Red Ronin
- October 14, 2021
- Wired Dreams Studio
For people who like their puzzles just a little bit different and their pixel art filled with severed limbs Red Ronin is an absolute must.
Get on Steam
Get on Xbox Games StoreRed Ronin is a side-scrolling action game where you play as a samurai robot. Battle through hordes of enemies using your katana, shurikens, and awesome robot abilities. With stunning pixel art and a thrilling synthwave soundtrack, Red Ronin offers a nostalgic yet fresh take on the classic arcade experience.
Reviews
- The game features a unique blend of turn-based puzzle mechanics with fast-paced action, reminiscent of titles like Hotline Miami and Katana Zero.
- The visuals and soundtrack are engaging, enhancing the overall atmosphere and enjoyment of the gameplay.
- The level design is varied and introduces new mechanics throughout, keeping the experience fresh and exciting.
- The introduction of real-time mechanics disrupts the turn-based gameplay, leading to frustrating moments and inconsistent experiences.
- Some puzzles can feel overly chaotic and messy, making it difficult to strategize effectively and leading to a reliance on luck.
- There are issues with input delay and hit detection, which can result in frustrating deaths and a lack of responsiveness during critical moments.
- gameplay44 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 68 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game is a mixed bag, featuring innovative mechanics that blend turn-based and real-time elements, which can lead to frustrating inconsistencies and timing issues. While many players appreciate the introduction of new mechanics and the overall rewarding experience, the real-time components often clash with the turn-based system, detracting from the enjoyment. Despite these drawbacks, the game is praised for its engaging level design and the ability to keep gameplay fresh and challenging throughout.
“The developer does a good job of introducing new mechanics that are fun to play and justified by the narrative.”
“I appreciated that the game continuously provided new mechanics and enemy scenarios to deal with throughout the entire campaign - every new level felt fresh and exciting to play through.”
“Each set of levels introduces its own twist/mechanic, and the boss fights are interesting and a good use of the systems.”
“The game feels fairly janky and poorly designed, especially the 'innovative' real-time threat mechanics.”
“But the main issue I have is how the timing of the real-time mechanics frustratingly clashes with the timing of the turn-based mechanics at your disposal.”
“The basic takeaway is that it’s a fun turn-based game, but the experience is really hurt by the real-time mechanics contrasting the sluggish navigation.”
- story14 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The game's story is generally viewed as a basic revenge plot that lacks depth and originality, often feeling amateurish and serving primarily as a backdrop to the gameplay. While some players appreciate the engaging boss battles and the game's aesthetic, the writing is criticized for being uninspired and riddled with errors. Overall, the narrative is seen as serviceable but not particularly memorable, with a mix of intriguing elements that may appeal to fans of similar genres.
“The storytelling is economical and effective.”
“Battles with bosses are exciting duels and involved me even more with the protagonist's story of revenge.”
“The plot is simple but engaging - I want to know what happens next!!”
“The revenge plot is pretty basic, and never really makes you feel that bad for the plight of the protagonist.”
“The writing is boring, like a bog-standard revenge story with some real glaring typos, and the 'twist' is visible from space.”
“The story is just kind of a background element up to the point I played; I can't speak for the rest.”
- graphics12 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The game's graphics are characterized by a distinctive pixel art style that effectively conveys its action and cyberpunk aesthetics, though some players find it occasionally muddy and difficult to read. While the visuals are praised for their charm and ability to enhance the gameplay experience, there are mixed feelings about their overall execution, with some describing them as amateurish. Overall, the graphics contribute positively to the game's atmosphere, complemented by a fitting soundtrack and compelling narrative.
“A sweet puzzle game with action/cyberpunk aesthetics.”
“The graphics and audio are simple but extremely effective.”
“A fantastic puzzle/turn-based combat game, Red Ronin also has killer pixel graphics, a fun soundtrack, and an interesting story.”
“The art style is very pixelated, and can make it hard to read the room.”
“In addition to the level design itself being messy, the graphics are also just a bit too muddy and make visibility of the stage a bit difficult.”
“The aesthetic is kind of goofy and childish, but the gameplay and level design feels much 'tighter' and less chaotic/lucky in my opinion.”
- music12 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 8 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The music in the game is consistently praised for its engaging techno beats and cyberpunk vibes, enhancing the overall atmosphere and gameplay experience. Reviewers highlight the well-crafted soundtrack as a standout feature, complementing the pixel art and puzzle mechanics effectively. Overall, the music contributes significantly to the game's quality and immersion.
“I liked the soundtrack; it is very well made for such a small project.”
“Excellent music and game design reinforce the quality of the game.”
“The music usually has a techno beat that drives your engagement.”
“Music has cyberpunk vibes.”
- stability3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability has been widely criticized, with users reporting numerous bugs that disrupt gameplay and undermine strategic planning. Many find the experience frustrating, particularly during challenging boss fights, which are marred by inconsistent mechanics and glitches. Overall, the stability issues significantly detract from the game's enjoyment.
“It's buggy, it's horrible, it goes against the style of the game.”
“If you press the same button sequence at the same time interval, you can plan for spawns, but then the buggy sniper shots will ruin that strategy as well.”
“I like challenging boss fights, but this one is just a buggy, frustrating pile of garbage.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of Red Ronin is enhanced by its appealing pixel art animations and soundtrack, creating an engaging experience, though some players find the real-time mechanics can lead to frustration.
“The soundtrack and pixel art animations are nice and add a cool atmosphere.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is mixed, with some players finding the protagonist's motivation lacking, which in turn evokes sympathy for her targets rather than a connection to her journey.
“The emotional depth of the characters really drew me in, making me feel their struggles and triumphs.”
“I was genuinely moved by the story; it resonated with my own experiences and left a lasting impact.”
“The game beautifully captures the complexity of human emotions, making every decision feel weighty and significant.”
