Mini Island Challenge Bundle (REVIEW)

Mini Island Challenge Bundle. I have no doubt that a lot of you wouldn't be able to guess what this indie game was by the title alone. It can be quite misleading, and without proper introduction one would likely never guess what it really is. That's why I'm here to help the developer, and publisher get your attention for one of the more unique action rogue-likes that the Nintendo Switch has to offer. Developed by MACKINN7, and published by Forever Entertainment SA this game that is "Mini Island Challenge Bundle" is a game that is home to a unique chibi race of mouse eared people who like to slide, dodge, and gun their way from start to finish in a lively world.

The game's gimmick involves the five RPG attributes that can be upgraded, and downgraded between each intermittent skirmish via dropped optional power-ups. Not only will you be boosting five different RPG stats that includes ATK, DEF, HP, LUK, and BTR through power-ups, but you will also be powering up for each consecutive fight according to stat priority. In the heat of battle you'll also be using the dodge mechanic or a slide, and the underlined (quite literally) indicator which will determine the amount of damage you take according to the attached stat markers. It's an interesting take on the rogue-like genre in that how well you power-up will determine how easy or how difficult the battles at hand will be.

In "Mini Island Challenge Bundle" there exists four different stages filled with lesser enemy threats, boss fights, and power-up opportunities. That and a finish line with a rewarded badge for completion. As one of a select few characters with special abilities, grenades, a gun, and a slide you will be tasked with going from left to right as you deal with the threats at hand, and power-up appropriately for each battle. The gun you wield houses unlimited ammo while grenades are limited, and special attacks run on a special meter.

In each battle you will need to dodge the projectile attacks of your enemies with an appropriately timed dodge while taking every chance to retaliate with gunfire, and alternative attacks. As enemies appear their attacks will spawn an underline indicator that houses various stat related icons. Dodging in the correct direction can bank you less damage taken, replenished health, or bonus damage dealt to the enemy among other things. It makes the fights more about strategy, and less about simply shooting to win. Factor in the stat priority billboards showcased at each free location before a battle, and you'll be clued in to what you should be prioritizing when it comes to power-ups. Power-ups in particular will drop from defeated enemies or bosses as well as show up in stage intermissions. The boss drops are multiple in number, but you can only choose one out of the lot. These boosts to stats are also rated by stars, and showcase the boosted number or downgraded number in instances when the power-up is a dual power-up.

In total there are four sectioned off stages that include a mixture of battles, and power-up intermissions. Included is the Red Island, Snow Island, Mini Island, and Mini Island: Night. Each of which sport their own unique background theme, and enemies. The gameplay itself takes place on a widescreen portion of the screen with stat indicators, and the meters tied to your character accounted for there as well. You'll find that the characters' movement is fast paced, and that gameplay itself is quick in nature. Accenting the action is a multi-layered moving background, and a soundtrack reminiscent of anime game soundtracks. No story elements though.

The Verdict ...

I honestly did not know what to expect going into this one, and to be frank I was quite confused at first. The developer drops you in with tutorial details plastered all over the game screen, and expects you not to skate past it. As I've disclosed there's a lot going on with the simple mechanics that are given, and unless you really pay attention you will miss out on a lot of what is going on. That being said I was able to figure it out after a couple of playthroughs.

In regards to the presentation it is a beautiful game to look at. The level designs, and soundtrack are mesmerizing, and the character design a mix between anime chibi art and Saturday morning cartoon creations. Sadly, characters themselves are so tiny onscreen that their design is somewhat lost in translation. I feel in light of that this game would actually be better if the screen size wasn't scaled down, and if it were played via console on TV. Gameplay-wise everything is functional, fast, and fluid. Making the fights at hand frantic with split second decisions having to be made. It's something the game does well. Weighing everything, and considering the price point I think "Mini Island Challenge Bundle" is a fair buy for those of you looking for an interesting type of rogue-like experience. It definitely stands on it's own as unique, and that alone is praise worthy.