TL;DR
Looking for a mecha fix after 13 Sentinels? Hardcore Mecha delivers a fast-paced platformer with stylish anime visuals and plenty of mech customization. While the gameplay can become a bit repetitive and targeting smaller enemies is tricky, the engaging story, solid Japanese voice acting, and smooth performance on Switch make it a fun ride. Just be aware of some questionable character design choices and lengthy dialogue segments. If you're craving a dynamic mech adventure, dive into the full review to see if Hardcore Mecha is your next obsession.
Following my review of 13 Sentinels – Aegis Rim, I wanted to revisit my fondness for anime, particularly the mecha genre. A long-time favorite series of mine is Robo-Tech, and I had hoped Vanillaware’s Aegis Rim would satisfy my craving for a compelling mecha game. Finding myself somewhat disappointed, I approached Hardcore Mecha with considerable anticipation, hoping for a more fulfilling experience.
Hardcore Mecha presents itself primarily as a platform game. This design choice has both advantages and disadvantages. The gameplay is generally fast-paced, featuring numerous upgrades and waves of enemies. However, this can, unfortunately, lead to a sense of monotony over extended play sessions. Additionally, targeting smaller, rapidly moving enemies can be challenging due to aiming mechanics that are not always intuitive.
Hardcore Mecha distinguishes itself with a stylish aesthetic and runs efficiently on the Nintendo Switch, performing well in both docked and handheld modes. The Japanese voice acting, coupled with fitting music and sound effects, contributes to a generally enjoyable gaming experience. The narrative is engaging, and the game features a substantial number of levels to progress through.
Each Mecha possesses unique abilities and skills, adding a layer of variety to the gameplay. Furthermore, a wide array of weapons can be acquired and purchased, further customizing the player’s experience.
Hardcore Mecha exhibits quick loading times. While the graphics are well-executed and stylish, they adopt a relatively simplistic approach. The cutscenes are presented as still images accompanied by dialogue. The dialogue is extensive, in a manner typical of Japanese games, which can become somewhat tedious over time. A notable drawback is that Hardcore Mecha, to some extent, shares the same problematic portrayal of women observed in Aegis Rim. While somewhat improved here, the character design choices, such as revealing necklines, remain questionable, especially considering the game’s recent release on other consoles.
In conclusion, Hardcore Mecha offers a fast-paced and enjoyable platforming experience with a distinct anime aesthetic. The controls are responsive and intuitive, allowing players to quickly engage in protecting the planet. While it exhibits certain shortcomings, the game warrants a favorable recommendation overall.
