Note: This review is an expanded version of our previous review.
When I first heard about The Messenger during a Nindies showcase, I was immediately hooked. It was a throwback to one of my favourite NES series, Ninja Gaiden, and looked like it had some neat twists to it. Once the game came out on Switch, I immediately delved into the game and experienced what I can only describe as a spiritual sequel done right.
The Messenger is full of self aware humor and writing, but also game design. The knockback you experienced in Ninja Gaiden on the NES for example, has actually been worked into The Messenger as a means of progression for example. This is just one of the many changes to an established formula to both make the game more manageable and still provide a neat challenge. It is easier than Ninja Gaiden in some ways yes, but even more challenging in other ways.
Trying to be a throwback to an older style of game does not always succeed. You need to know when to change things and when not to, and this is a difficult balance to maintain. The Messenger does this beautifully however, and ends up creating its own legend in the process and move beyond the shadow of its inspiration. The Messenger constantly throws out new ideas at you, but never in a way that feels like you are overwhelmed. The pace is properly maintained, and the twists and turns you encounter will lead you to a great experience.
The Game brings twists at a brilliant pace, both major and minor. Minor twists may include how a boss battle actually plays out, and major twists will change the way the game is played entirely,. The Messenger is not exactly what you think it is, and quickly proves itself to be one of the most innovative games to come out of the retro indie boom. It pays homage t its inspiration as I said above, but then takes things in a direction that Ninja Gaiden’s developers simply didn’t have in mind. This is a good thing as The Messenger is able to not only build on NG, but show how far that concept can go while being its own thing.
I also want to comment on the dialogue in the game, as it is extremely well done. It is witty sharp and quick and will gleefully not just break the fourth wall but also mock how formulaic games are. This is easily one of the most Meta games I have seen in a long time, and it is all done so well. I encourage players to listen to every bit of dialogue, as you will enjoy it immensely.
The game switches between 8 and 16 bit visuals and music, and I must say that the music in the game is absolutely incredible. I found the music would be stuck in my head for hours afterwards, even the music you only hear briefly such as the shop music, which is the mark of great audio design, The visuals are also brilliantly handled and while I will not give any spoilers for the game, there is an interesting reason for everything that happens.
This is just an amazing game, and one everyone should play. It is a true masterpiece.