HARDCORE MECHA Review for PlayStation 4

HARDCORE MECHA, released by China Hero Project and RocketPunch Games, is the Playstation 4 release of the acclaimed PC version.

In this 2-D anime world, you’re an elite soldier who specializes in using a Mecha – a Super Robot – to accomplish your missions. Throughout the 8 chapters of gameplay which consists of a total of 18 states, you’re taken through a variety of environments that includes tunnels, enemy bases, underwater adventures, and even space. Being confined to the metal armor is not a worry either: several missions include you exiting your robot, enabling a more tactical strategy when necessary, although exposure and vulnerability is heightened.

The storyline is complex yet unalienating, with a diverse cast of characters that each play integral roles in supporting you, the protagonist. The music is not too inspiring, but the fun animation that is unafraid of shying away from darker themes of espionage and conspiracy more than makes up for it. Brutality is the name of the game for your enemy, making the sinner even more daunting and evil.

Customization plays an integral part of HARDCORE MECHA’s enjoyment. While exchanging the entire mecha suit is not possible in Campaign Mode (much to my disappointment), the variation of items, abilities, and combat moves is appealing. Picking out what features to focus on for my suit added a level of decision making that always puts my choices in to question. What if you find yourself against a boss that is more of a brute than an acrobat? Than perhaps the selection of more armor rather than tactical gear will prove to be a fatal one.

There are moments where the stickiness of the controls grows to internal frustration – smooth transitions between movements is not guaranteed, even when there isn’t the requirement of a recharge. Yet the varied sets of moves (gun, energy pistol, melee, gliding, jumps, etc.) provides a good foundation for combat that does not bore. Combined with the many types of enemies, be that humans with guns or other mechas, the stages never appear too repetitive.

Your main rival is spicy, intriguing, and skillful. Never mind the main mission – continuing the storyline to uncover his background is a reason enough to keep playing.

Thoroughly entertaining, seamlessly smooth, and eye-catching in its animation, a lack of personalization can bring down this otherwise achievement of a game. After moving from a PC to larger console, HARDCORE MECHA maintained pretty much every aspect that led to its success from its predecessor.

End score: 8/10

Check Out the HARDCORE MECHA Trailer:

For more information, please visit: http://www.rocketpunch.cn/