In UFO Robot Grendizer: The Feast of the Wolves, players get to go on a nostalgic journey into the world of a classic that was released back in the 70s, experiencing its epic battles of the colossal robot Grendizer. Developed by Endroad and published by Microids, this action-adventure game pays homage to the source material but does fall a little short of delivering a truly groundbreaking experience. We checked it out on a PlayStation 5.
The narrative in The Feast of the Wolves unfolds in the aftermath of the destruction of Planet Fleed by the Vega Empire, setting the stage for Prince Duke Fleed’s desperate attempts to save his homeworld. The storyline, while faithful to the animated series, might leave newcomers occasionally puzzled, as the game dives into action with minimal world-building or character development. While this approach works very well for longtime fans, it fails to reel in newcomers – which is a missed opportunity when you consider how much of a classic the original anime is.
As players step into the shoes of Umon Daisuke, the protagonist, and pilot the mighty Grendizer, they engage in a surprising variety of gameplay modes, including third-person action, shoot ’em up sequences, and exploration. The combat, featuring a range of melee attacks and special moves, is enjoyable, if not particularly innovative. Unlocking new abilities and upgrading powers through experience points adds a layer of progression, but it’s the need for strategic energy management in battles that adds an extra dimension to the gameplay.
The game’s open-world elements, though not fully realized and somewhat lacking in richness and detail, allow players to explore different locations freely, complete missions, and discover collectibles. However, controlling the Grendizer, especially in third-person action segments, can be hindered by a sometimes problematic camera. The occasional awkwardness of combat near cliffs and other objects, coupled with performance and technical issues on the PS5, detracts from the overall polish expected in a modern gaming experience.
Visually, UFO Robot Grendizer: The Feast of the Wolves is a mixed bag. While the recreation of the 70s anime designs in 3D is commendable, the game’s graphics fail to impress, and the occasional performance issues we mentioned mar the experience. The soundtrack, reimagined by Marcin Przybyłowicz and Magda Urbańska for this game, successfully captures the retro-futuristic aesthetic of the animated series. However, the voice acting lacks the enthusiasm and emotional range that could have enhanced the overall immersion by providing an experience that’s more aligned with the anime.
Despite its shortcomings, UFO Robot Grendizer: The Feast of the Wolves isn’t a bad game. It caters to fans of the anime, providing a fun interactive experience and capturing the essence of the source material. The inclusion of shoot ’em up sections adds variety, and the game’s heart is in the right place. However, the unnecessary technical issues, coupled with a lack of groundbreaking elements, relegate it to the status of a somewhat standard action game. For those seeking a nostalgic throwback with a fresh coat of paint, it’s worth a try, but broader audiences might find it falls short of making a lasting impression.
Score: 6.3/10
Press Play Media 