The Messenger Video Review – Retro Side-Scroller Dazzles

The Messenger Video Review

There is no shortage of nostalgia-inducing side-scrollers out there that try to capitalize on 8-bit graphics and familiar gameplay to pull us in. It’s a relatively easy medium to make games in, it’s almost a guaranteed hit, but with so many out there it can be difficult to stand out among the waves of titles. The Messenger not only has solid gameplay and a great ninja aesthetic, one of the games defining features is the ability to switch between 8 and 16-bit gaming. Did that grab your interest like it did ours? Check out the video review below.

The Messenger is a side-scrolling platformer in the same vein as classics like Ninja Gaiden without the high difficulty. The game features plenty of options to upgrade your character while providing challenges that are easy to overcome with patience and timing. Of course one of the stand out features of the game is the ability to swap between 8 and 16-bit graphics during gameplay when entering a portal, however, these changes only affect the aesthetic without impacting gameplay which is a huge bonus. The inclusion of a little monster to steal your hard earned experience orbs after each time you die is something so simple but it can make for fantastic motivation to try a little harder, if only so you can stop being taunted about your recent demise.

What do you think of The Messenger? Do you like the aesthetic choices? Let us know your thoughts on the game on Facebook, Twitter, or the Comments section below. The Messenger launches August 30, and will be available on PC and the Nintendo Switch. for more information, check out the game’s official website.