If you’re looking for a game to channel your Mega Man X needs, it might be a good idea to wishlist Super Alloy Crush. First of all, because Chinese developer Alloy Mushroom literally introduces the game that way on its Steam page and maybe more important, they’ve already delivered on that promise earlier with Super Alloy Ranger. A very positively reviewed game that flew under the radar a bit.
We’ve seen truckloads of Mega Man (X)-inspired platformers, and to be fair, fans of the platform-shooter genre have been well served. Games like Azure Striker Gunvolt, Gravity Circuit, and Berserk Boy take the look and feel of Mega Man X, add new mechanics, and build something of their own, making this one of the better-served corners of the retro-inspired game space.
We took the preview demo for a spin to find out if it’s worth keeping an eye on with the release on April 9th immanent.
One game, two playstyles
If we had to categorise the gameplay of Super Alloy Crush, it definitely feels more straightforward action platformer than the competition I mentioned earlier. The focus leans heavily on combat and destruction. Apart from all the typical platforming stuff you have to you are obliged to break just about everything in your path in . Almost every encounter is built around keeping momentum while dealing with groups of enemies and environmental clutter.
You can choose between two characters: Muu and Kelly. Each plays completely differently. One could argue that picking either character almost feels like playing a different game. Kelly plays much like a traditional Mega Man character. She carries a fire weapon that can shoot left, right, up, and down. Her playstyle is about controlling space and pacing your advance.
Muu, on the other hand, does not carry a weapon. She uses powerful claws and forces you to get up close with enemies. This completely changes the flow. You need to dash into groups, unleash attacks, and use your mobility to deal with threats from all angles. It is a more aggressive and reflex-driven approach compared to Kelly.
Lets break stuff
The city stage in the demo is littered with crates and wreckage. Destroying these leaves behind coins, power-ups, and capsules that fill your meters.
There is a lot to destroy. Almost every floor has something to break, whether it is a crate or a car wreck. I haven’t timed it, but going for all the loot will easily more than double the time it takes to clear the stage.
The demo does not really show what you can do with the money yet. After finishing, you are sent straight to a “Thanks for playing” screen. We have been told that power-ups can be unlocked between stages in the full version.
Battle Frenzy Mode
Alongside Story Mode, the demo also includes Battle Frenzy mode. This is an endless wave mode where you fight through hordes of enemies until reaching a checkpoint. At that point, you can spend your rewards on buffs and upgrades, similar to Vampire Survivors or Ball×Pit.
While the mode is enjoyable, it currently feels a bit limited. The perks available are fairly modest, mostly small percentage increases like extra damage or higher rewards. You will not find anything too wild or game-changing here.
There is potential in this mode, but it depends on how much the final version expands on these ideas. As it stands, the groundwork is there, but I am not entirely convinced it will push much further.
Overdrive
To add some extra flavour to combat, the game includes an Overdrive system. This allows you to power up your attacks and unleash stronger moves. These Overdrive attacks can be aimed in multiple directions, just like your standard attacks. You can use several in a row while the meter lasts. Once fully charged, you gain access to a screen-clearing Super Overdrive. It is a simple system, but it fits well within the pace of the game.
The demo features boss encounters in both Story Mode and Battle Frenzy. How you approach these fights depends on which character you choose. This again highlights how differently Muu and Kelly play and adds some replay value, even within the limited scope of the demo.
Early Take
We have high hopes that this could turn into an above-average platformer based on what is there right now. The foundation is solid and the character design adds enough variation to keep things interesting.
The main question is whether Alloy Mushroom will expand on the Battle Frenzy mode. If they manage to introduce more distinctive upgrades and mechanics, that mode could elevate the game beyond being just a solid entry in the genre. For now, this is one to keep an eye on and for the €9,99.
