Slayin' 2 (Nintendo Switch)

Indie games these days seem to follow the inspiration of the more well known, and well liked genres. The safe bets. Things like shmups, platformers, or metroidvanias. When a developer strays completely from this expected norm, and hits the mark with something new, unexpected, and well executed though it is the most welcome of surprises. Such is the case with "Slayin' 2". This sequel to an iOS original release comes to the Switch offering the gamer not only two modes of play, but gameplay that is both fun, and frantic. As a hero or heroine of your choice you will be battling in plane based combat an army of darkness that has destroyed a kingdom. Going from location to location besting waves of creatures in combo fashion as you loot them the best you can. Ultimately spending said looted treasure on helping rebuild a destroyed civilization, gaining perks from said rebuilding, and in doing so unlocking the tools and heroes for hire that will aid you in said grind going forward. Against minions, and bosses alike you must learn how to most efficiently gain fame and fortune utilizing a sword, meter based attacks, and plane/lane changing capabilities. That, and limited health. All within two modes of play that offer a slightly different experience each in regards to the game's core mechanics.

Being an indie of such a small stature "Slayin' 2" seems to offer a lively experience on par with the pricing. With it you get two modes of play including a story mode, and an arcade mode. In the story mode you start off with a knight, and a sword going from location to location on a map with dotted lines as you fight off waves of lesser and greater enemies in dual lanes that can be switched between on the fly. Simply pressing left or right on the left thumbstick will ready your sword in battle, and as you run in either direction you will ram said sword into grounded foes. With the added jump tied to the 'B" button you can also attack aerial foes in a similar way. Add in the 'Y' spark attack that acts according to weapon and required spark meter, and you can maximize treasure output as well. Hitting enemies with a spark attack which fills up as you slay enemies, either grounded or in the air, will cause them to spill more coin or trinkets. Combined with the combos done by continuously slaying enemies in both lanes to a countdown timer that depletes if you don't keep the combos going, and you'll increase the size of the treasure dropped. Ultimately adding to your fame points, and gold count when the end score is tallied. Fame points being the leveling system of the game, and gold being the currency with which you help rebuild the kingdom as well as partake of it's vendor services and products.

Along with the basic combat mechanics comes the ability to switch planes or lanes with the "R" shoulder button. This can be useful in maximizing combos with lesser enemies as well as with dealing with boss attack patterns as they too switch lanes. Within the story you will first face several waves of lesser enemy creatures before a final boss giving you a chance to loot them as well as earn and open special chests containing even more loot, and potions. The potions will drop in bigger, and smaller sizes depending on the combo count, and will reward temporary buffs like speed, and invincibility. You'll even find food items that refill health. One thing you must always mind is your health meter though as you will be slain if it reaches the empty point. Ultimately causing you to have to retry your playthrough. When you conquer a location's waves, and end boss it will open up a new location on the map. This includes the enemy locations as well as the village/kingdom area where you can interact with NPCs, and learn of their plight. It is also in this village area where you will be making use of shop vendors you helped with the coins you collected. In helping the villagers rebuild you gain access to weapons, weapon upgrades, charms for added perks, and heroes or heroines for hire which can all be chosen in mix 'n match fashion at a location's starting menu. Once you've unlocked, upgraded, and hired all than can be you will find that all those things become available within the arcade mode.

Arcade mode, unlike the story, is a straightforward non-stop playthrough of locations from the story where you get to choose the hero/heroine, weapon, charm, and number of planes. The locations mirror the story mode's locations, and get progressively more difficult as you defeat each given set of waves and bosses. The catch being that there is no intermission, and your health as it is carries over into the next wave. Thankfully the loot you earned in the previous wave can be spent on a traveling vendor's wares which range from health refills to weapon upgrades, charms, and weapons. Once your hero or heroine is slain though you are sent sailing back to the main menu. Shortly after you get a score tally that takes in account the stages you made it through. Thus adding in a bit of replay value for those of you who like to display, and share your skills. Do note that this game can be played alone in singleplayer fashion or in co-op using local multiplayer.

The Verdict ...

I really enjoyed 'Slayin' 2". It was a pleasant surprise in more ways than one. The pixel art was attractive, and the gameplay fun while it lasted. It even had a cool retro style soundtrack. As far as flaws go I didn't really find any. I will say though that this is the type of game that could be even greater with a bigger budget, and more to do and unlock in-game. Perhaps even online leaderboards. Hopefully this game sells really well so we can see something bigger in another sequel. It goes without saying that 'Slayin 2' gets my HELL YEAH!!! seal of approval. It's a budget indie that is fun enough to add to a Switch owners growing collection!!!