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Brave Soldier – Invasion of Cyborgs is a retro title with a simple concept. As such, this easy-to-pickup game is great for casual players. Moreover, the drip-fed mechanics and vivid colour palette will keep you interested throughout the 30 stages.
Developed by JM Neto Game Dev, Ratalaika Games, and Eastasiasoft Limited and published by the latter, this is a run-and-gun title. What’s more, there are some basic platform elements and some shooting mechanics. Additionally, there are traps, chasms, and spikes to avoid as you traverse each linear stage.
Brave Soldier – Invasion of Cyborgs reminded me of Rambo!
Like Rambo, Brave Soldier – Invasion of Cyborgs focuses on one burly hero. This muscle-bound maniac has no fear and he’ll stop at nothing to bring justice to the world. Armed with a basic weapon, he must destroy everything in his path as he goes about his deadly mission.
This 2D side-scroller asks you to take on the role of a courageous commando. He must traverse jungles, icy tundra, clifftops and more as he tracks down a mechanical menace. This overbearing AI has turned on its master and now threatens to wipe out mankind!
Brilliantly simple.
Brave Soldier – Invasion of Cyborgs was exceptionally easy to play. Like the best arcade titles from the 80s, this was mindless fun from the off. The aim of the game is straightforward. Shoot each cyborg, oil barrel, or turret as you explore each level. En route, you’ll activate checkpoints, overcome an array of obstacles, and make it to the end. If you die, you’ll respawn at the nearest checkpoint and away you go.
This is the gameplay in a nutshell. However, thankfully, there is more depth than first meets the eye. The drip-fed mechanics add more obstacles and tough enemies to overcome. Moreover, the levels become more complex and navigating chasms, ropes, and traps becomes increasingly difficult. Yet, there is an array of weapons to pick up that’ll help your cause. Disappointingly, though, if you are shot, you lose your new weapon and you are left with your basic rifle.
Big bosses.
No arcade experience would be complete without a big boss to overcome. Luckily, Brave Soldier – Invasion of Cyborgs has plenty of enormous overlords to defeat. These overbearing monstrosities are tough to defeat and will test your patience and your eye for detail.
Each one follows a set routine that can be studied and manipulated to your advantage. Consequently, once you understand their pattern of attack, you’ll take each one down with ease. Once you’ve overcome each cyborg menace, the action moves to a new location. This was great, as there was a distinct cut-off between each location. Furthermore, it progressed the story nicely and kept it from becoming tiresome.
Brave Soldier – Invasion of Cyborgs is beautifully pixelated.
I adore retro indie games. There is something about the garish colours and modern polish that makes them fantastic. Brave Soldier – Invasion of Cyborgs looks beautiful with its clean finish and pixel graphics. Furthermore, the varied backdrops, excellent animation, and simple sprites were incredible to look at.
The dated aesthetic continues with the basic audio. The loud and often obnoxious music works perfectly with the theme and genre. Additionally, the uncomfortable sound effects are wonderfully horrible. Subsequently, the visuals and audio reminded me of early 90s gaming.
Jump, jump, shoot, and jump.
I adore the simple controls and easy-to-follow concept. Consequently, you are instantly comfortable with the task at hand and there are no curveballs to put you off. Thankfully, the responsive inputs and excellent controller layout help to keep you on track as well.
Where this falls short is its replay value and longevity. Unfortunately, 30 levels are not enough to keep you satisfied. Moreover, there is no reason to return, as the action rarely changes. Luckily, though, the first playthrough is good, and this makes it great value for money.
Brave Soldier – Invasion of Cyborgs is short but sweet.
The short playtime left me wanting. However, I enjoyed every level and each of the bosses. Furthermore, the random nature of the weapon drops and the interesting stage design kept me interested throughout. As such, I liked what I saw and I recommend that you buy it here! Can you save mankind from the cyborgs? Grab your gun, destroy your foes, and avoid every deadly obstacle.
