These days, classic games like Metroid, Flashback, Contra and the like are highly praised for having some really challenging mechanics, that were easy to learn but hard to master. In fact, challenge is always associated with classic games and rightly so. Now, the game Blood of The Werewolf has just beenreleased, and praises itself for having gameplay that classic gaming fans will enjoy, and love to master. However, is this game really a throwback to a more challenging yet addictive era, or is it just a lacking mess, held back from truly fulfilling its promise?
Blood of the Werewolf centres on Selena, a woman leading a dual life as a loving wife/mother and one of the last werewolves alive. Her husband murdered, her child kidnapped, Selena sets out with nothing more than a crossbow and a thirst for vengeance. Traverse ten exciting levels and five boss battles as you seek out your son, held captive by the one and only Dracula.
The game is basically put, a platformer where you have these uniquely designed levels with platforms you need to scale in order to progress. Not all platforms are obviously static, and require the perfect timing in order to progress. Furthermore, there are also obstacles around the level, be they enemies or hazards. For enemies, you can dispatch them using your attacks, but you have to be careful as they attack too! Most interestingly though, this game has a unique twist. Whenever you are in an open place, where the moon shines freely, you turn into a werewolf! After that, you get to control it as you rush through the levels and massacre your enemies.
Now on paper, this sounds amazing right? Unfortunately, the gameplay is not as awesome as it sounds. You see, for a game that prides itself on being a homage to the classic games, it sure doesn’t feel that way! You see, if you were to break down most of the best platformers of the past decade, one similarity you’d notice with every game is the good “input and response” time. Basically, the reason we enjoyed games like, Mario and Metroid so much was, how briskly they controlled, and how responsive each movement was. It made them not only good, but also addictive! However, the response here isn’t exactly tight, especially with the keyboard and mouse, where the controls don’t feel tight at all. You will definitely be, somewhat spared the headache if you have a controller, but the werewolf sections will still be a pain. This is one of the reasons I think the game is more frustrating then it is actually challenging!
Another reason why this game feels like a chore at times is the werewolf sections, as they just doesn’t feel unique at all. They are designed mostly with platforming in mind rather then the character you’re playing as. I really think that they should have created fast paced levels based on the archetype of the werewolf, which is really fast, but sadly that is not the case with the game. The normal levels on the other hand are enjoyable for most parts, but due to the loose controls, some challenges are more about seeing, “How much do you have to die” rather then, “How good you are.” Your fortune, starts relying on luck at times and that is absolutely frustrating!
The boss fights, which come up after a few levels each are also engaging in my opinion, and their introduction is great. They play like classic games where you have to memorise a pattern and counter accordingly. It is a simple cliche but nevertheless, fun!
The best thing about the game though, is definitely the art style, as it is not only functional, but also absolutely beautiful. You will see yourself going through a sharp manor, infested sewers and industrial machines which all look and feel distinct from one another. The enemy design is also pretty crisp, with references to classic horror movies we have all come to love. The animations on the other hand though, could have used a bit more variety as some actions feel so stiff, especially if you play as the werewolf. The game does encourage you to replay levels to either best your previous time, or acquire the collectibles that you may have missed before.
For the music, I didn’t really find it memorable. I mean, sure you have some menacing cues that set the atmosphere to the stage you are in, but they don’t feel inspired as you’ll usually be hearing the same piece of tune for a length of time. In my opinion, when it comes to 2D platformers, the music in it should be an important priority for the developers. It is vital that the rhythm of it should guide the players along in an exciting or joyful manner.
Blood Of The Werewolf is definitely a beautiful looking game with some really interesting mechanic designs, but one that is lacking in its gameplay. Unless you are playing with a controller, you will not get to experience the tightness required by some of the challenging level design. In fact, the “loose controls” make the game more frustrating then lucky, ultimately reliant on your luck! Lastly, The werewolf aspect although ambitious, is lacking at the moment, with levels that are not necessarily designed with the fast pace and brutality of this magnificent creature in mind. They might actually be, but feel lacking.