The long-awaited, crowdfunding-sensation-turned-controversy, "Mighty No. 9" is finally gracing our PS4s! Produced by the legendary Keiji Inafune, this game aimed to be a nostalgic return to classic platforming days we cherished. Spoiler: it went off the rails more than a knitted scarf in a cat room. So, let's dive right into the chaos and see if it's as mighty as its name suggests or if it's merely a mighty miss.
At its core, "Mighty No. 9" plays like a love letter to the "Mega Man" franchise. You control Beck, a cute robot with more abilities than a Swiss Army knife. You'll jump, shoot, and dash your way through enemies while tackling platforming challenges that scream 'retro.' But oh boy, the difficulty curve! If you've ever dreamed of gripping your controller tight enough to require a new one, this game's got you covered. Beck's unique mechanic, 'AcXelerate,' lets him absorb Xel from weakened foes. Get those enemies down to their last breath, and then unleash the dash of doom to seal the deal. The Xel absorption not only increases your firepower but adds swiftness and defensive capabilities. The catch? Mastery is essential; failing to properly integrate these mechanics will leave you looking like a level one newbie in a pro tournament. Simple concept, but execution? Well, consider it like trying to parallel park a semi-truck.
Visually, the game tries to blend 2D and 3D styles, but falls short like your friend's awful pickup lines. Character designs are reminiscent of 90s cartoons, which is great if you're chasing the nostalgia train. On the downside, the graphics can feel jagged and unpolished in certain areas-like that one friend who insists they're still 'rocking' a particular hairstyle from high school. Thankfully, levels are colorful and varied as you traverse through them, but technical glitches pop up that'll make you question whether you're playing a game or an early alpha version.
In summary, "Mighty No. 9" had all the makings of a promising platformer but ultimately fumbled slightly out of the gate. The gameplay mechanics require sharp skills to master and a big helping of patience-or your favorite stress ball. The graphics, while charming, are not free from disappointments, and they reflect a game that had a long and winding road to its launch. If you're a fan of classic action platformers and can overlook a few glaring flaws, you might still find some enjoyment amidst the chaos. Just don't prepare for it to be the beacon of hope many once envisioned. Prepare for a challenge, but don't say I didn't warn you if it's a tad less mighty and a tad more mediocre.