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Review of Arcade Archives: Blandia on Nintendo Switch

by Gemma Looksby Gemma Looksby photo Oct 2023
Cover image of Arcade Archives: Blandia on Switch
Gamefings Score: 8
Platform: Switch Switch logo
Released: 16 Oct 2023
Genre: Fighting
Developer: Allumer
Publisher: Arcade Archives

Introduction

Get ready to slice and dice with ‘Blandia’ on Nintendo Switch, where the fighting is fierce, the characters are wacky, and the strategy involves more swordplay than an amateur Renaissance fair! First released in 1992, the game has been updated for modern consoles, proving that sometimes, nostalgia is worth every pixel.

Gameplay

Blandia returns with a straight-up brawl fest, taking cues from the legendary ’Street Fighter II’ and throwing in enough weapon action to make your head spin! You get to pick from a delightful roster of slightly bizarre characters (think last-minute auditionees for a medieval Ren Faire). Start off by diving into a single-player tournament mode where you can earn serious bragging rights or find a friend and duke it out in local multiplayer, because who doesn't love a friendly rivalry that might end with someone flipping a table? Your mission? Tobattle it out in classic two-out-of-three matches. But don’t think it’s just hack and slash; oh no! You’ll need strategy here. You can do visible damage to armor, but you have to hit those weak spots multiple times to take down your opponent. Think of it like trying to skip school: you can get close to success, but that pesky principal (or, in this case, your opponent) is going to be a pain! Characters range from the heroic Gurianos, the balanced beginner fighter, to Diokles, the cynical rival with a penchant for fire-based sorcery (Does he also have a Twitter account?). Each character brings a unique flavor—like a box of assorted chocolates, but instead of caramel and coconut, it’s all about blades and magic! Select your hero wisely, unless you want to experience endless defeat and the shame of being ‘that player’ who keeps losing. Simply putting a sword in someone’s face won’t get you victory; you’ll have to learn combos and channel your inner fighter. But be warned: the learning curve can occasionally be like trying to find a Signal in the Time Valley—possible but rage-inducing!

Graphics

Ah yes, the graphics! If you’re expecting state-of-the-art graphical fidelity, hold your horses! Blandia makes sure to infuse a touch of charming retro flair, reminiscent of the golden age of arcade games. Think bright backgrounds, character models that have some personality (even if that personality is ‘slightly awkward’) and effects that say ‘Hey, we might not have 4K, but we sure do have heart!’ Sure, they might not compete with the likes of modern AAA titles, but there’s something delightfully nostalgic about pixelated high-flying combos reminiscent of a simpler time. The animation might leave something to be desired, but it perfectly captures the ’90s spirit—like a Tamagotchi, you might have to give it some attention to keep it alive!

Conclusion

To wrap it all up, ‘Blandia’ is a delightful nod to the past, serving both nostalgia fiends and newcomers alike a hefty slice of sword-fighting action, with a heaping portion of humor to boot. Whether you’re cutting through your friends’ hopes and dreams in multiplayer mode or embarking on a solo quest to suppress some evil sorcery, you’re guaranteed some old-school fun. Just pop on your best medieval attire, grab your sword (not really), and prepare to engage in some pixelated bloodshed! In the end, if you’re looking for a good laugh, some wicked sword action, and a splash of competition, look no further. ‘Blandia’ on Switch is worth your time and money, serving up nostalgic joy with a side of hilarity. Score? An 8 out of 10—because who could resist a retro fighter that reminds us that sometimes, the past isn’t as bland as it appears! Now go forth, brave warrior—you've got battles to win and a snack to consume afterwards!

See Latest Prices for Arcade Archives: Blandia on Switch on Amazon

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