Valfaris: Mecha Therion
DEC 4th, 2023
Valfaris: Mecha Therion Review Blog
"Valfaris: Mecha Therion" is a sequel to the original "Valfaris," and it stands out for its shift in genre, engaging gameplay, and distinct art style.
Story and Setting
- Continuation of the Story: The game continues the saga of Therion in his pursuit of Lord Vroll, taking the player on a journey across the galaxy. This storyline includes encounters with massive beasts, advanced weaponry, and moments of collaboration with a rebellion group fighting against Lord Vroll's tyranny.
Gameplay and Mechanics
- Genre Shift to 2.5D Shoot 'em up (shmup): A significant change from its predecessor's 2D action-platformer style, this game introduces a 2.5D shmup format, emphasizing quick reflexes and constant movement.
- Weapon Customization and Combat: The game allows for significant customization, including equipping a main sword, gun, power move, and mods. This setup offers a dynamic combat experience, albeit with the elimination of some features like the health upgrade system from the original game.
- Energy and Weapon Mechanics: The game features a unique energy system for weapons, where using a weapon drains its power, affecting its damage output. This system adds a strategic layer to combat, encouraging players to balance weapon usage.
- Weapon Upgrades: Players can upgrade weapons using Blood Metal, obtained by defeating enemies. The game introduces the Blood of Valfaris for further upgrades, adding a layer of strategy and exploration.
Art and Sound
- Visual Style: The game’s pixel art style is highly praised, with a neon, bio-mechanical, and space aesthetic that enhances the overall experience. The transition to 2.5D allows for interesting visual transitions and camera angles, adding depth to the game's look.
- Soundtrack and Audio Effects: The soundtrack features metal music, fitting the game's tone and enhancing the experience. The sound effects for weapons and combat are also well-received, contributing to the game's immersive atmosphere.
Overall Experience
- Challenge and Replayability: While the game can be completed in a few hours depending on the difficulty, its challenging nature and the variety of secrets and weapons encourage multiple playthroughs.
- Performance: The game performs well on various platforms, including PC and Steam Deck, offering a solid experience for on-the-go gameplay.
- Overall Reception: Despite the genre change, "Valfaris: Mecha Therion" is considered a fantastic follow-up to its predecessor, retaining the core feel of the original game while introducing new and engaging gameplay elements.
Conclusion
"Valfaris: Mecha Therion" successfully transitions into a new genre while maintaining the essence of the original. Its engaging combat, unique visual and audio design, and the continuous narrative make it a standout title. The game's variety in weapons and customization, combined with its artistic direction, offers a rich and immersive experience, especially for fans of action and shmup genres.
