The video game world is so vast and with so many genres that it’s getting huge (almost like the Marvel comics universe). Due to this, it is not uncommon to see nods or Easter eggs portrayed in other games. But what if there was a game that is just one big Easter egg itself? This is what happens in a really fun action/adventure/puzzle/run and gun game called Rise and Shine.
In Rise and Shine, we take on the role of a young boy called Rise. He is your typical NPC-like character who gets involved in the war between Gamearth and Nextgen (console wars anyone?). While taking shelter in a mall, the “Legendary Hero” dies to save him and entrusts him with the legendary weapon, Shine. Rise is supposed to just deliver Shine to the king of Gamearth. However, things take a turn for the worst, and it’s up to Rise and Shine to save everyone.
One of the things that struck me the most was how many references Rise and Shine uses. It’s funny since the dialogue between characters shows that they know they are in a game. This does a great job to set the pace and mood of the adventure. Speaking of references, I was delighted to see so many familiar faces and homages that I spent a lot of time admiring and chuckling when I saw them. The “Legendary Hero” looks a lot like Link from Legend of Zelda. When Rise gets to the shelter and finds his mom, the average gamer will just press the button quickly to get over with the images presented as the story, but for the watchful eye of a connoisseur, there is no rush. There are so many characters from different games that it is just wonderful.
But Rise and Shine is not just AMAZING hand drawn graphics and nostalgic nods, it is a blend of different genres. Through the story, you get a shmup segment that feels just right because at heart it is a run a gun platformer like Megaman or Contra. However, it’s not just mindlessly shooting everything on sight. For example with your normal bullets, you can take almost every enemy, but for mechanical enemies, you deal massive amount of damage with the electric bullets. Conversely, if you attack a non-mechanical enemy with the electric bullet, they get a electric shock and are stopped for a few seconds, giving you enough time to swap bullets and take them off.
Speaking of controls, you have a double jump with B, shoot with ZR, and aim with the right stick. However, to do so you must press ZL to take out Shine. With R, you swap between bullet types, and with L, you get access to special bullets like the homing bullet and bomb. Getting used to the controls is a must since at times you need to be quick to swap bullets. Maybe the enemy needs to be hit in a specific spot, so you need to attack with the homing bullet. Or, the enemy has a shield, so you need to use the bomb bullet. When you use it, a red line appears to show the trajectory of the bullet. Holding down the button for a long time shoots a sticky bomb in a straight direction. The bomb doesn’t explode unless you press the button to detonate it (you can also use a electric bomb with electric bullets). There is definitely a strategy for each enemy.
The puzzles are varied and some have you shooting a switch while trying to get to another fast enough to trigger another an open a door. While some take steady aim and guiding, they are fun and feel fresh. The story itself is fun and original, and the music is really good, especially when fighting a boss. It gets you pumped up to the point (at least for myself) that you want defeat it at any cost.
Bottom Line: Rise and Shine is a fresh take on the platformer genre. With great graphics, tons of references, and overall fun game play, this is a game that video game lovers in general cannot miss. I give it a solid recommendation.
A Review copy was provided for this review.