Berserk Boy

I will never grow tired of detailed pixel art. As someone who cut my gaming teeth on the Sega Genesis, I’ll always have an appreciation for a 16-bit visual style. So when I discovered Berserk Boy, it instantly went on my wish list. My mental wish list, I mean, but this is up to wishlist on Steam if you choose to do that. I’m eyeballing the console release, myself.

A recent press release insists that Berserk Boy is a Genesis/Mega Drive-inspired title, but I can’t help but make the obvious Mega Man X comparisons. Just look at that air dash (okay, so I know the air dash was introduced later on in the X series, but still…). And unlocking elemental battle powers? That’s adjacent to Mega Man’s skillset, right?

Berserk Boy

But then there’s the music, which is composed by Tee Lopes, who worked on Sonic Mania‘s glorious soundtrack. This does put us squarely back into the Genesis wheelhouse, as these are some seriously Genesis-sounding tunes!

According to Zu Ehtisham, who’s leading the charge on Berserk Boy‘s development:

Getting the aesthetic right is absolutely paramount. As a team, and from any player feedback we’ve had so far, we believe we’re on-track for capturing that old-school Sega vibe. We want to nail the ‘feel’ so it’s satisfying to play, and to strike the right balance between fun and challenge. It’s important players can complete the game, and feel like a superhero while they’re doing it.

Yes, this sounds awesome.

Here’s a list of features from the aforementioned press release:

  • Change into different Berserk forms: Merge with the five Berserk Force Orbs – Lightning, Fire, Earth, Air, and Ice – and absorb their unique abilities!
  • Go Berserk! Chain together combos to fill your Berserk Meter and trigger a form’s special attack! Upgrade and become even more powerful!
  • Explore New Hope City and beyond: Jump, dash, slam, and slide through multiple sprawling stages! Find alternate paths and hidden collectibles!
  • A modern adventure with a retro feel: Slick and stylish platforming action inspired by a love for the genre greats! Play for big scores and fast times!
  • Music by Sonic Mania composer Tee Lopes: Full original soundtrack pumping with high-energy 16-bit nostalgia! Enjoy the beats as you Go Berserk!

But really, you should see (and listen to) this thing in action. You can check out the Berserk Boy announce trailer below.

Berserk Boy is due out for PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series S/X in Q4 of 2022. I can’t wait!

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