Hey, it's my birthday at the time of making this review!
That said, my recent stint with Metal Slug got me itching for another run-n-gun that wasn't Metal Slug, and I'd have to go it alone for 4, 5 and 6 at any rate. So, Blazing Chrome it is, and jesus what a game.
At its core, Blazing Chrome is as Contra or Metal Slug as they come; fast-paced with multiple weapon upgrades, one-hit deaths, rocking music and brutal difficulty. Anything you've come to expect from the genre is here and accounted for, and it's rock solid! You've also got some options, with a dodge-roll and a melee attack, though I kinda wish they were handled slightly differently. They're respectively on down+jump and shoot when an enemy is close to you. But I know that asking for more than a jump buton, a shoot button and a "hold to shoot in 8 ways" button is a bit much for the fingers, especially in a game as fast-paced as a run-n-gun. It's a tough balancing act to walk, and one I can at least see why the option at hand had to be taken.
Of course, Blazing Chrome is rock hard. Levels are generally segmented, and you'll have to make do with a lot of Contraisms. One hit deaths, a focus on memorisation, limited lives. You're going to die, a lot, but if you can manage to hang in there? You're in for a title that'll give you a killer challenge with rock solid gameplay, and some of the most fun bosses I've fought in some time. Especially the final boss; it's a marathon that'll catch you out a few times, but damn if I'm not going to remember it. Extra unlockable characters for replays, too. Well worth checking out!
Maybe it's because I was playing on my Steam Deck, but I found myself taking breaks between stages due to my hands cramping; probably would've beaten the game much sooner otherwise lmao
That said, my recent stint with Metal Slug got me itching for another run-n-gun that wasn't Metal Slug, and I'd have to go it alone for 4, 5 and 6 at any rate. So, Blazing Chrome it is, and jesus what a game.
At its core, Blazing Chrome is as Contra or Metal Slug as they come; fast-paced with multiple weapon upgrades, one-hit deaths, rocking music and brutal difficulty. Anything you've come to expect from the genre is here and accounted for, and it's rock solid! You've also got some options, with a dodge-roll and a melee attack, though I kinda wish they were handled slightly differently. They're respectively on down+jump and shoot when an enemy is close to you. But I know that asking for more than a jump buton, a shoot button and a "hold to shoot in 8 ways" button is a bit much for the fingers, especially in a game as fast-paced as a run-n-gun. It's a tough balancing act to walk, and one I can at least see why the option at hand had to be taken.
Of course, Blazing Chrome is rock hard. Levels are generally segmented, and you'll have to make do with a lot of Contraisms. One hit deaths, a focus on memorisation, limited lives. You're going to die, a lot, but if you can manage to hang in there? You're in for a title that'll give you a killer challenge with rock solid gameplay, and some of the most fun bosses I've fought in some time. Especially the final boss; it's a marathon that'll catch you out a few times, but damn if I'm not going to remember it. Extra unlockable characters for replays, too. Well worth checking out!
Maybe it's because I was playing on my Steam Deck, but I found myself taking breaks between stages due to my hands cramping; probably would've beaten the game much sooner otherwise lmao