BACKGROUND:
I have never even heard of Rygar prior to this update. This is as blind as blind playthroughs can get. SUMMARY: Rygar is perhaps one of the earliest examples of a Metroidvania-type game, having come out around the same time as Metroid itself. Like Metroid, it's a side-scrolling 2D platformer with a somewhat open world, has branching paths, requires traversal upgrades and backtracking in order to progress, and has its fair share of combat. It's not as expansive (or confusing) as Metroid, and it doesn't have much in the way of secrets, but it still executes the Metroidvania tropes well on a smaller scale. Your goal is to collect six special items scattered around the world in order to unlock the final boss. These items range from a grappling hook that allows you to climb overhead platforms, a pulley that allows you to zip across cables, and more. Though you don't use them too much throughout the game (the specific spots you need them for are sparse and they have no application in combat), they still bring the typical satisfaction a Metroidvania does when you get the thing that allows you to explore a new area. For combat, the player is equipped with what's called a Diskarmor. It's essentially a long shield attached to a chain that works a lot like the whip in Castlevania. Killing things is pretty simple (just wail on them until they die) and not too difficult (most enemies, even bosses, have simple attack patterns, if they have any at all), so don't expect anything particularly challenging (other than the Ghosts 'n Goblins-style constant spawning of enemies, I guess). From what I can tell, there doesn't seem to be any massive penalty for dying, either. The game also has a few basic RPG progression elements. Killing enemies can give you experience, which increases your maximum health points when you cross a certain threshold. You can also get what are called Mind points, which allow you to cast a limited number of spells (power boost, HP recovery, ranged attack). It's no Final Fantasy, but it adds a little bit of spice to what would otherwise be a typical action platformer. There are also overworld sections where the game's perspective switches from the usual side-scrolling to a top-down view not unlike Zelda. It didn't really change the game in any way mechanically, but I found the idea somewhat interesting. The plot is typical RPG fare (you are the chosen hero, collect the magic bullshit, kill the evil asshole, save the kingdom), and the game doesn't do a lot to tell you about it. This did come out in 1987, though, so I can't be too harsh on that front. Rygar is an NES game, so don't expect anything mind-blowing in the graphics department. Compared to other games of its time, I don't find Rygar to be particularly unique or impressive when it comes to its pixel art, but it does the job adequately. The music sounds good, but I didn't feel that any of the tracks stood out to me personally. VERDICT: Being the only NES game in the latest Switch Online update is a lot of pressure (especially with Nintendo getting closer to the bottom of the proverbial barrel), but I think Rygar carries the burden just fine. It's a bite-sized Metroidvania experience that controls decently, has some neat RPG elements, and isn't frustrating to explore. I don't think it'll blow any minds, but I found it to be a solid experience regardless. It's no Super Metroid, but if you're new to the Metroidvania genre, this is a great entry point that is on the easier end, will teach you the basics of the genre, and can be beaten quickly with little to no assistance from walkthroughs (for reference, it took me around an hour and a half to finish the game). - end -
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June 2024
Derryck
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