SuperEpic is a poignant parody of the pig-like state of the pay to play, and pay to win parasite that is a good portion of today's games industry. In it's humor, and quite fun metroidvania platforming experience the game not only opens the gamers' eyes to what is going on in real life, but offers gameplay not ruined by the monetization efforts it pokes fun at. The story that you'll start off playing features a raccoon protagonist named TanTan, and his Llama sidekick. An unlikely duo that dishes out corporate punishment via a trio of weapons that allow for direct, upwards, and downwards strikes that can be delivered from the back of your trusty Llama pal. With this accompanied by RPG gear, upgrades, and abilities tied to meters TanTan is set to join the revolution against Regnant Corp, and it's staff.
Parodies aside SuperEpic's gameplay is a smooth as silk Metroidvania style platformer with a unique combo system, item system, and upgrade system that makes the trek through the Regnant corporate headquarters a non-stop fun filled fight for what is right. As TanTan you're task with joining the revolution against Regnant Corp. The gaming industry's totalitarian rulers who aim to abuse gamers' trust, and have them becoming a paying slave for mindless entertainment that is in no way rewarding. Along with some rebel vendors you'll meet along the way you'll be able to purchase new stat/perk inclusive gear, and equipment as well as upgrades for weapons, and meters. All for the price of the currency afforded to you by combo beating bad business creatures into a puff of monetary smoke. That and by collecting alternate currencies implemented by Regnant Corp themselves.
When it comes to combat you'll start off with three different pole weapons. One tied to three of the face buttons on your controller. Square, Triangle, and Circle respectively. These weapons will either strike forward, upwards, or downwards. They can be upgraded to deal more damage, and exchanged for more powerful versions sold at the vendor with stat based pros and cons. The variety of available attacks along with the jump button (X) allows for combo potential that will increase your combo currency payout. The combo currency itself is what you'll use to buy new gear, new weapons, and upgrades through a specific vendor that is stationed at various points at Regnant HQ. Along with that vendor option, and the RPG/combat benefits it provides you'll also gain access to new meters, and abilities that will help you extend your combo count when battling. There are three meters in total including a life meter that can be refilled through energy drinks, and cheeseburgers that can be found from surveillance cameras. The energy, and meter based refills which can also be bought at vendors are an option activated by a right thumbstick (R3) quick access menu. Along with the life meter comes a rage gauge that affords you the limited ability to use projectile abilities, and other special abilities that can be bought through another vendor for the price of red gems. Gems that can be found hidden in different parts of the headquarters. Aside from life, and rage there's also a stamina meter that will allow for a dash move from side to side to once again help you capitalize on combo opportunities. Provided once again by a separate vendor. Utilizing your base attacks, and abilities as you mind your meters will be how you best perform combos, and how you best score the currency needed to level up the things you find, buy, or are gifted. Do note that the rage gauge, and stamina meters will refill. The rage gauge in particular will refill through combos while the stamina meter will automatically refill when not in use.
The Presentation ...
The Metroidvania platforming in SuperEpic is exactly what you'd expect. In a lot of ways the layout of Regnant Corp HQ isn't that much different from "Castlevania: SotN". In fact that seems to be the game the developer took a lot of their level design inspiration from. Things like save rooms (which are oddly toilets), and elevators to different areas mirror the Castlvania experience. Visually SuperEpic also utilizes a pixel presentation similar to such metroidvania games, especially the classic 2D metroidvanias from a time when monetization efforts weren't as heavy handed as they are now. Along with the homage, and tributes you'll find plenty of parody material, and symbolism as you fight the animal kingdom version of the games industry. The pigs being the very embodiment of corporate greed, and the innocents being other forest dwelling or farm-like animals. A character design choice that is very fitting of the subject matter. When it comes to the soundtrack it is quite fitting as well, and has a sort of oldschool vibe with music not as metal or symphonic as you'd might expect. Of course it goes without saying as you make your way through Regnant HQ you will face minions, and bosses much as you would in Castlevania as the thematic music plays in the background along with digitized character vocalizations. In the end the main difference between SuperEpic, and the previously hinted metroidvanias are the characters, the story elements, and the overall look of the environments. That, and the unique combo fighting system.
The Verdict ...
I was actually quite impressed with this game. I almost completed it in one sitting I liked it so much. It's the type of indie that draws in your undivided attention, and keeps you wanting to progress until you can't continue. Looking back I think the parody value as well as the overall gameplay experience is enough to warrant a purchase on release. I think the accompanying message about what the game industry has become is an important one, and that while that message is laid heavily down it does not detract from the fun that will be had as you play through it all. The combo, meter, and ability system works smoothly, and makes for a stream worthy spectacle should you decide to do so. The added fact that there is at least one other mode of play that can be unlocked, a roguelite version of the game, is enough to push this game as a must have. If you fancy an indie of the intelligent, and wacky sort you can't go wrong this Monday when it comes to the PSN store. Don't miss out! SuperEpic gets my blazing seal of approval!
Parodies aside SuperEpic's gameplay is a smooth as silk Metroidvania style platformer with a unique combo system, item system, and upgrade system that makes the trek through the Regnant corporate headquarters a non-stop fun filled fight for what is right. As TanTan you're task with joining the revolution against Regnant Corp. The gaming industry's totalitarian rulers who aim to abuse gamers' trust, and have them becoming a paying slave for mindless entertainment that is in no way rewarding. Along with some rebel vendors you'll meet along the way you'll be able to purchase new stat/perk inclusive gear, and equipment as well as upgrades for weapons, and meters. All for the price of the currency afforded to you by combo beating bad business creatures into a puff of monetary smoke. That and by collecting alternate currencies implemented by Regnant Corp themselves.
When it comes to combat you'll start off with three different pole weapons. One tied to three of the face buttons on your controller. Square, Triangle, and Circle respectively. These weapons will either strike forward, upwards, or downwards. They can be upgraded to deal more damage, and exchanged for more powerful versions sold at the vendor with stat based pros and cons. The variety of available attacks along with the jump button (X) allows for combo potential that will increase your combo currency payout. The combo currency itself is what you'll use to buy new gear, new weapons, and upgrades through a specific vendor that is stationed at various points at Regnant HQ. Along with that vendor option, and the RPG/combat benefits it provides you'll also gain access to new meters, and abilities that will help you extend your combo count when battling. There are three meters in total including a life meter that can be refilled through energy drinks, and cheeseburgers that can be found from surveillance cameras. The energy, and meter based refills which can also be bought at vendors are an option activated by a right thumbstick (R3) quick access menu. Along with the life meter comes a rage gauge that affords you the limited ability to use projectile abilities, and other special abilities that can be bought through another vendor for the price of red gems. Gems that can be found hidden in different parts of the headquarters. Aside from life, and rage there's also a stamina meter that will allow for a dash move from side to side to once again help you capitalize on combo opportunities. Provided once again by a separate vendor. Utilizing your base attacks, and abilities as you mind your meters will be how you best perform combos, and how you best score the currency needed to level up the things you find, buy, or are gifted. Do note that the rage gauge, and stamina meters will refill. The rage gauge in particular will refill through combos while the stamina meter will automatically refill when not in use.
The Presentation ...
The Metroidvania platforming in SuperEpic is exactly what you'd expect. In a lot of ways the layout of Regnant Corp HQ isn't that much different from "Castlevania: SotN". In fact that seems to be the game the developer took a lot of their level design inspiration from. Things like save rooms (which are oddly toilets), and elevators to different areas mirror the Castlvania experience. Visually SuperEpic also utilizes a pixel presentation similar to such metroidvania games, especially the classic 2D metroidvanias from a time when monetization efforts weren't as heavy handed as they are now. Along with the homage, and tributes you'll find plenty of parody material, and symbolism as you fight the animal kingdom version of the games industry. The pigs being the very embodiment of corporate greed, and the innocents being other forest dwelling or farm-like animals. A character design choice that is very fitting of the subject matter. When it comes to the soundtrack it is quite fitting as well, and has a sort of oldschool vibe with music not as metal or symphonic as you'd might expect. Of course it goes without saying as you make your way through Regnant HQ you will face minions, and bosses much as you would in Castlevania as the thematic music plays in the background along with digitized character vocalizations. In the end the main difference between SuperEpic, and the previously hinted metroidvanias are the characters, the story elements, and the overall look of the environments. That, and the unique combo fighting system.
The Verdict ...
I was actually quite impressed with this game. I almost completed it in one sitting I liked it so much. It's the type of indie that draws in your undivided attention, and keeps you wanting to progress until you can't continue. Looking back I think the parody value as well as the overall gameplay experience is enough to warrant a purchase on release. I think the accompanying message about what the game industry has become is an important one, and that while that message is laid heavily down it does not detract from the fun that will be had as you play through it all. The combo, meter, and ability system works smoothly, and makes for a stream worthy spectacle should you decide to do so. The added fact that there is at least one other mode of play that can be unlocked, a roguelite version of the game, is enough to push this game as a must have. If you fancy an indie of the intelligent, and wacky sort you can't go wrong this Monday when it comes to the PSN store. Don't miss out! SuperEpic gets my blazing seal of approval!
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