LogFAQs > #965845116

Outbuddies DX

This game is pretty standard Metroid-style gameplay, with a bit of a twist. You have a buddy that follows you around that you can control by holding down the buddy button to move as an independent character.

Initially it feels like this will set it apart, but ultimately this game feels far too derivative of Metroid. You start off with the buddy able to move blocks, but there are very few block puzzles in the game, and it only gains a couple of moves beyond that (the ability to hack enemies, which functionally is just used to turn them into platforms, and the ability to scan the environment for hidden breakable blocks, which is often used as an excuse to give breakable walls no indicator). The rest of the upgrades are standard Metroid fareblaster, power ball, bombs, missiles, charge beam, double jump, spider ball, etcwhich just made it feel uninspired.

Level and map design is pretty good here, although most of the areas look the same. Which ends up being a problem as backtracking and exploration is a huge aspect of this one. You are gated several times by having to upgrade your hacking ability, which is done by finding hidden (and I mean hidden) collectibles throughout the world, meaning you are expected to be thorough in scanning for breakable blocks and alternate paths. It ends up being a bit tedious as a lot of enemies remain a nuisance even as you power up, and breakable blocks etc respawn upon return to an area.

there is one other main aspect that differentiates it from Metroid, though, which is that a side quest of sorts is finding NPCs locked throughout the world. To save them you have to use another hidden collectiblebut that same hidden collectible can be spent on different that revive you during boss fights, also. However, as you save more and more of these NPCs they will give you health pickups during boss fights as well. Sort of an interesting risk/reward thing, but ultimately I never saw any reason not to just save the NPCs

boss fights, again, are pretty standard Metroid stuff but still fun with responsive and varied design. A couple were pretty damn challenging even with the added health pickups

overall, this was pretty fun. It tried a few interesting ideas although those were ultimately a bit undercooked, and sticks a little to close to the tried-and-true Metroid formula, but hey, that formula is a good one. A good way to spend 10 hours or so of your time if youre looking for a strictly Metroid-like experience

6/10