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Review of Rive on Nintendo Switch

by Jay Aborro Jay Aborro photo Nov 2017
Cover image of Rive on Switch
Gamefings Score: 8
Platform: Switch Switch logo
Released: 17 Nov 2017
Genre: Platform, Shoot 'em Up
Developer: Two Tribes
Publisher: Two Tribes Publishing B.V.

Introduction

Welcome, dear gamer, to a world where mechanics float around like soap bubbles at a carnival; where shooting and platforming converge into a techno-organic chaos of colors and explosions. Rive, developed by Two Tribes, is the epitome of a platforming shoot-em-up mashup. A vintage feel, adorned with modern sensibilities, Rive dazzles on the Switch with a whirl of pixel art and 360-degree action. Let's dive in and see if this game is worthy of your hard-earned bucks or if it's best left in the pixelated past.

Gameplay

Step into the shiny boots of a space scavenger known as P1. Your mission? Slash, shoot, and dash through hordes of mechanical foes equipped with more gadgets than an overzealous Swiss Army knife. What sets Rive apart is its feisty mix of platforming and shooting mechanics that allow players to shoot in every direction. Yes, you can obliterate your enemies with reckless abandon, turning their cybernetic dreams into pixelated nightmares at the speed of light. The level design is linear but layered-kinda like an onion that's been infected by a tech virus. Each stage introduces fresh challenges that will have you screaming 'I'll never get through this!' before ultimately proving to be a delightful test of skill rather than frustration. Be prepared for hairpin corner turns and tricky jumps that will keep your heart racing and your thumbs working overtime. Alongside the well-crafted stages, you'll earn hacks to manipulate enemies and gain strategic advantages. If you've ever wanted to alter an enemy's command signals like a rogue techie, this feature is your golden ticket!

Graphics

The visual feast of Rive is a pixel-lover's dream. Think of it as a neon-soaked reverie with vibrant colors splashed across the screen every time you shoot. The graphics are reminiscent of the hardcore gaming aesthetics of the 90s yet polished to look tantalizing on your handheld. Characters seem more alive than a frog in a pet store, with animations that pop every time you move. The environments are as varied as a buffet line at an all-you-can-eat restaurant-futuristic factories, lush alien landscapes, and plenty of explosive backdrops to keep the eye entertained while you're busy blasting everything in sight. The impressive frame rate of 60 FPS at 1080p on the Switch ensures that while the color scheme dazzles, the gameplay remains smooth, providing an almost fluid gaming experience akin to sliding down a playground slide covered in butter.

Conclusion

To wrap this up in a nice, shiny digital package: Rive: Ultimate Edition on the Nintendo Switch is a delightful amalgamation of frantic platforming and intense shooting power, with levels designed to challenge and satisfy even the most seasoned players. It manages to evoke nostalgia for the golden era of gaming while simultaneously looking fresh and exciting in this decade. While it may not win any awards for story depth, its stunning visuals and remarkable gameplay mechanics more than compensate for its narrative simplicity. For anyone looking to add a dash of heart-pounding excitement to their Switch library, Rive is absolutely a must-have. Just remember: slow and steady doesn't win this race-speed and style do!

See Latest Prices for Rive on Switch on Amazon

See Prices for Rive on Switch on Ebay

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