A personal all-time favorite, Another World, debuted nearly 30 years ago. Narita Boy shares some thematic similarities. However, upon closer inspection, its aesthetic and narrative resonate strongly with the Disney classic, Tron. Players must navigate and battle through programs to uncover secrets embedded within the code.
Players are equipped with a Techno Sword, which also functions as a shotgun, a necessary tool given the waves of corrupted, zombie-like programs. Narita Boy presents itself as a classic platformer, enhanced by striking retro visuals and a comprehensive soundtrack, delivering a compelling sense of nostalgia. Gameplay involves more than just combat, traversal, and platforming; players must also acquire information and key items to progress.
One challenge in Narita Boy is the absence of an in-game map, which led to some early navigational frustration. The need to repeatedly traverse the same areas, before discovering the correct path, proved somewhat irritating and impacted the overall experience. While challenging gameplay is welcome, early impasses without clear solutions can detract from the enjoyment.
The control scheme is intuitive and responsive, facilitating quick engagement with the gameplay. The implementation of switching between melee and ranged attacks with the Techno Sword is well-designed. Furthermore, the narrative is inventive and engaging, complemented by meticulously crafted animation. Narita Boy is also well-suited for play on current-generation consoles.
In conclusion, Narita Boy delivers an entertaining retro experience, albeit one that can be frustratingly difficult at times. Despite these shortcomings, it still warrants a recommendation, primarily due to its immersive and epic nostalgic appeal.
