Azure Striker Gunvolt: Striker Pack, where the only thing faster than the characters is the rate at which you'll forget to take breaks. Join me as I zap my way through this electrifying duo of games, while simultaneously lowering my caffeine tolerances with every attempt to not die a thousand times. Grab your controllers and your best pixel art-catching nets—it’s time to review this pack of action platforming goodness!
Let’s dive straight into the electrifying gameplay, shall we? In this world of gun-toting superheroes who probably skipped their morning coffee, you primarily control Gunvolt (the one with the cool hair and lots of angst). Gunvolt can shoot with his gun, but wait, there's more! You can also use his electric powers to electrify enemies! Yes, really. It's like being the first kid on the block to discover that licking a 9-volt battery gives you a jolt of energy, but multiply that by a million and throw in some anime-style melodrama. As if controlling one lightning-infused protagonist wasn’t enough, the game gives you Copen, who dashes around like he’s late for an appointment. His gameplay relies heavily on dashing into enemies and borrowing their abilities like a Netflix subscription. He literally scans them for powers—Copen is the friend who shows up to the party and takes all the snacks, but at least he gives you some electric vibes in return! Each level unfolds a story worthy of an Oscar for Best Use of Explosions, filled with enough plot twists to make your head spin faster than your character’s attack speed. You’ll face off against various bosses who each have a flair for the dramatic, leaving a trail of neon colors behind them as they fall to your electrifying might. The combo mechanic? Oh, we’ve got it! Yikes, be prepared to button mash like you’re trying to win a dance-off against a computer AI. The controls might occasionally feel unresponsive, but hey, who doesn’t love a bit of chaos mixed with their fast-paced gameplay?
Now, let's talk visuals. The graphics in Azure Striker Gunvolt: Striker Pack look like the lovechild of a retro aesthetic and an overwhelming emphasis on neon colors. It's colorful and vibrant, and absolutely screams, 'Look at me! I'm fun!' The character designs pop all over the place like they were dunked in a pool of paint—truly a feast for the eyes. But don't let the charming visuals fool you; these pixelated landscapes are as hazardous as a walk through a neon-lit alleyway. Enemies fly across the screen like confetti at a college graduation, while Bombs are consistently going off all around you. It’s as if the developers knew that the more colors they add, the less you’ll notice how frequently you're getting obliterated. Each level is beautifully crafted, showcasing the skill and creativity of Inti Creates. Let's just hope the game is as good on your eyes as it is for your thumbs. Because if your thumbs aren't cramping after a few bosses... well, you might be playing it wrong!
In a nutshell, if you've been looking for a reason to exercise your thumb muscles and feel more alive than ever (like you just downed three energy drinks), then Azure Striker Gunvolt: Striker Pack is your game. With its flashy visuals, dynamic gameplay, and a plotline that’s complex enough to make your brain hurt while simultaneously keeping you engaged, there’s little not to love. Is it perfect? Well, if I had a nickel for every time I died, I'd have enough for that sweet Nike therapy session I’ve been craving. But in terms of action-platforming enjoyment, I’m giving this a solid 8.5 out of 10—proving once again, that sometimes you just want to shoot bad guys while feeling like the cool kid in an anime. So go on, strap on your electric-powered boots and zap some baddies; your thumbs will thank you, and probably beg for mercy later. Remember: electrifying fun awaits—but dealer’s choice on how many times you let the enemies zap you back!