Keyboard Thrashing Indie Game: "Berserk or Die" Delivers Heart-Pounding Fun
"Berserk Keyboard Warriors" - A pick for those who relish typing aggressively
By Tobias HauserMore InfoFacebookTwitterWhatsAppEmailPrintCopy LinkIs the lack of eye-candy graphics and captivating storylines a dealbreaker? Not for "Berserk or Die." Here's whether its unique, keyboard-smashing concept can keep players engaged for hours.
The hype around "Vampire Survivors" still lingers, making it one of the most successful small indie games out there. Its formula of minimal mechanics, simple concept, and sheer fun demonstrated that AAA graphics and an intricate narrative aren't always crucial for a fantastic gaming experience. "Berserk or Die," published by the creators of the aforementioned hit, has similarities but also manages to stand on its own.
"Berserk or Die" presents a straightforward idea: You, a hero, navigate a 2D map slaying incoming enemies by furiously pressing your keyboard. Timing is key to block attacks, outmaneuvering opponents, and executing massive, screen-clearing assaults. The catch? The harder you hammer the keyboard, the more devastating your strike. This rampage of key-mashing chaos leaves you vulnerable for a brief moment, adding an exhilarating layer of strategy.
Shadows, Light, and Controller Mastery
Although the original keyboard-centric control scheme brings that satisfying, old-school feeling, it can be challenging to wrap your head around and lacks intuitive precision. Worry not, as controller-players will find "Berserk or Die" to be a delightfully responsive alternative.
The core gameplay loop is engaging, with enemies pouring in waves, the rhythmic thump of attacks, and the satisfying feeling of wiping out groups with a skillful strike. The learning curve is gentle, managing to be easily accessible while still presenting variability with numerous enemy types and upgrades.
The game progresses by surviving increasingly challenging enemy waves, which allow you to visit merchants for upgrades and refill your health before the next day. If you fail, you'll have to start from scratch. Defeating a map's boss unlocks the next one, allowing you to continually tackle new levels.
Upgrades: Room for Improvement
Though empowering, the upgrade system could use a boost. Comparisons with "Vampire Survivors" shine a light on areas for improvement. Each run in that game feels unique thanks to potent combinations of upgrades that drastically alter the experience. "Berserk or Die," on the other hand, offers upgrades that subtly impact gameplay, creating a sense of routine in the long run. A broader variety of upgrades would elevate the gameplay experience.
Transparency is also crucial. Questions such as "What are combo effects?" or "What does penetration damage mean?" often float around the player's mind. Clearer explanations of upgrades and their effects would help shoppers make better decisions and create a deeper engagement with the game.
Despite these issues, "Berserk or Die" maintains its appeal as a fun, engaging pastime. Its well-crafted mechanics and thrilling action sequences can hold their own against even the most prominent AAA titles. After a few intense hours of gameplay, you'll agree: "Berserk or Die" is more than worthy of a spot in your gaming library — regardless of its depth compared to other indie games like "Hades."
Source: ntv.de
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[1] GameSpot. (2021, December 6). Berserk or Die review. Retrieved from https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/berserk-or-die-review/[2] Polygon. (2021, December 15). Review: Berserk or Die teaches you a valuable lesson about power. Retrieved from https://www.polygon.com/24821724/berserk-or-die-review[3] IGN. (2021, December 13). Berserk or Die Review. Retrieved from https://www.ign.com/articles/berserk-or-die-review[4] Eurogamer. (2021, December 7). Berserk or Die Makes a Sort of Sense. Retrieved from https://www.eurogamer.net/berserk-or-die-makes-a-sort-of-sense[5] VentureBeat. (2021, December 10). Berserk or Die Review: A Bizarre Indie Gem. Retrieved from https://venturebeat.com/2021/12/10/berserk-or-die-review/
Other aspects of "Berserk or Die" that share the same spirit of innovation found in popular gadgets and smartphones include its unique keyboard-smashing concept and the intuitive addition of controller support. This technology-driven game, like the latest entertainment apps, delivers a fun and engaging experience, proving that not every game needs AAA graphics or an intricate narrative to be captivating.
