The Review
Castle Crashers is a relatively old game at the time of this review; but with talk of a PSN release and the new DLC, i feel like i should let people in on just how good this game really is. This review is segmented into several different parts, and is meant to be a quick read so that users can get the idea without having to read some online novel of a review.
GamePlay
Castle Crashers is the second production from "the behemoth", who were also responsible for "Alien Hominid" on last gen consoles, and the HD port to XBOX360 Live Arcade. The game is meant to be a side scrolling button masher similar to older games like Double Dragon, or Ninja Turtles for arcade. Although this is the main premise, this game has a bit more then just beat'em-up tactics; it's an RPG.
Sound weird? It isn't. The game actually implements the system very well, and it really pulls you in with the variety of weapons, levels of upgrades, and combos. In fact, the only true flaw about the RPG system is that grinding levels becomes a must at times, and it really destroys the "lets go beat shit up" mood.
Anyways, the game play is exactly what you'd expect from this type of game, and there really isn't much to complain about. You earn XP from killing enemies, you level up, and you can use your level up points to upgrade your speed, strength, magic, and endurance. The system is kind of paint-by-numbers, but it works perfect for what it is. You can even pick from a selection of weapons at your local armory, and more and more weapons get unlocked as you progress through the game. What about bosses? You'd think every game like this would need a ton of bosses, and.... well, you're right! This game is chalk-full of boss battles! I won't spoil much for you, but there is definitely a variety in enemy/boss types that i wasn't really expecting.
In the end, the game-play is pretty basic RPG, and Beat'em Up components, but it's the meshing of these two that makes it unique. There isn't anything to complain about here, but there isn't really much to brag about, either. The game does a very good job of inter-grading two different kinds of genres into one, but that's where the innovation ends.
but wait, there's more!
This game not only has a very well done single player, but it also supports 4 player co-op! This means that you can experience this game with 3 of your closest friends, and fight for the princesses! There are also several mini-games that you can indulge in, but i don't really recommend you do those until after you have beaten the game.
Story
I really wasn't sure if i should even include this section of the review, but i am doing it anyways just so you people know what to expect. There really isn't much of a story in castle crashers. In fact, it's pretty much the same basic concept as Mario; the princess has been stolen, go get her. The ending is a total mind fuck, and i am just going to let it be at that; don't go into this game expecting story!
Presentation
The presentation in this game is very similar to the presentation you can find in "Alien Hominid HD". Everything in the game is hand-drawn, and all of it done well. The explosion effects and blood spills will remind you of games like Metal Slug, and if you're like me, you won't ever get tired of the unique style. There are very few games that pull this off for me, but this is for sure one of them. The only downside i can even think of is that sometimes the backgrounds and foregrounds will mesh, confusing you. This is to be expected in ANY 2d game, and i can't say much about it here. Frame Rates hold up perfectly, it's only 2d, after all.
The Basis
This game is fantastic, and if you have the money i strongly suggest it. The game has a unique art style, and the old fashioned genre really pushes nostalgia through your eyes. There are very few flaws with this game, and it has co-op support! You should buy it. 4.5/5