A Nostalgia-Fest.
In this age of video games where shiny graphics, motion controls, and robust online features reign supreme there's one game that doesn't feature any of that. That game is Protect Me Knight from Xbox Live Indie Games. The game is a 2D action game where you are tasked to protect a princess from evil forces like goblins, minotaurs, and succubus. It plays similarly to a tower defense game except the tower, being the princess, can be moved. If the princess receives too much damage, she lets out a screech that kills everything on the screen, which means game over.
In this game, the intro is a simulation of a game cartridge refusing unless press A to blow on it. Of course, you're given the option to skip that cut scene if it's reminded you of horrible memories with game cartridges. It's a nice touch that's only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the amount of nostalgia this game has to offer.
Once you reach the title screen, you already may be able to choose between four classes of knights to protect the princess as. There is the Warrior who can regenerate health, and deal heavy close-combat damage. The Ninja who uses deception to kill his foes with exploding decoys. He's also the fastest character in the game. There's also the Mage who attacks with fire from her staff, and she can also regenerate MP faster than anyone else. Then there is the Amazon who has the best range in the game with her boomerang. They all have a normal attack while their special attacks consume MP. All the characters feel the same in the beginning due to their limited abilities, but as the game goes on you begin to feel just how different they are.
The campaign is very short. It only lasts a good hour on the first playthrough. However, this game is meant to be played with friends. It can support up to 4 players with each player being a different class. This is where you'll get the most fun out of your game because you'll need teamwork if you want to beat the game on the highest difficulty level, which is "Hell". I found "Hell" mode to be the most fun because of the need for strategy and tactics, whereas the easier levels are just button-mash fests.
The graphics are in 2D sprites with an anime art direction. The game doesn't take itself seriously which is a nice shift from the usual melodrama in anime-styled games. These are the prettiest 8-bit graphics I have ever seen. Rivaling the graphics in Kirby's Adventure and Mega Man. It's nice to be able to not only play the game, but play the game appreciating the nice graphics done in the levels.
The music is very well done. It adds to the nostalgic atmosphere that the game spectacularly delivers on. My personal favorite is the theme where you are near the end of the level, and a swarm of monsters appear where you make your last stand.
Protect Me Knight is a superb effort for an indie game. It sticks with a tried and true formula as a defense tower game, and succeeds at making the game with the most important aspect in mind. Fun. My only gripe is the fact that it isn’t online compatible. It’s such a shame because this game would have an enormous boost in lasting appeal. Especially to those who don’t have access to friends to play with split-screen. Either way this is a bargain at only $3, so if you’re a retro junkie or someone who just loves fun video games. This game is for you.
