Guardian Heroes (XBLA) Review

Posted by Mark Salmela on 10.24.2011

One of the best beat-em-ups ever made. This is a title not to be missed.




Title: Guardian Heroes
Publisher: Sega
Developer: Treasure
Genre: Beat-em-up
Players: 1 – 2 (co-op), 1 – 12 (multiplayer)
Rated: T for Teen


Treasure is a company known for producing underappreciated, amazing titles. Whether it’s Gunstar Heroes, Ikaruga, Sin and Punishment, or Radiant Silvergun, Treasure makes amazing games. Guardian Heroes is no different. Guardian Heroes is a 2D beat-em-up game with RPG elements. Originally released on the Sega Saturn in 1996, this XBLA version features both the original game as well as a remixed version with new graphics and altered controls.

One of the unique features of Guardian Heroes is that it has three different plane levels which you can fight on. You can switch between the foreground, middle ground, and background at any time. In addition to three different types of melee attacks Guardian Heroes also features a magic system. You have a variety of magic attacks at your disposal, but also a magic meter which drains every time you use a magic attack. Magic attacks are meant to be used as crowd control or ranged attacks, while melee attacks are for up-close and personal attacks.



The story of Guardian Heroes is deep and complex, and can be ignored if all you care about is the combat. Trying to explain Guardian Heroes’ story would take multiple paragraphs and only leave readers confused, so I’m not going to try to explain it. As interesting as Guardian Heroes’ story appears to be, the lack of voice-overs hurts as there’s a lot of text dialogue to read. The only key point you need to retain is that you’ve obtained the sword of a legendary hero called the Undead Hero, and he will obey your every command. This means that even while playing single player you’ll always have a partner with you, and you can control how he plays, whether it’s aggressively or defensively.

Guardian Heroes revolutionized the beat-em-up genre in many different ways. First off Guardian Heroes included branching paths in its gameplay. There’s an overarching story in Guardian Heroes, and you’ll be presented with several instances of dialogue options where your decision effects what levels you go to, what bosses you fight, and which of the game’s many endings you receive. Guardian Heroes includes over 20 different levels, but you’ll only play a handful of them on a single playthrough, meaning you’ll have to play the entire game several times in order to experience everything.

There’s also an RPG style level-up system. Each of the game’s characters have initial stats in strength, vitality, intelligence, mentality, agility, and luck, which can be leveled up over the course of the game. You earn experience each time you damage an enemy. You can only level up at the end of each level, and your stat changes become permanent after you leave the level-up menu.



Guardian Heroes is a game overflowing with personality. Enemies have distinct looks to them with unique animations, the environment is well detailed and looks awesome, and the music is second to none. I would put the Guardian Heroes soundtrack up against any old school video game soundtrack. Guardian Heroes is simply a blast to play. You can tell Treasure put a lot of care and love into this game. Even little things like how one of the characters, Randy, has a pet rabbit that’ll help you attack enemies. The rabbit even does minute amounts of damage. Watching a tiny rabbit kick a knight in the shin is just plain fun.

The multiplayer mode supports up to 4 players local and 12 players online fighting in an arena style versus mode. It’s quite hectic but a fun distraction. Also, be sure to set the graphics to original. I’m not a big fan of the remixed graphics, but thankfully Treasure made sure to include the original graphics and even cleaned them up so the game runs properly in widescreen.





Pros

- Awesome combat system.
- RPG style leveling up system helps remove some of the repetition.
- Amazing sound track.
- Multiple paths and multiple endings increases replayability.
- Unmatched charm and personality


Cons

- The story is a little over-the-top and convoluted.
- No voice-overs. There’s a lot of text to read.
- Magic attacks and commands to control the Undead Hero are still harder to select than they should be.
- Only 2 players co-op.


The 411


All pictures use the new graphics. The old graphics are much more crisp, and have a pixel look.


Guardian Heroes is easily my favorite Sega Saturn game, and has become one of my favorite XBLA titles as well. If you want to know where Castle Crashers got its inspiration, look no further. Guardian Heroes has a great combat system, an incredible personality, one of the best old-school soundtracks ever, and terrific replayability. I recommend Guardian Heroes to anyone. Every time I play Guardian Heroes I find myself humming along to the music, losing myself in its great gameplay, and chuckling at all the personality the game offers. Give this game a try, and you will love it too. This is everything video games should be.

Graphics	8.0	It may not have crisp and sharp HD visuals, but there’s a lot of detail and well animated characters.
Gameplay	9.5	One of, if not the best beat-em-up ever made. Awesome melee combat, a fun magic system for ranged combat, and an RPG style leveling up system.
Sound	10.0	I can’t get enough of the soundtrack. Awesome, old-school music.
Lasting Appeal	9.0	Branching pathways ensure that you’ll have to play this game numerous times to play every level, fight every boss, and see every ending.
Fun Factor	9.5	This game’s personality and charm will win you over. The game’s a blast to play as well.
Overall	9.5   [  Amazing ]