While Capcom, Konami and many of the other games companies which forged their reputations during the 8-bit era have since moved on to creating next-gen experiences, they have left a rich legacy of retro gaming brilliance which is proving to be particularly fertile ground for indie studios — one of which is Causal Bit Games, the team behind Insanity's Blade. Coming to PCs at the end of this month and already confirmed as hitting the Wii U eShop at some point, this side-scrolling action title boasts a 2D art style, a soundtrack that wouldn't sound out of place on the NES and plenty of guts and gore.
We sat down with the PC demo to get a feel for what Insanity's Blade has in store and came away suitably impressed. The demo covers the first level of the game and from the fire-ravaged backdrop to the way in which the stage's title is presented on-screen, we couldn't help but think of the superb Castlevania: Rondo of Blood. It's clear that the game has taken a lot of visual inspiration from Konami's vampire-slaying franchise — as well as other classic platformers of the period — but to brand it a clone would be foolish. The moment you scoop up the pad and assume control of the lead character, it becomes glaringly apparent that Insanity's Blade does a lot of things very differently from the retro classics it seems to imitate.
First starters, hero Thurstan has a surprisingly large array of combat moves at his disposal. From the off he can punch his undead foes into submission, while pressing the punch and jump buttons together unleashes a dashing blade attack which deals out a hefty amount of damage in exchange for a small portion of Thurstan's life bar. He can also grab enemies in a variety of ways; pushing towards or away from an opponent when pressing the grab button will cause Thurstan to hurl said assailant in that direction. However, try the same move with an up or down directional push and he will either rip them apart above his head or snap them in two over his knee. Basically, he's not the kind of chap you want to offend unduly.
These attacks differ depending on what enemy you're dealing with. Stronger foes, for example, can be thrown but can't be ripped apart — instead, our undeterred hero simply tears off one of their arms and then uses it as a surprisingly powerful weapon. He may have forgotten to put on a shirt and trousers before leaving the house, but no one can accuse Thurstan of not being a practical thinker.
As the gore-splattered Thurstan cuts a swathe through the vast legions of monsters which populate the opening stage, he gains experience points which allow him to level up. Given the short nature of the demo we were only able to level up once, but the effect was still dramatic - Thurstan gains the ability to throw knives, which means you can keep some of the stronger enemies at bay. Even this new skill comes with caveat - certain enemies are capable of blocking projectiles with shields, which means you'll have to mix up your attacks to come out on top.
The opening level closes with Thurstan facing off against a massive demon which fills the entire screen, but despite its immense size it abides to the traditional boss template in that it has a few different — and predictable — moves and a massive, quite obvious weak spot. From start to finish the opening stage is frantic and enjoyable, and the feeling of progression afforded by the levelling system only makes the experience all the more riveting. Add to this a quite exceptional soundtrack and you've got a game which feels like it has been transported fully-formed from early '90s.
It remains to be seen if Insanity's Blade can maintain this standard throughout the entire duration of the adventure, but from what we've played the early omens are certainly positive. Despite the popularity of retro-style games these days, precious few are genuinely successful in capturing the same spirit and tone of the titles they so badly want to emulate; Insanity's Blade does things its own way and seeks to include some new elements, but at the same time it looks, sounds and plays like some of the best 8 and 16-bit outings of the late '80s and early '90s. It's yet another promising indie title coming to the Wii U eShop, and one you should all keep an eye on.
Comments 24
Absolutely loved the beta Causal Games sent me for preview, can't wait to have the finished game on Wii U!
Nice! I love the graphics!
I want it now
this looks really RAD.. SNES RAD! love it!
Makes me feel young again.
They upgraded the graphics to be more SNES but the audio design sounds like they left it in the 8-Bit era. There's a dissonance about it I don't like. They should have overhauled the sound as well.
I like I like... It reminds me of a cross between Double Dragon III and Castlevania. To this potential buyer, that is NOT a bad thing.
The sound is fun @ start then it starts repetative and boring. We moved from 8 bit not just for graphics. Nuff said
The first video I saw of this game didn't leave me impressed, but this looks MUCH better.
My most anticipated title, until we see whats announced at E3 anyway.
What's this... another console exclusive on Wii U, looks great!
It's missing some awesomeness.
its not missing anything.
Seems like they have got rid of all the jumping bits since last time.
I would still prefer quality of sprites comparable to Chronicles of Mystara say. (Or even something like Magician Lord).
The sound is extremely grating. (Like Mutant Mudds).
Out of the 3 indie's (With somewhat similar gameplay) I can remember I don't this looks much better or worse than any of them. (Other than Oniken which I think will be probably better).
Both Volgarr the Viking / Tiny Barbarian look much better than they end up playing. (Oniken is as good as it looks).
I want a release date!!
Needs a 3DS release!
While i look the 8bit, 16bit style of this game it looks a little unpolished, it's throwing out a look and a sound that appeals to retro gamers but on closer inspection it has no real substance to it.
I can't wait to see how this one turns out!
its..........beautiful!!!
May face then melts
A 3DS release would be awesome, I love the 3D effect on platformers such as this Cave Story is amazing with the 3D effect
I sort of..kinda really want this game!
This, Shantae and Shovel knight, my top three indies.
@Mommar I think it tries to emulate the capcom cps-1 games from the 80's that's all I can make of it.
I like the 1st lvl being a homage to rondo of blood that game needs to hit the 3DS as well I love rondo of blood...
Bomberman, Bonk, Master Higgins and Milon, where are thou? The great gig in the sky, the Cloud?
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