Play as Captain Grisham, and uncover the secrets of Planet 4-514 in this thrilling prequel to Side Scape!
The 2D Metroidvania experience puts players in the role of Captain Grisham as they explore the uncharted Planet 4-514. The core gameplay revolves around platforming, combat, and progression through acquiring new abilities and upgrades.
Players consistently praise the tight and responsive controls. The movement, including precise platforming mechanics like double jumping, allows for skilled navigation through the game's environments. While the movement may feel "twitchy" at first, reviewers note that it becomes highly satisfying once mastered.
One of the standout features is the robust weapon customization system. Players can mix and match various components, such as "cores", "ionizers", "diffusers", and "dischargers", to create a wide variety of unique and powerful weapon combinations. This depth of personalization and experimentation is highlighted as a fresh and engaging twist on the traditional Metroidvania formula.
The game's boss encounters present a significant challenge, requiring players to master their weapon combinations and dodge patterns to emerge victorious. Reviewers describe the bosses as striking a good balance between difficulty and fairness, providing a sense of accomplishment when overcome. The base enemies are also well-designed and varied, complementing the challenging boss battles.
The level design is praised for its density and interconnectivity, providing a strong sense of exploration as players uncover new areas and abilities. The Metroidvania structure encourages backtracking and revisiting previous locations, as new abilities unlock access to previously inaccessible areas. Reviewers appreciate the "just right" size of the game's world, striking a balance between feeling expansive and not becoming overwhelming or tedious.
In addition to the main campaign, the game offers a variety of modifiers that can be unlocked and applied to new playthroughs. These modifiers, such as limiting maximum health or randomizing item locations, add an extra layer of challenge and replayability for those seeking a more hardcore experience.