Firework review

Firework tells the story of Yan the Defective One who was tasked of guarding a mysterious Facility and its small inhabitants, the Spheres. Unfortunately, Yan is a bit confused and nows very little about its origin and his most important commandment being: “Entertain them, Keep them safe, Keep them happy.” One day, the alarm sounds and the facility is overrun by the Fire Troops. Yan must defend the beloved spheres from fire and prevent the entire Facility from collapsing.

Firework is a 2D platformer akin to the Mega Man X series, where you need to reach the end of each area and killing the boss patiently waiting. Destroying the bosses rewards Yan with an additional power-up such as a shield. Yan’s default is a mega buster-like weapon that fires barely a few inches ahead of him but can shoot upwards and downwards when jumping. Unlike the famous blue bomber, Firework’s levels are all intertwined so no need to level select.

One of the game’s interesting mechanics is that destroying fire-based enemies and the flames left here and there rewards players will silver nuggets which once picked up slowly adds a layer of shield to the character’s defence. While useful as you can regain health, it becomes annoying because boss fights become a fight to avoid the boss and destroying the flames resulting from their attacks making those battles longer than they should.

The game’s biggest hindrance is that it won’t be helpful at all. For example, once you destroying the second boss, you’re rewarded with a shield, you can equip it, but can’t use it; nor does the game take the time to explain either. Yan also has a useful dash that can be used whether on the ground or in the air.

Firework features a pixelated visual presentation akin to what could be found on old 486 PCs way back when. Enemy design is quite bareboned as you’re most of the time fighting fire; bosses are actually pretty decent and challenging, but nothing that really stands out. The soundtrack is one of most boring, annoying score I’ve heard and it also doesn’t really match the game’s premise and action; sounds more like a soothing soundtrack that would be better utilized in a puzzle or sim game.

Firework is an ok 2D platformer; feels like a template for what could be. The Mega Man X and Cave Story inspiration is clear as day, unfortunately, it doesn’t come up to the same level of quality, there’s something missing. Its very short shooting, limited enemy design and frustrating boss battles make this hard to recommend even to die-hard Mega Man fans such as myself. I mean now that Xbox has the Mega Man games, why not go for the real thing?