We’ve been following the release of UrbX Warriors for some time, first reporting on the initial Kickstarter for the main release heading to PC and Spectrum Next soon. We also previewed the PC demo and interviewed Tony Warriner, known for his work on Broken Sword and Beneath a Steel Sky, about UrbX Warriors‘ development. Most recently, we reported on the 16-Bit version of the game, which is currently being developed for Amiga AGA and Sega Genesis, smashing its Kickstarter goal for a physical version, with late pledges still open.
Since then, developer Brazen Gameplay, headed up by Tony Warriner and Sensible Software veteran Stoo Cambridge, has kindly sent a prototype cartridge for us to have a go on. The 16-Bit version of UrbX Warriors: The Lost City is based on the main release and aims to replicate the arcade-style top-down gameplay. We played the cartridge on a standard Sega Genesis console on a CRT TV, using a standard 3-button controller.
The demo cartridge has three main sections to explore: the opening taster level that lets you pick up some of the early weaponry, a slightly harder follow-up stage that introduces tougher enemies and some secrets to uncover, and finally an underground section filled with slime and pits to fall into. The demo was quite tough to finish, as dying puts you right back to the start, and it took us a few goes to survive through to the end. This is great as it shows that UrbX Warriors 16-Bit is sticking to its arcade roots and providing a stiff challenge.
The core gameplay elements in UrbX Warriors 16-Bit are fighting enemies with melee tools or guns, finding keys for doors and chests, and exploring the world for secrets. What we really like about the way the levels unfold is that you can simply grab the minimum keys needed to get through the doors and whizz onto the next section. Or take the risk of diving deeper and finding the extra ammo and points that lead to being much better equipped to tackle the next section. This risk-reward mechanic gives an otherwise straightforward arcade experience some extra depth.
Controlling your character, of which there will be two on release, couldn’t be simpler with one button for attacking, one for switching weapons, and the other to activate switches. We felt in control during our playthrough of the demo and were impressed by how responsive the character was on screen. UrbX Warriors 16-Bit has a great overall feel, and any deaths we experienced were because we made a mistake or put our character into danger. There were a few times we became trapped by enemies and died, but this was all part of the learning curve that requires you to keep moving and think on your feet to find safe spaces to work in.
Overall, from our brief experience of UrbX Warriors 16-Bit so far, this is shaping up to be every bit as good as the PC and Spectrum Next release that will hopefully be landing in the next few months. Dare we say we’re more excited for the 16-Bit version, especially as it will also be released physically. Whatever our views, UrbX Warriors 16-Bit is a classy aracde game that will only get better as development continues. We will, of course, keep you up to date with news as it comes in and will review the PC version as soon as we can. In the meantime, go support the 16-Bit version by pledging on the Kicksarter page and support this great project.
