Blade Warrior
| Developer: J. Kingsley | Graphics: |
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| Publisher: Image Works | Sound: |
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| Year: 1991 | Difficulty: |
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| Genre: Action | Lastability: |
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| Number of players: 1 | Rating: |
5/10 | |
I stumbled upon images of this game that brought me to a halt (perhaps you too?). I find the graphics extraordinary! It reminds me of “modern” titles with a stylised design, like Patapon (PSP, 2008).
Here, the main character, scenery, and enemies are represented by entirely black silhouettes evolving against a static backdrop. There’s no on-screen information—no score, no health bar. Instead, you observe the moon gradually hiding as your health decreases. The stripped-back landscapes and monster aesthetics, suggested by this shadow play, create a particularly gloomy atmosphere. You’d swear you were in a Tim Burton film. And, of course, you’ll find yourself equally bored, just like you would be watching a Tim Burton film! You’d expect the colour economy to translate into fluid and decent animation quality. But, alas, the programming doesn’t quite rise to meet its lofty artistic aspirations…
Essentially, the main thing to do is to hit (clumsily) everything that passes, without any technicality or variety. A bit of a shame really, because if you actually push forward, you’ll discover some interesting side elements: an “alchemy workshop” to brew potions, encounters with zany wizards, dragon-riding adventures, and plenty of artifacts to collect… What it’s sorely missing is the one thing that really matters: precise, responsive control of the hero, as experienced in Barbarian or The First Samurai. Instead, Blade Warrior joins Sword of Sodan in the ever-growing collection of games that are far more enjoyable to look at than to play.
Note: Press “up” to use a door, “down” to pick up an item, and “M” to display the map.
“Why do you wear that stupid bunny suit?”
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