Code Shifter (PS4)

Shifting from fighting games to fan service Arc System Works brings to us a gaming experience unlike any seen before in their gaming library. One that shows us a hands on side of game development while allowing us to tackle one of the biggest issues therein via platforming means. This game that is centered around action platforming is tied to the outside work of a fictional development crew run by a handful of studio staff members that are each experiencing bugs in their latest project. It seems a hacker or someone on the inside has infected their software with a transformative virus. In order to combat the virus, and get to the bottom of the problem a programmer by the name of Stella creates a code shifter program with an avatar named Sera that can enter the code, and correct any problems that are occurring. This is where, you the gamer, step in. You get to control Sera in avatar form as she gains help from other Arc System Works characters which she can transform into, and use as assists as she collects data crystals, breaks bug boxes, and destroys attacking viruses. This is a folder by folder or stage by stage ordeal with each of the staff's folders containing inner stages of varying difficulties that must be completed in order to unlock, and fully correct said folder's programmed content.

To aid in Sera's fight to rework the code, and find any bugs within the named program files you must utilize gimmicks or character avatars, and transform into them on the fly as well as use their assist skills to combat lesser, and greater threats. As you progress through areas of a combat inclusive platforming nature while collecting data crystals, breaking bug boxes, and fighting viruses you will be helping Stella, and her crew back at the office get to the bottom of the mystery involving the infected program files. Guiding Sera within the coded program files you'll find that you can double jump, use special attacks, and melee attacks. You can also transform into different stocked characters of the Arc System Works variety while utilizing their unique combat abilities, and one assist character's automatic combat abilities on the side. Characters that include fighting game favorites as well as some oldschool originals. All of which are found displayed in glowing orb projections with a visual pixel representation rotating around inside of them at key points within each stage playthrough. Of course this is all done within the "Story" area of the office that can be accessed at Stella's desk.

To begin with you will take on normal versions of each stage as Sera between office story episodes, and move up to hard, and very hard challenges respectively. Stages come in the standard numbered variety as well as EX stages that will allow for earning bonus content that works in the 'Battle' area of the office space. An arcade-like station where you can play 'Stock' or 'Score' mode in a large roster inclusive arena battler known as 'Colorful Fighters' that is akin to Super Smash Brothers. With the stock giving you the option of the number of lives each of the four players as as well as the timer limit. The alternate 'Score' mode having a score limit, and time limit as well. Combat in both the 'Battle' mode, and 'Story' mode is a directional ordeal with the left thumbstick in tandem with the SQUARE button giving off different base attacks while the TRIANGLE button does specials. Leaving only assist characters for the taking and use when they appear in the playing field. A function activated by pressing L1. Along with those staple mechanics you'll also be gathering playable character gimmicks via CIRCLE, and transforming into them via R1. Something that will help in the sectioned off boss areas where gimmicks are needed to deal with certain viruses or viral bosses. Some of which come in darkened versions of Arc System Works characters. Think Guilty Gear survival mode challengers. When a stage is completed, whether it be standard or EX, your playthrough efficiency will be tallied taking in account the damage taken, enemies defeated, and other score inclusive feats. Ultimately ending with a letter grade with "S" being the best score possible. Also after completion, and according to said grade you will earn skills that can be applied to Sera via the 'Story' menu 'Skills' menu. You can only equip so many skills in the allotted slots, and it is these passive buffs that will aid you with bonus damage, more heroes, and even more defense as well as other performance boosters.

When it comes to plot, and gameplay it is a back and forth affair. Going back, and playing through the harder difficulties or perfecting previous normal playthroughs is an option that can be taken advantage of between the plot intermissions, and character development that plays out between the key staff members within the office scenario. This includes conversations between Stella, Hudson, Greig, Mozzie, and Rudy among others. Staff members whose avatars you can interact with adding additional flavor text/dialogue, and sometimes skill items. The more the plot unfolds at the office through said casting of studio staff the more the game opens up adding in modes like 'Battle', and access to the 'Options' menu where sound, controls, and language can be tweaked at your discretion. To fast track the romp around the office space you can press the OPTIONS button to bring up a menu that will automatically take you to each work area by clicking on the area's menu name. The play loop will ultimately have you visiting the office, and guiding Sera through a fantasy version of the coding.

The Presentation ...

Code Shifter is a nice blend of Saturday morning cartoon style animations, and traditional pixel art. It's a colorful, and somewhat simplistic world when inside the code as Sera, and a somewhat more colorful and busy world when outside in the office space with the development staff. Control-wise it is a bit crude, and stiff. Mainly, because the left thumbstick for movement makes precision actions less than precise. The fact that movement buttons can't be remapped to the DPad is problematic. That aside it's an alright experience with a nice artistic blend. Let me not forget the added retro chiptunes, and more modern anime style soundtrack that is accented with cryptic voice overs that are akin to faux voice-overs from games like 'The Legend of Zelda'.

The Verdict ...

Code Shifters is an interesting idea that isn't quite perfectly executed. The visuals, and audio presentation are on point, but the controls, movement, and combat are crude in nature. Leaving things like crucial actions, and reactions to feel as if they're working against your intended efforts of mastering each given stage. The boss fights, in particular, don't feel as if they have rhyme or reason. Bosses jump about in a spastic manner with random attacks, give or take a few bosses. In some cases, particularly in EX stages, the special bosses seem to act and react quicker and more erratically than you are able to as Sera or the gimmick hero transformations. I think allowing the left thumbstick functionality to be swapped out with the DPad directions would help in fixing a lot of the looseness in gameplay movement/actions. That, and a movement speed tweak would work wonders. Those are the only complaints I have. Otherwise it would be an alright game.