Everything we know about Berserk Boy

The 2D platformer is a genre that never goes out of style. The big names in the genre include Sonic, Mario and Mega Man. The lesser known but still respected names Ristar, VectorMan and Wonder Boy also left their respective marks on video games as well. Then, there are the hidden gems of the genre like Pulseman, Aero the Acrobat, and Rocket Knight. A new game from Big Sugar Games, Berserk Boy, coming to Steam, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PlayStation, looks to join the crowded genre and carve a name for its self.

Let’s go berserk

Kei is the protagonist is transformed by an orb of berserk energy into the titular Berserk Boy. Obviously, Kei must use his new found powers to battle and evil force of Dr. Genos.

Kei must use his ability to merge with Berserk Force Orbs of : Lightening, Fire, Earth, Air and Ice to form CAPTAIN PLANET! Wait no. I got carried away there. Sorry. Each Orb grants amazing new abilities to attack your foes and transverse the levels. Kei is a nimble character who, blazes across the landscape, quickly dispatching any opposing force. In addition you can chain together combos to fill your Berserk Meter and trigger each form’s special attack.

Along for the ride is Berserk Boy’s bird sidekick Fiore. More than just a simple add on Fiore is your guide and mentor through the game. He offer up lots of valuable advice and keeps you moving in the right direction.

No blast processing needed

Our hometown boy Sketchcraft, who provides artwork for MegaVisions, is the designer of all of the characters here, and of course they all look amazing. The graphics are a buttery smooth 16-bit look with tons of well animated sprites and flashy effects. The character sprites are large and well designed, and everything moves at a frighteningly quick pace. It’s simple to dash around the screen in all directions, leaving a pile of destruction in your wake. Fans of old school sprite work will definitely want to check out the impressive work on display here.

Also, I love the trailing effect the character leaves in his wake. Not to mention that splash effects and the bursts of color all over the screen. This is Capcom level 2D sprite work, which is to say it is of the highest order.

Where is Dr. Light when we need him?

Berserk Boy definitely gives off strong MegaMan X vibes with a Goku hairdo. Kei slides down walls and dashes off with the greatest of ease, like a certain X we all know and love. When Berserk Boy leaves the screen he disappears in an upwards pulse of white energy. Even the health and energy meters on the side of the screen appear to be straight out of Mega Man X. Kei’s partner Dizzie also gives off a Roll kinda feel. You get the feeling that the developers thought, “if Capcom won’t give us a new entry to the series than we’ll do it ourselves”. This has been a popular thread in as a generation that grew up on games grows older. Abandoned franchises have found new life in spiritual successors and Berserk Boy appears to be following that trend.

Yet I can’t help but pull some PulseMan vibes from this one as well. If you are familiar with that particular SEGA Genesis treasure, you’ll know what a compliment that really is. I can’t help but get some Vexx vibes from the character design also. If you’re among the fans of that 3D platformer, you’ll know what I mean.

More than a simple clone

Berserk Boy differs in many ways too. Most dramatically he doesn’t attack with a cannon weapon, but prefers to get up close and personal, pounding his enemies into submission. A combo meter on the side of the screen keeps tally of your battle prowess. Also Berserk Boy has the ability to grind on rails and slide along quickly. Altogether, Berserk Boy is a faster moving, more nimble character than X. In addition there are hand drawn cut scenes to further the story. Don’t forget to throw in voice acting and some spoken dialogue.

To top it all off the Berserk Boy soundtrack is being composed by Tee Lopes, the respected composer of the well-received Sonic Mania soundtrack. So you know the 16-bit feel will be on point.

Berserker Barrage!

Watching the video above you can see the start of the game and really get a good feel for what Berserk Boy is all about. You can see with some practice you can move through a level very quickly and annihilate all of your foes, while barely touching the ground. Being blasted along the stage after being fired from a laser cannon, brings to mind blazing through green hill zone as Sonic.

In addition, you can see how rescuing member of the resistance force, adds to the resistance level for that stage. Unlocking the teleports, place in various places around the stage, act as checkpoints for a quick revival if you should stumble in battle.

At the end of every stage is the eponymous boss battle for the stage. Recognizing patterns of attack in the 16-bit style, is key to success against each one. After the bosses defeat you will be graded for your performance throughout the stage, S grade obviously being the best in true retro style.

Going back to go forward

I know that the recent trend is to dog all of the retro platformers, but I feel there is plenty of meat left on that bone. There are so many creative ways left to explore that tried and true formula. There is nothing wrong with using a successful template, as long as you add your own spin on it. Berserk Boy looks to honor the past while pushing it forward for a new generation. I for one, can’t wait to go berserk.

Berserk Boy launches soon for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC. You can also watch the official announcement trailer below! As always, let us know what you think about the game in the comments!