Valkyrie no Densetsu
Slow Pocky, no RockyGenre: action - gun
Publisher: Namco
Year: 1990
System: PCE
Gameplay Score: 3
Gameplay Notes:
Slow pace of play. Everything from enemy projectiles to moving platforms crawl along at a snail's pace. But once you embrace this slowness there's a lot to like here. You can fire and jump and your shots are large, with generous hitboxes. Your shot cancels out enemy projectiles, so it's possible to move along without taking hits. You can purchase power ups at shops but they're costly so you'll rarely hold more than one and can only use one at a time anyway. They don't stack. You can't choose which item to use either. They run out randomly and are replaced by the next item you've purchased. It's a shame you don't have more control, ala Contra. The platforming is pretty bad, with tons of floating platforms you can jump between. It's difficult and not much fun.
Level Design Score: 3
Level Design Notes:
Most stages are a straight shot but with some beaching paths now and then. You can't backtrack (think Super Mario Bros) which is a big bummer. There's no reward for exploration - take one path and the other is gone. After a short while it all becomes samey
Theme Score: 4
Theme Notes:
NPCs, enemies, and shopkeepers talk to you, making this feel like a Zelda-style adventure. I'm intrigued by the world and want to learn more about it.
Art Style Score: 3
Art Style Notes:
Good for a 1990 release, but pretty basic overall. Lots of sprites on screen at any given time, especially with the coins that enemies drop. Great animation and sprite work, but lackluster backgrounds hold it back.
Audio Score: 4
Audio Notes:
Great music that fits the epic setting well. It's got a simple, 8-bit sound, but had me bopping my head.
Overall Score: 63
Review ID: 8145
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