Musashi vs Cthulhu by Cyber Rhino Studios is a fast-paced, side-scrolling action game that delivers simple, while at the same time challenging and addictive, gameplay. The game just recently released in Steam Early Access, so I thought I would express my thoughts about the game in its current state with the two hours that I have put into it so far—and maybe deliver a full-blown review when Musashi vs Cthulhu leaves Early Access.
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Gameplay
Musashi vs Cthulhu is almost as simple as it gets when it comes to the control scheme, offering players the choice to only use the four arrow keys on a keyboard, or six buttons on a controller. This simplicity is matched by the challenging gameplay, however. Every input counts, requiring players to be precise with their attacks, or suffer the consequences. Sorry button mashers! Enemies can only be killed by hitting their weak-spots, which change as time goes on, forcing players to combo different attacks and think on their feet.
There is only one mode available to play in the current build of the game, where players are forced to fight against endless hordes of enemies coming at them from both sides, in an effort to achieve the highest score that they can. As time goes on, the enemies progressively become faster, and harder to kill. Getting hit by an enemy will result in the loss of one of three lives, but will also trigger a flash that pushes the enemies closest to the player back, providing some breathing room. Losing all three lives will send players back to where they started, where they can attempt to beat their previous high score.
Expectations
As the game sits in Early Access, the developers will be working very closely with the community, in order to make a game that players will enjoy. Plans for new modes are in the works, such as a story mode that will provide new stages. I would personally like to see the addition of new enemies as time goes on, player skins, as well as the ability to edit your control scheme.
Conclusion
I am absolutely in love with the simplicity and challenge of Musashi vs Cthulhu in its current, addictive state. The game is easy to pick up with the simplistic controls, and hard to put down, as playtime is definitely rewarded. I have felt myself improve the more I play, resulting in a drive to challenge myself and beat my previous score.
I am excited to see where the game goes, and what Cyber Rhino Studios plans to add/improve upon.
