LogFAQs > #970859003

9. Bleed (2012)
https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/6/2/8/AABKTfAAEF30.jpg

I don't have much experience with what they call 'twin stick shooters' (I've played Hotline Miami and Binding of Isaac if those count), and this is a different variety than the ones I'm familiar with. Rather than an isometric view, Bleed's a sidescrolling action-platformer, kinda like Contra, though with an even greater focus on the action. It actually reminded me a lot of Severed Steel, a parkour FPS I played last year. The coolest thing about it is that after jumping, you can air dash three times in any direction, so your mobility is through the roof. You also get a generous time slow ability, allowing you to actually use said mobility well in the heat of combat. Dodging enemy attacks and constantly shooting the enemy is super satisfying, and aiming feels generous since you use the right stick to aim and can hit the enemies basically anywhere. The levels were solid, but the numerous bosses were the highlight, since they were a good opportunity to go all out. The best levels were probably the ones where you had to race forward quickly, which made good use of the rapid air dashing.

The game's pretty breezy, with only a few levels that aren't super long - it took me around an hour to beat the whole thing. For some reason, I was expecting it to be an ultra hard game, but it really wasn't? The checkpoints are extremely generous, so while I died a fair amount, I don't feel like I ever really struggled, and I never died more than a couple times on bosses. It feels like it's built for replayability with a score system on the levels, higher difficulties, and more unlockable weapons/characters, but I was satisfied with the experience I had. The only real negative of the game was that the controls are a bit awkward (it uses R2 for jump/dash because your thumb's always going to be on the right stick, though this is remappable), but they're probably as good as it gets for this type of game. Lots of fun, and playing it made me want to play the sequel, too. Why I haven't yet despite playing this 9 months ago is beyond me (I bought it, just haven't touched it)...