replay value, with features like multiple save points, hidden secrets, and optional Time Trial stages. Some note drawbacks such as repetitive boss fights and tedious backtracking, but overall, the game offers a rewarding experience with engaging elements and additional content that make it a worthwhile choice for fans of action platformers.

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 opinions of several critics highlight the positive aspects of the replay value in Berserk Boy. Hey Poor Player praises the game for offering plenty of replay value with multiple save points, hidden Resistance members, and optional Time Trial stages, providing players with incentives to explore and discover new content. Nintendo Life also commends the game for encouraging replayability through Metroidvania backtracking and prisoner liberating side-missions, enhancing the overall gameplay experience. TheSixthAxis mentions the various tools and transformations to unlock, as well as upgrades for customization, adding depth to the game and making each playthrough unique. On the other hand, some critics point out the negative aspects that may impact the replay value of Berserk Boy. NintendoWorldReport criticizes the repetitive boss fights, lack of enemy variety, and tedious base defense segments, which can detract from the overall replayability of the game. GamingTrend and GamingTrend (PC) both criticize the transparency of the exploration intentions and the requirement to collect a certain amount of items for the true ending, leading to tedious backtracking, which may hinder players' enjoyment of replaying stages. Overall, the consensus among the critics suggests that Berserk Boy offers a decent amount of replay value, with various elements such as hidden secrets, upgrades, and additional challenges contributing to the overall experience. While some critics highlight certain drawbacks like repetitive gameplay elements and tedious backtracking, the majority of opinions lean towards the game being engaging and rewarding for players looking to revisit levels, collect items, and unlock new content. Gamers Heroes and Worth Playing emphasize the additional content like collectibles and extra stages, which encourage thorough exploration and replayability, ultimately making Berserk Boy a worthwhile experience for fans of action platformer games.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

79%

Mixed (50-79)

19%

Negative (0-49)

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

The critics generally praise Berserk Boy for its engaging gameplay mechanics, nostalgic pixel art, energetic soundtrack, and fast-paced combat. GamingTrend and Pure Nintendo commend the unique gameplay mechanics and fluid controls, while Movies Games and Tech and TheSixthAxis highlight the immersive pixel art and standout visual design. Additionally, Gamers Heroes and Digital Chumps appreciate the fast-paced combat and retro-inspired visuals. The game successfully captures the essence of classic platformers like Mega Man and Sonic the Hedgehog, offering a fun and challenging experience for fans of the genre. On the downside, some critics point out flaws in Berserk Boy's exploration elements, collectibles, and lack of originality. GamingTrend and Hobby Consolas mention the game's shortcomings in exploration and collectibles, which may impact the overall experience. Additionally, Digitally Downloaded expresses concerns about the game's failure to establish its own identity beyond celebrating existing franchises. Despite the solid gameplay and visual presentation, these issues detract from the game's potential to stand out in the crowded platformer genre. Overall, Berserk Boy receives a positive reception from critics, with many praising its nostalgic charm, engaging gameplay, and visual appeal. Hey Poor Player and TheSixthAxis highlight the exceptional adventure, complex platforming, and innovative gameplay mechanics that set Berserk Boy apart from traditional platformers. While some critics acknowledge the game's flaws in exploration and lack of originality, the consensus is that Berserk Boy offers a satisfying experience for fans of retro and contemporary platforming games. With its blend of nostalgia and innovation, Berserk Boy manages to deliver a fresh take on the classic platformer formula, making it a standout title in the genre.

TL;DR

Berserk Boy earns praise for its engaging gameplay, nostalgic pixel art, and fast-paced combat, reminiscent of classic platformers like Mega Man and Sonic. Critics commend its unique mechanics and visual design but note flaws in exploration and originality. Overall, the game offers a fun and challenging experience for platformer fans, blending nostalgia with innovation to stand out in the genre.

MONSTER

Reviews

58 reviews found

100

Hey Poor Player

Nintendo Switch

Mar 5, 2024