Wonder Blade review

As a nameless, mysterious powerful fighter, players are tasked with saving the kingdom’s princess who has been kidnapped by a villainous maniac. Players will need to go through a bevy of areas, obstacles and dangerous enemies in order to survive, save the princess and freeing the world from darkness.

Wonder Blade is a side-scrolling beat’em up with light RPG mechanics. Players can attack, jump, roll and use their magic skills to kill every enemy barring down on you. Sometimes, downed enemies will drop new, slightly stronger weapons allowing you to change in the middle of a big battle. Before picking up the new weapon, you can quickly see a window that will prompt comparing stats (attack, defence and magic) with your current weapon so you can determine if it’s worth switching.

Along with the plethora of melee weapons, players can use one of three magic skills. The first one you’ll pick up will be a fire-based attack allowing you to set to smaller enemies; bigger enemies and bosses will be damaged by it, but won’t be hindered much. You’ll also have access to an ice-based attack which will freeze smaller enemies leaving them vulnerable temporarily for additional damage and finally, there’s a lightning-based attack that will shock your enemies. The magic meter refills overtime by itself.

While the game has a cute, Castle Crashers-like visual, the game features bloody finishers. When an enemy has little to no health left, they will have a B prompted above their heads; pressing the button near the enemy will have your character proceed to finish off the enemy in a bloody and cool manner. You can also unlock and equip quirky and humourous suits such as a block of cheese or a raccoon for example each with their own abilities.

The RPG elements come in where the character will also level up which results in your health and magic meters increasingly progressively. Additionally, as you gain levels, you’ll also unlock new attack skills such as a double-jump slashing attack and a devastating special attack when the ball of fire next to your health bar is full. The main nuisance here is that once you level up and earn XP point, you need to go back to the game’s main menu in order to use them; a bit cumbersome and given that it’s not explained, it can hinder progress.

Each area is divided into a set amount of levels that players need to go through; they follow a similar pattern where either halfway or at the end of the area, through the area, you’ll come across a level boss. Bosses are extra tough as they get tougher as your weapons get stronger, so it always feels like a losing battle. You can buy a feather which allows you to resume where you do and health potions to help you survive. Once you’ve completed an area, you’ll have the chance to earn additional money by completing Street Fighter II inspired bonus levels of beating up a car and breaking as many barrels as possible within the time limit.

The game’s biggest nuisance, aside from hair pulling boss fights, is the questionable detection. This type of issue occurred more often than not against boss battles; while clearly out of range of the massive enemy, they still manage to dole out damage to your character. It’s a bit frustrating, but once you manage it, it doesn’t deter from the overall experience.

Wonder Blade looks great; it features colorful visuals and each area is designed uniquely. Enemy design is decent as each area will bring its own enemy style. Bosses are actually interesting and unique; while a bit cheap at times, they are definitely one of the game’s strong suit. The game’s soundtrack is an eclectic mix of light orchestral music and Caravan Palace like beats. The game feels like a clone of Castle Crashers; the character movement, parts of the soundtracks, sound clips; it’s either a copy or can also come across as an homage to the 2008 game.

Wonder Blade is a fun, albeit hard and button-mashy beat’em up. Frustrating boss battles and questionable detection aside, it’s easy to pick up and play, mixing melee attacks and magic to create fun combos and the lite RPG elements make it an interesting and lengthy game to tackle during the coming, drought-y months. If you’ve played Castle Crashers, this will feel very familiar; if not, this is definitely a must play.