Golden Force

Golden Force is a retro-inspired, side-scrolling action-platformer and hack-and-slash game set in a vibrant Caribbean pirate world. Players take on the role of one of four unique buccaneers—the sword-wielding Gutz, the dual-cutlass-wielding Spina, the draconic brute Drago, or the wise Elder—as they battle through treacherous seas and demonic forces to uncover the legendary treasure hoarded by an awakening Demon King. With fast-paced combat, challenging gameplay, and a nostalgic 90s arcade aesthetic, the game blends classic platforming with modern indie flair, offering both solo and co-op adventures aboard the Golden Boat.

Golden Force: A Retro Revival with Rough Edges

Introduction

Golden Force is a love letter to the 16-bit era of action-platformers, a genre that has seen a resurgence in recent years. Developed by Storybird and published by No Gravity Games, this title attempts to capture the magic of classics like Gunstar Heroes and Rocket Knight Adventures. With its vibrant pixel art, punishing difficulty, and a cast of eccentric characters, Golden Force promises a nostalgic yet fresh experience. However, does it succeed in standing out in a crowded market of retro-inspired games, or does it fall victim to the pitfalls of its own ambition?

Development History & Context

Golden Force was released on January 28, 2021, across multiple platforms, including PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Windows. The game was developed by Storybird, a French indie studio, and published by No Gravity Games. The development team aimed to create a game that would evoke the spirit of classic 16-bit action-platformers, complete with challenging gameplay, vibrant visuals, and a memorable cast of characters.

The gaming landscape at the time of Golden Force‘s release was filled with retro-inspired titles, each vying for the attention of players who crave the nostalgia of the past. Games like Shovel Knight, Cyber Shadow, and Blasphemous had already set a high bar for what a modern retro game could achieve. Golden Force entered this competitive space with a unique blend of hack-and-slash combat and platforming, promising a challenging yet rewarding experience.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Golden Force follows the adventures of a band of mercenaries known as the Golden Force, who are tasked with defeating the Demon King and his army of monsters. The game’s narrative is straightforward, focusing on the group’s quest to reclaim a mountain of gold and restore peace to the Muscle Archipelago. The story is told through brief cutscenes and dialogue, which, while not particularly deep, serves to set the stage for the action-packed gameplay.

The game’s characters are a highlight, each with their own unique design and personality. Gutz, the master swordsman, serves as the group’s leader, while Spina, the pirate girl, brings a sense of adventure and excitement. Drago, the draconic humanoid, adds a touch of fantasy, and Elder, the old master, provides wisdom and experience. The interactions between these characters, though minimal, add a layer of charm to the game.

Thematically, Golden Force draws heavily from classic pirate and fantasy tropes. The game’s setting, the Muscle Archipelago, is a tropical paradise filled with dangerous creatures and hidden treasures. The Demon King and his generals, each named after Mexican food (General Salsa, General Nacho, etc.), add a touch of humor and whimsy to the otherwise dark and dangerous world.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Golden Force is a side-scrolling action-platformer that combines hack-and-slash combat with precise platforming. Players can choose from four different characters, each with their own unique weapons and abilities. The gameplay is fast-paced and challenging, requiring players to master a variety of combat techniques, including combos, slides, and dash attacks.

The game’s combat system is a standout feature, offering a satisfying mix of melee and ranged attacks. Players can perform complex combos, juggle enemies into the air, and use environmental hazards to their advantage. The game also features a variety of power-ups, including elemental boosts that can turn your weapons into flaming swords or ice-infused blades.

However, the game’s difficulty can be a double-edged sword. While it offers a challenging experience for veteran players, it can also be frustrating for those who are not accustomed to the punishing nature of classic action-platformers. The game’s checkpoints are sparse, and health refills are rare, making each death a significant setback. Additionally, the game’s level design can be inconsistent, with some sections featuring unfair enemy placement and cheap deaths.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Golden Force features a vibrant and colorful world, brought to life through its retro-inspired pixel art. The game’s visuals are a highlight, with detailed sprites, fluid animations, and a variety of unique enemy designs. The game’s environments are diverse, ranging from tropical islands to dark dungeons, each with its own distinct look and feel.

The game’s sound design is equally impressive, with a catchy chiptune soundtrack that perfectly complements the action on screen. The sound effects are crunchy and satisfying, adding to the overall impact of the gameplay. The game’s audio design is a testament to the developers’ attention to detail, creating an immersive and engaging experience.

Reception & Legacy

Golden Force received mixed reviews upon its release, with critics praising its visuals, soundtrack, and challenging gameplay, but criticizing its difficulty, level design, and technical issues. The game holds a Metacritic score of 65, indicating “mixed or average” reviews. Critics noted that while the game offers a satisfying retro experience, it can be frustrating for players who are not accustomed to the punishing nature of classic action-platformers.

Despite its mixed reception, Golden Force has found a niche audience among fans of retro-inspired games. The game’s challenging gameplay, vibrant visuals, and memorable characters have earned it a place in the hearts of those who appreciate the nostalgia of the 16-bit era. However, its technical issues and inconsistent level design have prevented it from achieving the same level of acclaim as other retro-inspired titles.

Conclusion

Golden Force is a game that wears its influences on its sleeve, offering a challenging and nostalgic experience for fans of classic action-platformers. With its vibrant visuals, satisfying combat, and memorable characters, the game succeeds in capturing the spirit of the 16-bit era. However, its punishing difficulty, inconsistent level design, and technical issues hold it back from achieving greatness.

In the end, Golden Force is a game that will appeal to a specific audience—those who crave the challenge and nostalgia of classic action-platformers. For those who are willing to overcome its frustrations, the game offers a rewarding and engaging experience. However, for those who prefer a more accessible and polished experience, Golden Force may not be the game for them.

Final Verdict: 7/10 – A challenging and nostalgic retro experience with rough edges.