Frontier Hunter: Erza’s Wheel of Fortune, developed by IceSitruuna, takes a stab at the Metroidvania genre with its own unique blend of exploration, combat, and character development. Available now on major platforms including the PlayStation 5, this sequel to their previous game Tower Hunter promises a richer story, more intricate environments, and enhanced gameplay mechanics. Let’s check it out.
Set in a fantasy world of swords and magic, Frontier Hunter follows Erza, a rising star in the imperial force with a “legendary hunter” license. The narrative kicks off with Erza leading an exploration team on an epic adventure, battling unknown monsters and uncovering the world’s mysteries. The story, while familiar fantasy fare, is well-paced and engaging, providing a solid backbone for the gameplay.
The gameplay in Frontier Hunter is that of a classic side-scrolling Metroidvania, and it’s the combat system where the game shines. Heavily inspired by beat ’em up games, it requires players to learn enemy routines and strategically time their attacks, especially during boss fights. This tactical approach keeps the combat fresh and challenging, though it can sometimes feel unforgiving, particularly for those who are relatively new to the genre.
Tied to the combat, one of the best features is the game’s smooth action and movement mechanics. The ability to interrupt actions with jumps and dashes adds a layer of responsiveness that is crucial for navigating the game’s often intricate levels. With plenty of secret passages and hidden chambers to find, avid explorers get rewarded with additional stories and loot. However, this complexity in level design can also lead to frustration, as it’s easy to miss key areas or become disoriented and even a little lost without a clear map system.
Visually, Frontier Hunter impresses with its 2.5D scenes and cartoon/anime-like rendering, making characters and environments vibrant and lifelike. The ultimate skills, presented in 3D, offer a dynamic visual change-up that 2D graphics alone couldn’t achieve. The visual style complements the game’s fantasy setting perfectly, creating an engaging experience that draws players into the world of Erza.
The audio design also deserves praise. The soundtrack effectively sets the mood for both exploration and combat, while sound effects enhance the impact of each action. Voice acting, where present, adds depth to character interactions, although some lines can occasionally come off as overly dramatic or stilted.
Frontier Hunter’s character development system is another aspect worth mentioning. It allows for personalized growth paths, enabling players to tailor their experience according to their playstyle. Whether focusing on enhancing combat skills or unlocking new abilities, the system provides a satisfying sense of progression. However, the depth of the system can also be overwhelming at first, especially if you prefer a more straightforward approach to character growth.
Frontier Hunter can be punishingly difficult at times, which may deter more casual players, but Erza’s Wheel of Fortune is a robust and visually striking addition to the Metroidvania genre. Its engaging combat system, intricate level design, and detailed character development make it a standout title on the PlayStation 5. While it has its challenges and moments of frustration, those who persevere will find a rewarding and immersive adventure that showcases IceSitruuna’s growth as a developer.
Score: 7.0/10
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