Double feature on the Switch
I was recently provided the opportunity to review the Azure Striker Gunvolt: Striker Pack for the Nintendo Switch from the folks at Nighthawk Interactive/Inti Creates. The game combines 3DS classic games Azure Striker Gunvolt and Azure Striker Gunvolt 2 into one neat little package! You take the role of Gunvolt, the Adept with Septimal powers trying to stop the Sumeragi Group and Eden from a global takeover!
As I’ve mentioned, the Striker Pack has the first Gunvolt and the second Gunvolt games playable in 60fps and look great in all their Switch-ness. It also brings the full DLC from the 3DS with it from the start as well as extra levels, modes, songs, and bosses. The main story mode bosses are really tough so expect the DLC level bosses to be even tougher.
Gunvolt reminds me a lot of the classic Mega Man games where you play through a level and then fight the boss. Another nice feature is the added rumble effects that some games don’t utilize properly but that isn’t the case here. While Gunvolt is using his electricity powers, you’ll be feeling everything with the rumble features in the Switch Pro Controller. When games are brought to a larger screen from the smaller screen it’s nice to see how the controls translate over and the Gunvolt games have very simple controls. You’ll get a slight tutorial at the start of the first game and that will teach you the basics but after that, you’ll be flying high and zapping everything in sight.
The key is to attack quickly to get a pink ring around the enemy to tag them and then use your “special” attack of electricity to destroy. The special attacks drain EP power and each one drains a little bit each time you use it. However, you will generate the power while attacking and if you double hit the down button on the D pad. You’ll have to figure out how to utilize the recharge ability to keep yourself from getting into a pinch in battle because you will need these special attacks in boss battles.
The game also has RPG elements where you’ll level up Gunvolt and be able to use different special attacks while traversing the different levels. You’ll be able to create more items/accessories for your play through if you manage to get to a high level to make sure you level up. It’s also a good idea to find medals in the various stages because they allow you more bonus item hunt chances at the end of the stage.
This is the way you get more items/tools/currency to create even more things for Gunvolt to use in battle. There are differences between the two games like most sequels have. For starters, you have the dash ability from the very beginning of the game, which makes things much easier, such as making tough jumps and moving quickly. There is also another playable character, Copen, which adds more gameplay elements to the adventure. Copen wants to take down all Adepts and that means Gunvolt too. During the adventure something happens to Joule and you’ll have to rescue her if you have any hope of victory! Copen and Gunvolt have similar styles of play but they also have different abilities so practice with both and learn whom you like best!
There is plenty of spoken dialogue as well as sung songs but they’re only in Japanese. I have said from time to time that I’m in the minority on this when I mention that I like English voice acting better than Japanese voice acting in games. I would like the option to switch between or at least have both to choose from, similar to what Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is doing with English to start and Japanese DLC.
To sum it up, Azure Striker Gunvolt: Striker Pack tells the take of Gunvolt in his quest to prevent the Sumeragi Group from taking over the world. Using his electric powers, and some help from a few friends, Gunvolt makes an attempt to stop them. Simple controls and combos, great graphics and DLC make the Switch’s attempt at this 3DS classic a winner. It’s these reasons that I’m giving Azure Striker Gunvolt: Striker Pack for the Nintendo Switch an 8.5/10. I would like to thank Nighthawk Interactive/Inti Creates for the review unit.