Avenging Spirit Review
PROS
- Bizzarre classic Arcade platforming action.
- Swap bodies and collect the powers of those you fight.
- Two endings based off your progression.
CONS
- A short game to finish if you know what you're doing.
VERDICT
It may not be a new game, but Avenging Spirit isn't exactly your typical platformer and remains just as fun now as it did back in the Arcades.
- Full Review
- App Store Info
Avenging Spirit, otherwise known as Phantasm in Japan, was perhaps one of the most curious concepts to come out of 1991 (and this is the same year players played as a robotic cod; helped lemmings to escape traps; and fought criminal overlords from Shadaloo on the streets). In what is to be the first in a series of team-ups between DotEmu and JALECO, you'll be able to possess the criminals who killed you and kidnapped your girlfriend in an attempt to learn the secrets of the spirit realm.
The controls are surprisingly simple considering the concept and players need only to move around the screen with a virtual stick while jumping and shooting their weapon with the two on screen buttons. What makes Avenging Spirit such a challenging and interesting platformer is the ability to possess anyone you fight, taking on almost all of their abilities. This can make things very difficult if you're forced to give up a useful body like a Ninja only to be forced to use a perverted Vampire, but should you pick the right body for the boss at the end of each level you'll find the game to be a snap to complete.
Given the age of the game it's surprising to see the intense amount of detail that has gone in to the sprites, though at times the visual clutter can make it hard to work out where you're going. Handy arrows can help out, but with so many paths open to choose from it can become a daunting game to master.
Avenging Spirit isn't a particularly long game and the ability to jump in at levels you've unlocked can make this an even easier game to finish, but like any good classic arcade title it'll fight you for every inch you make. An excellent adaption of a fun arcade title and a solid addition to any classic and modern gamer's collection.
Screenshots
FREE
