Xandra no Daibouken: Valkyrie to no Deai for SFC

Image: MobyGames

Xandra no Daibouken: Valkyrie to no Deai

aka Whirlo

Genre: action - platform

Publisher: Namco

Year: 1992

System: SFC

Gameplay Score: 3

Gameplay Notes:

This is an odd one. The main gimmick in Whirlo's gameplay is a set of jump mechanics. It took me a little while to figure out how they work, as they are different than any other platformer I've ever played. Hey go something like this: B = jump A = nothing A (charged for under 3 secs, then released) = jump A (charged for more than 3 secs, then released) = long "tired" animation D-pad right or left, plus A (charged for under 3 secs, the released) = High jump! D-pad right or left, plus A (barely tapped) = Long jump! Weird, right? To compound the problem, there's also a flying dash attack you can perform by pressing and holding X, but only if you first are moving to the right or left. This movement and charging tech is both unintutive and hard to execute consistently. And ultimately, it's not much fun. A few other complaints: - Fall damage (not damage per-se, but you're stunned for a long time) - One hit deaths - Simple combat - Enemies take multiple hits and are stunned for a long time - Platforming is the primary obstacle, enemies are barely an inconvenience. - Momentum based movement - landing any jump causes an almost complete stop of your momentum Despite all that, the controls are otherwise responsive, hit detection is good, and your attacks have a decent range. So it's not all bad news.

Level Design Score: 3

Level Design Notes:

The levels are all one big flat plane. There's very little proper platforming. Most of the platforming that is here involves repetitive and boring use of the various jumping mechanics. It's not terrible, just boring.

Theme Score: 4

Theme Notes:

Cutscenes introduce and advance the story. I'm intrigued by the animal kingdom setting for the plot.

Art Style Score: 3

Art Style Notes:

On one hand, the sprites look fine and everything has a clean look to it, but it also feels lifeless. There's a jungle and a cave but they don't feel lived in. There's no details in the back or foregrounds. Your sprite is well animated, but annoyingly so, as you musst endure excessively long animations when stunned or killed.

Audio Score: 5

Audio Notes:

Wow, what an amazing soundtrack! It's orchestral and wouldn't feel out of place in your favorite RPG.

Overall Score: 65

Review ID: 1955