Does Bleed 2 live up to the hype, and is it worth your time and money? In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the gameplay, graphics, and overall experience of Bleed 2 to help you decide if it’s a suitable game for you.
Overview of Bleed 2 and its gameplay.
- Developer Website: Bootdisk Revolution
- Release date: 8 February 2017
- Available platforms: Windows, MAC, Linux, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One/Xbox Series X, PS4/PS5.
- Genre: Indie, Arcade, Bullet Hell, Platformer
Bleed 2 is a high-octane, action-packed side-scrolling shooter and is a sequel to the excellent “Bleed” but builds and improves on the foundation of its original. In this 2D run-and-gun game, players control Wryn, the protagonist, to shoot enemies while avoiding obstacles as she progresses through the level, each with its own bosses and individual style.
Gameplay
Bleed 2 controls are smooth and responsive, allowing players to easily maneuver through the screen while making it easy to focus on the action.
The levels are well-designed and feature a good balance of shooting, platforming, dodging, enemy waves, and boss battles.
Each level moves at a breakneck speed and lasts around 5 to 10 minutes each while offering many challenges along the way. However, an experienced player can crank up the heat by setting the difficulty to HARDEST if they want a challenge.
Each level ends with a unique, demanding, and visually impressive Boss Battle that forces players to employ different strategies each time to defeat them. Bosses themselves can vary from a Truck to a Rocket launcher holding alien, even a robotic sphere to a ninja assassin.
Graphics and sound design
Each level is stylized with modern-retro-inspired graphics and has a vibrant, colorful palette that screams arcade, with enough differences to keep the player wanting to discover what’s next.
The game’s fast pace is complimented by its music, which is one of its standout features. Composed by “Jukio Kallio,” the game features an upbeat and energetic soundtrack that fuses rock with EDM. The soundtrack of the game, which is a separate piece of art in itself, changes as the player moves through the levels and adapts to the intensity of the on-screen gameplay. Each level and Boss Battle has its musical theme, and it dramatically improves the boss fights as the music adapts to the enemy’s attacks, making the game all the more immersive.
With the electronic instruments and high-energy tempo, the soundtrack perfectly matches the fast-moving, bullet-hell gameplay of Bleed 2. Overall, the music is integral in providing the player with a sense of immersion and creating a fun and memorable gaming experience.
Difficulty level and replayability
Bleed 2’s seven levels are unique and have distinct visuals and themes, ranging from jumping from rooftop to rooftop to a highway and moving across vehicles using the highway, even an alien spaceship. This difference in the environment has been utilized by the game developers at Bootdisk Revolution to create distinct gameplay for each level.
On some levels, Wryn is hopping along surfaces like in any old platformer, and in the next, she hurls projectiles at the enemies while dodging obstacles while fighting waves of enemies. So the player has to adopt a different action plan on every level to defeat and subdue the enemy.
Bleed 2 also has multiple game modes:
- Story: The game describes it as a casual experience with cutscenes, checkpoints, and infinite lives
- Arcade: Single-life gameplay to compete for Leaderboard bragging rights
- Endless: Series of randomly generated levels, providing a new adventure every time you play
- Challenge: Battle up to 3 bosses simultaneously for the ultimate challenge.
Along with multiple play modes, players can use an extensive range of weapons, upgrades, and customization, making it repayable and an excellent choice for fans of this mixed genre.
Similar games to Bleed 2
Bleed 2 stands out for its fast-paced action and challenging gameplay compared to other indie games in the same genre. While some indie games may focus more on story or exploration, Bleed 2 is all about the gameplay and the satisfaction of mastering its mechanics.
Fans of games like Hotline Miami or Katana ZERO will likely enjoy Bleed 2’s intense action and difficulty. However, those seeking a more relaxed gaming experience may want to look elsewhere.
Is Bleed 2 Worth Your Time and Money?
Overall, Bleed 2 ticks a lot of boxes and delivers on its promise of fast-paced action and challenging gameplay. While it may not be for everyone, fans of the genre will likely find it to be a satisfying experience.
The game’s mechanics are well-designed, and the difficulty curve is just right, providing a sense of accomplishment as you progress through the levels. If you’re looking for a new indie game to play and enjoy a challenge, Bleed 2 is worth your time and money.
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