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Review of Narita Boy on PlayStation 4

by Tanya Krane Tanya Krane photo Mar 2021
Cover image of Narita Boy on PS4
Gamefings Score: 7.5
Platform: PS4 PS4 logo
Released: 30 Mar 2021
Genre: Action-Adventure
Developer: Studio Koba
Publisher: Team17

Introduction

Welcome to a world where pixelated nostalgia and cybernetic combat collide like an arcade machine thrown off the Space Shuttle! Meet Narita Boy, a hero who's as retro as your dad's old mixtape-but with more swordplay and less awkwardness. Join me as we dissect the characters and storyline arches like a biology lab gone rogue, all while making terrible puns along the way.

Gameplay

Narita Boy is a 2D action platformer that tugs on the strings of Metroidvania love. Players must traverse the Digital Kingdom, where tech isn't just something we argue about while waiting for our lunch order but a living, breathing entity ready to take on the formidable Stallions-who, despite the name, are not quite as cool as they sound. Games like this remind players to explore every nook and cranny-because who doesn't love a secret stash of power-ups or those delectable 'Techno-Keys' that let you open new doors? That's right, exploration is the name of the game, and these keys are your ticket to the next mind-blowing area (or at least some really good loot). Combat in this pixelated paradise revolves around the Techno Sword, which you swing around like a Virtual Reality enthusiast on a caffeine high. Standard attacks are fun, but hold your attack button and unleash devastation upon your digital foes with stronger moves. You can even dodge roll, throwing a sweet little dance move into the mix, adding a layer of excitement each time you evade an ambush by pesky enemies. Let's be honest: dodging is what makes you feel like an action hero. And for those moments where you just feel like being a bit extra, unleash the ability to shoot your sword like a shotgun-which really ramps up the cool factor. Some abilities, like 'Wild Fire', are earned as you progress and allow you to summon NPCs to chime in and help you take down your digital adversaries. Each of these abilities comes in a different color, providing strategic advantages and making you feel like a wizard mixing potions rather than a mere video game character. Honestly, though, who knew swordplay could look so stylish while you're fending off Stallions and saving the day? To top it all off, cutscenes reeking of deep, familial nostalgia include flashbacks into the life of the Creator of this digital realm, which might just hit a little too close to home for some players. Seriously, it's like a therapy session woven into your gaming experience! But who needs a therapist when you can tear into the Stallions with style and watch some heartfelt moments roll by?

Graphics

Visually speaking, Narita Boy is like having a 1980s neon daydream! The art style smacks you with nostalgia, featuring retro pixel art that screams 'take me back to simpler times', while layering vibrant colors over a dark and mysterious world. Each character and enemy design pops with personality, like cartoons come to life but with 1000% more kick. Backgrounds range from the mesmerizing glow of digital landscapes to intriguing environments that complement the overall vibe. In essence, it's like Picasso and a particularly tech-savvy toddler got together to create an aesthetic masterpiece perfect for your screen. You expect to find a 'insert coin' sign lurking around every corner, and let's be honest-it works wonderfully! Soundtrack? Phenomenal. The synth-driven music pulses through the gameplay like an electric heartbeat that will leave your inner '80s kid dancing. It's the kind of soundtrack you might catch yourself humming while you're supposed to be working... or studying... or doing literally anything else! The ambiance fits like a well-worn glove, resonating with the retro feeling of the game, making every encounter with the Stallions (and their questionable names) just that much more epic.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Narita Boy is a delightful romp through nostalgia kmixed with electrifying game mechanics and heart-wrenching story arcs. It's a game that feels effortlessly cool while you're thrashing Stallions and hunting down secrets, yet manages to throw in actual emotional depth that can linger like your favorite song long after the credits roll. Though some critics point out a few flaws in gameplay depth, it's not an experience to write off. Like that questionable fashion choice you thought was cool in high school, Narita Boy may endear itself to you, and before you know it-you're completely hooked! If you're searching for a colorful yet emotionally engaging platformer that merges an explosion of pixels and synth beats while taking you on a trip down memory lane faster than you can say 'Press start', look no further. Narita Boy has arrived. Grab your Techno Sword, warm up those reflexes, and prepare to immerse yourself in a uniquely unforgettable adventure. After all, who knows when you'll need to save a Digital Kingdom or confront the dark past of a long-forgotten Creator? It's all in a day's work for a hero like Narita Boy!

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