Bushiden

Bushiden is an old-school action platform game with metroidvania elements. Game was developed by an independent team Pixel Arc Studios, and its release was handled by Humble Games. Development of this project was possible thanks to, among others, a successful crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter.

Plot

The main character of Bushiden is a cybernetic ninja warrior named Reylee, who is the last member of the Iga-Ryu clan. When his sister disappears in mysterious circumstances, the protagonist immediately goes on her trail. If the rumours of the return of the sinister Gaoh, whom Reylee managed to defeat six years ago, prove to be true, the girl (and not only her, as Gaoh heads a powerful army) could be in great danger.

Mechanics

Bushiden is a side-scroller. The game features seven expansive and varied stages. We start in Roukyuu factory, where Reylee defeated Gaoha for the first time. The adventure continues through the gloomy Shinsei forest, the technologically advanced Himitsu laboratory, the Enkaku desert or the futuristic yet desolate city of Kyuubou. Although backtracking isn't necessary to complete the game, as you progress you unlock new abilities that allow you to visit previously inaccessible parts of levels. With secrets and rewards awaiting you there, it's worth considering returning to previously explored locations.

As you move through the stages, you jump across platforms and avoid numerous traps, as well as facing down enemies. We eliminate them using katana, shuriken and magic Chi attacks based on elements. The combat system was developed in such a way that the player feels stronger than his adversaries, and also has a sense of control over the situation at every second of the clash. The whole is based on using combinations of attacks and performing spectacular finishers.

Apart from standard opponents, whose elimination is not a big problem for our ninja, there are bosses on our way. Defeating them gives us access to new skills, which can both increase our combat potential and provide us with new opportunities to explore the environment. These abilities allow Reylee to upgrade her shurikens (making them electrocute or explode targets), gain temporary immunity to damage from certain types of traps, or even manipulate gravity. In addition, defeated enemies leave behind currency that can be spent to purchase upgrades and useful equipment; from first aid kits, to permanent life point boosts, to Chi attacks.

Technical aspects

Bushiden features a soundtrack composed by Michael Kelly - author of the score for VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action. The graphic design of this game was made in pixel art technique. The graphic design of this production was done in pixel art technique.

Last updated on 09 October 2023