Thunder Kid

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Thunder Kid is a thrilling 3D action game following the journey of a young pilot, Johnny Thunder, and his battle against the Renegade Sector. Equipped with advanced power armor and weapons, players navigate through levels while battling enemies, collecting power-ups, and upgrading abilities. With intense combat sequences and diverse missions, Thunder Kid delivers an immersive experience, engaging players in a fight for justice and survival against the ruthless Renegade Sector.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Reviews

92%

Audience ScoreBased on 52 reviews

graphics12 positive mentions

story1 negative mentions

The game features colorful retro 3D graphics and a nostalgic aesthetic that appeals to fans of classic gaming.
Boss fights are engaging and well-designed, providing a satisfying challenge that encourages players to rethink their strategies.
The gameplay is unique and fun, combining elements of classic run-and-gun mechanics with tight controls and varied level designs.

The gameplay can feel unbalanced, with weak weapon damage making it frustrating to defeat enemies and bosses.
Level select allows players to skip levels, undermining the sense of progression and challenge.
The game lacks depth in its mechanics, with many enemies being avoidable and collectibles offering little incentive beyond achievements.

graphics
22 mentions
55 % positive mentions
32 % neutral mentions
14 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are characterized by colorful retro 3D visuals that evoke nostalgia, reminiscent of PS1 and N64 styles, and are complemented by a catchy soundtrack. While many players appreciate the charming aesthetic and bright low-poly art, some feel the graphics can appear rushed or like a rough draft, leading to occasional visibility issues during gameplay. Overall, the visuals are seen as a highlight, though they are sometimes hindered by gameplay mechanics.
- “What got my attention the most was the PS1/N64-era style graphics, and I was pleasantly surprised to find a game that hits a nice middle ground between Mega Man's overall structure, Crash Bandicoot's corridor-like level design, and some light bullet hell elements.”
- “Responsive controls and crisp, bright low-poly/pixel art visuals at a smooth framerate, with the sole exception of the final boss, which goes all in on the bullet hell elements teased in prior levels.”
- “This game has some fun features, cool graphics, and a basic premise which can be really relaxing.”
- “The graphics are... kind of like a rough draft, in my opinion.”
- “There's a fine line between charming and disappointing when it comes to graphics these days - they can be simple yet sweet, or they can look kind of rushed - and Thunder Kid really toes the line.”
- “It's rigidly locked behind the player to give them a sense of depth and to let them know where bullets are, which is important in this game, but it also caused some graphical oopsies and made it a bit tougher to see.”
gameplay
20 mentions
20 % positive mentions
65 % neutral mentions
15 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Thunder Kid is characterized by its fast-paced, action-oriented mechanics that require quick reflexes and strategic planning to navigate a semi-3D space filled with enemy projectiles. While the retro graphics and soundtrack evoke nostalgia, many players find the gameplay lacking depth, with limited mechanics and a feeling of repetitiveness that leaves them wanting more. Overall, it offers a unique experience for those who appreciate skill-based challenges, but it may not satisfy players looking for a more varied gameplay experience.
- “If you miss the days of skill-based gameplay, and want to try something fun no other game has done before, this is your game.”
- “The core gameplay of Thunder Kid relies on jumping and moving around a semi-3D space to dodge bullets and shoot bad guys.”
- “I mean, I wouldn't exactly describe the gameplay as 'relaxing' - it's very much an action game and it requires quick planning and tight focus - but the style of the game's presentation is cozy.”
- “While the colorful retro 3D graphics are nice and give the game nostalgic vibes with its banger soundtracks, the gameplay itself is a mess.”
- “Overall nice visuals but poorly managed gameplay.”
- “There are no power-ups or additional mechanics other than the occasional single HP restoration crystal dropped by blasted enemies.”
music
4 mentions
50 % positive mentions
25 % neutral mentions
25 % negative mentions
The music in the game is praised for its nostalgic vibe and fitting style, enhancing the overall experience despite the gameplay issues. Reviewers highlight the soundtracks as standout elements, particularly during boss fights, contributing positively to the game's retro aesthetic.
- “The music was good enough and fit the look and style of the game, the boss fights are truly where this game shines, the platforming is occasionally painful but I very much suggest checking this out.”
- “While the colorful retro 3D graphics are nice and give the game nostalgic vibes with its banger soundtracks, the gameplay itself is a mess.”
emotional
2 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
Users express a desire for a pacifist achievement that allows players to complete levels without inflicting damage, highlighting a contrast between levels that end by simply touching a crystal and those that require defeating an enemy to access the crystal. This suggests a yearning for more emotionally resonant gameplay that aligns with non-violent approaches.
humor
2 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by a blend of seriousness and comedic elements, reminiscent of classic TV show villains who are both genuinely menacing and amusing in their dialogue. This combination creates a lighthearted yet engaging narrative experience.
- “The storyline isn't complex, but it's serious yet funny in the same way as old TV show villains - genuinely villainous, but also kind of hilarious to hear talk.”
story
2 mentions
0 % positive mentions
50 % neutral mentions
50 % negative mentions
The story is straightforward, blending serious themes with humor reminiscent of classic TV show villains, making the narrative both engaging and entertaining.
- “The storyline isn't complex, but it's serious yet funny in the same way as old TV show villains - genuinely villainous, but also kind of hilarious to hear talk.”
grinding
2 mentions
0 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
100 % negative mentions
Players appreciate that "Thunder Kid" eliminates the need for grinding or unlocks, emphasizing pure skill in dodging, jumping, and shooting instead. This design choice allows for a more streamlined and skill-focused gameplay experience.