Sparkster flies again after fifteen years of solitude, delivering a wonderfully-crafted gameplay experience.
The story transpires nearly fifteen years after the events of Rocket Knight Adventures. The Devotindos Empire, soundly crushed in the first game, struggles to keep afloat and desperately appeals to the very kingdom it invaded--the Zephyrus Kingdom. An alliance is formed which supposedly softens the rather hostile relations between the opossums and pigs--the latter provide labor while the former provide shelter, food and resources. Peace seemed within arm's reach, despite the protests of our indignant Rocket Knight, who suddenly realizes that Zephyrus no longer needed his service or his loyalty; handing those responsibilities over to his arch-nemesis Axel Gear; who is now revered as an icon. Thus, Sparkster leaves his beloved kingdom to live a simple life of a farmer; eventually settling down with a wife and son. But no sooner does he whip his plowshares on a lazy Zephyrian afternoon that a surprise attack launched by the Mountain Wolves calls him back to action--once again donning the hero's steel, plate and rocket-propelled jetpack. The return of the Rocket Knight after fifteen years of isolated solitude is at hand, and this is where you come in.
If you've played the Rocket Knight games on the Genesis and Super NES, you'll know what to expect coming in. There are two modes of play---the standard Arcade Mode with variable difficulty settings catered towards hardcore gamers, and Free Play mode for the younger, casual crowds. Controls on the 360 are surprisingly comfortable and well-adjusted, even if on rare occasions when it gets slippery, but it isn't enough to get in the way of your experience. Sparkster retains his trusty sword and many of his original moves--including a stationary spin slash, rocket-propelled charge attacks, ricocheting off walls in a 45 degree angle, and the ability to glide across rails using his trademark prehensile tail. Per usual, you will collect gems and other goodies scattered throughout the game's four major worlds and, in doing so, you'll be able to post your high scores on online leaderboards for the world to admire (or laugh at). Sparkster's also got some new moves--though they're few and far between, they're enough to elevate his effectiveness both in combat and serious platforming situations. For example, our Rocket Knight can no longer consecutively boost like he could in the original Genesis game, but he can hover in the air for short periods in a maneuver known as a Boost Assist. While propelling forward, Sparkster can also pull off a drill attack that allows him to shatter specific defenses and obstacles. Furthermore, you can shoot projectiles at will---both during platforming sequences and side-scrolling shooter phases, which also make a glorious return from previous games. They're as exciting and challenging as they've ever been, and are sure to give your thumbs a workout. Accomplishing specific tasks, such as collecting every gem and extra life in each stage or beating levels under a predetermined time limit, will not only pave the way for earning achievements, but also unlock new costumes for Sparkster to use---even Axel Gear's skin if you're so inclined.
The visual style of Rocket Knight is quite amazing. It's a little different than what you're probably used to, but in all fairness, some of the natural environments and character designs are equated towards what you'd normally see in a world inhabited by pigs, opossums and wolves, giving the game a homely, appropriate look. Graphic wise, everything looks wonderful and pleasing to the eye. The music is also pretty good with dramatic accompaniments and familiar themes that will surely warm those who loved the original games with a fuzzy, nostalgic feeling.
How unbelievable that, after fifteen long and arduous years---in-game and in real life---a beloved, lesser-known Konami mascot with a curly tail and a jetpack has flown back into the fold for both fans of the franchise and curious newcomers. Sparkster may not have been enormously popular, but he holds a place in many gamers' hearts, so it was unduly fitting that he be given a next-gen treatment. A shame that my only real concern is the rather high asking price of 1200 MS Points. Yet, in the long run, Rocket Knight can be enjoyed by just about anyone, and it is an experience that you don't want to miss.