Skeleton Boomerang (PC) Review

If you've ever played the classic NES Ninja Gaiden games, then you're likely familiar with the windmill shuriken. This handy weapon returns to its wielder when thrown, much like a boomerang. It's most curious aspect is that it will continue circling Ryu, as long as he avoids catching it. The unique mechanics of the windmill shuriken are the likely inspiration for Skeleton Boomerang. In this action-platformer, players will become reacquainted with a lost technique, while dealing with a legion of bony adversaries.

What's the point in mastering the art of the boomerang? After all, this curved stick is capable enough of breaking bones. Well, it's a matter of style. Destroying multiple enemies, without allowing the boomerang to touch Hunter, creates a combo. Combos result in bonus points, and will eventually unlock power-ups such as new weapons, techniques, and increased health. Of course, in order to maintain a combo, the player will make the game more difficult on themselves.

Picture a series of platforms hovering precariously over a bed of lava. It's problematic enough surviving this dangerous situation, but what if the hero is being chased by something? No, not a ghoulish fiend, but instead an errant boomerang. Sure, Hunter could catch the weapon, but then he'd lose his precious 8x multiplier bonus. Thus, he makes a dangerous situation all the more complicated, just to pursue a high score. It's the common story of risk vs reward. The level design is very appropriate for the game. Players won't have to manage pixel perfect jumps or thread the needle through spike-filled hallways. There's always enough space to move around in, which encourages creative boomerang usage.

Manipulating a unique tool of destruction is an endeavour made easy, thanks to the great controls. Hunter is capable of rolling on the ground and during a jump, which gives him the momentum necessary to cross gaps. He also has the ability to side-step otherwise inescapable attacks with a flourish. Also, the boomerang behaves appropriately. It doesn't home in on the wielder so much as it soars in their general direction. It can be manipulated to collide with enemies, in order to keep the combo going. Making use of techniques such as the "air brake," which stops the weapon in mid-air, will be helpful to players.

Each stage is filled with skeletons of all flavours. Some merely wander around, in the hopes that adventurers will accidentally bump into them. Others take the initiative, throwing their bones or spitting fireballs at anyone who comes near. Undead samurai and ninja, straight out of feudal Japan, will also accost the hero. The toughest of these lost souls are undoubtedly the bosses. Learning their patterns is ideal for survival. All of the confrontations, from the smallest threat to the largest, are well-designed and entertaining.

As one can expect from a mysterious island, there are many secrets to uncover. For example, a careful eye is needed, in order to spot hidden stages on the map. While exploring, it's worth taking a moment to investigate suspicious pathways or breakable walls. In most stages, Hunter can happen across cool necklaces. This jewellery can be used to unlock fights with optional bosses. Special encounters will result in unique rewards, like a bat that allows the hero to slide through enemies. Obtaining all of the collectibles adds a nice amount of replay value to the game.

When it comes to any videogame, a great soundtrack is essential. Skeleton Boomerang's music is exquisite. The composer +Tek has really outdone himself. His previous works include fantastic arrangements of games such as Eschatos, and what he's accomplished here is flat-out astonishing. Every piece elevates the on-screen action tenfold. It really is one of the best soundtracks personally heard in quite a long time.

In almost every regard, this game is finely tuned. The controls are responsive and the hit boxes are appropriate. There won't be any moments where the player will yell, "I pressed the jump button!" or "That didn't even come close to hitting me!" Sometimes the visuals can get a little distracting. The fire boomerang spawns a couple of fireballs when it destroys an enemy. These are harmless to the player, but they could also stand to be a little less opaque.

Over the course of the adventure, there are a few points where Hunter has to ride a snowmobile. These incidents can be considered vehicle sections. While I hate vehicle sections with every bone in my body, they get a pass here. One of them, which somewhat resembles a shmup, carries over the mechanics that make the rest of the game work. The others are short and not at all frustrating, so they're at least tolerable.