I think retro platformers aren’t hard to come by but they are hard to be done correctly. It was a relief when I saw that Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider is a throwback to 90’s action-platformer games that will appeal to those looking for a challenging nostalgia trip. It is a retro-inspired action platformer that sees players don the mantle of the titular super solider and battle through stages of side-scrolling fury in an attempt to overthrow the despotic regime of a cyberpunk-esque dystopia.
The story is sparse but enjoyable and worth mentioning since it’s what gives the game such a beautiful setting. Set in a totalitarian state where resistance is futile and can be punished with capital punishment, there’s a glimpse of hope as the authoritarians release their latest weapon of oppression, the Moonrider. Contrary to expectations, this killing machine rebels against its creators and begins a journey to eliminate every super soldier. It’s a simple and effective payback plot that doesn’t get in the way of fun.
The story is like a cherry on top to the combat and platforming. Moonrider starts of with basic movements such as sprint, jump and wall-bounce. As for combat, you have you basic attack or special attack that uses a resource indicated by a blue gauge next to your health gauge that can only replenish through pick-ups in levels.
Taking inspiration from Mega Man, after clearing the first level, the other six can be pursued in any order, and defeating its boss rewards you with a new weapon. The mechanic is a familiar one but it works, and it’s exciting to try out your new weapon afterwards. Hidden upgrades, like a double jump or the ability to become stronger the more enemies you defeat, can also be found in every level and can optionally be equipped.
Another thing that Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider did really well is its level design. While most levels are not entirely linear; it offers some verticality is remarkably fresh and keeps the game flowing, allowing you to look elsewhere. Not just that, each level comes with some sort of twist due to the diverse enemy types, hidden secrets throughout the levels and new mechanics that are introduced exclusively for those areas, including a hovering platform that we can maneuver through several traps. One of the more suprising level is replaced by a speedy motorcycle chase instead of your normal running, jumping and slashing enemies. It’s a good change of pace for a bit and gives you some break from the linear of the other levels.
Stylistically, Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider is very stunning. The 16-bit pixel artstyle of enemy models and map designs are reminiscent of 90s futuristic dystopias and give of the timelessness vibe. There’s even an optional CRT TV screen effect that looks convincingly vintage. The music and audio design, like the rest of the game, is faithful to the retro vision. The loud, crunchy death noises are sufficiently lo-fi, and the synth and drum beats match the intensely nostalgic vibe of the game.
Personally, the biggest highlight of Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider is its challenging difficulty level. The game is designed to be difficult, but not impossible, and players will need to master the game’s mechanics and level layouts in order to progress. This adds a sense of satisfaction to the game, as players will feel a real sense of accomplishment when they finally overcome a particularly tough section of the game.
Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider isn’t particularly long. To fully beat the game, it’d take roughly 2-3 hours which is fine since it’ll know that you as the player have been given a brief but enjoyable and nostalgic experience so that it doesn’t overstay its welcome which could possibly sour the experience if it’s any longer. But on the other hand, once you beat it, you are left with wanting more so I guess, take it with a grain of salt.
Overall, Vengeful Guardian: Moonrider is a solid action platformer that delivers fast and frantic gameplay. It is both a stellar homage and a love letter to classics of the 16-bit era with its nostalgic aesthetic. While its visual appeal may be somewhat confined, it still remains to be a fun and challenging experience
Score: 7 of 10
Reviewed on PC