Make some space, Metroidvania fans! A new entry has come into the area to bring refreshing visuals and unique mechanics. IceSitruuna’s Frontier Hunter: Erza’s Wheel of Fortune is seeking a slot in the crowded Metroidvania library. Their anime-inspired visuals and character-switching mechanics are expected to make the game stand out from the crowd. But, does the game succeed in delivering a compelling experience for fans? Let’s start on the key aspects of this title with this Frontier Hunter: Erza’s Wheel of Fortune game review to see if it’s worth your time and effort.
Engaging Gameplay with a Twist
Following the classic Metroidvania formula, Frontier Hunter explores the interconnected areas. You can also unlock new abilities and backtrack to access previously unreachable locations. The game’s main standout feature is its three-character system. Two additional protagonists will be unlocked along with the titular Erza as your game progresses. These characters each have their own unique strengths and weaknesses.
An added layer of strategy is placed in the character-switching mechanic, making exploration and combat harder. Ezra has expertise in close-quarters combat and weapons like katanas and spears. Ciara, on the other hand, specialized in ranged attacks with gatling guns and sniper rifles. Nia, the third character, has her own set of skills. You can switch between these characters on the fly for diverse approaches to encounters and challenges.
Combat and Customization
The combat system in Frontier Hunter is generally enjoyable, offering a good variety of weapons and skills to experiment with. Each character can equip two weapons, and special skills can be unlocked by finding books throughout the game world. Additionally, artifacts provide further customization options, allowing players to tailor their loadouts to their preferred playstyle.
However, it’s worth noting that some balance issues exist. For example, Ciara’s gatling guns feel overpowered, capable of stunlocking even boss enemies with sustained fire. This can make some encounters feel less challenging than intended.
The game also features a robust crafting system, encouraging players to hunt for blueprints and materials to create powerful gear. A Magic Core system adds another layer of depth, allowing you to enhance your equipment with cores from defeated enemies.
Presentation and Story
Frontier Hunter boasts anime-style 2.5D visuals that generally look appealing. The main characters are well-designed and detailed, with customizable outfits and hairstyles. The various biomes you’ll explore offer colorful and diverse backdrops, though enemy designs can feel somewhat inconsistent across different areas.
Crash-landing on a mysterious planet, the story follows Erza and her companions as they gather parts to repair their ship. The plot becomes intriguing with the addition of various anime tropes and seemingly random elements. Some players may find the narrative difficult to follow or engage with meaningfully.
Rough Edges and Technical Issues
While Frontier Hunter has many positive aspects, it’s not without its flaws. Both reviews mention that the game feels rough around the edges in some places. There are occasional clunky controls, spelling errors in the text, and an overall lack of polish in certain areas.
Some boss fights may also feel frustratingly difficult, especially in the early stages of the game. This is partly due to the somewhat sluggish character controls and the bosses’ high damage output combined with multiple health bars.
Conclusion: Is It Worth Your Time?
Securing a solid entry in the metroidvania genre, Frontier Hunter: Ezra’s Wheel of Fortune is a refreshing treat to the scene. Its character-switching mechanic, deep customization options, and enjoyable combat system will give fans of the genre plenty of content to sink their teeth into.
However, the game’s rough edges and balance issues may affect your gaming experience. But if you’re willing to look past these flaws, you’ll see a lot of things to look forward to in this game, especially with its unique twists. Frontier Hunter remains to offer an entertaining adventure for Metroidvania enthusiasts!
