The Messenger Game Review: A Ninja-tastic Adventure.

If you are a fan of retro-style action-platformers, you might want to check out The Messenger, a game developed by Sabotage Studio and published by Devolver Digital. The Messenger is a game that pays homage to classics like Ninja Gaiden, Chrono Trigger, and Monkey Island, but with a modern twist and a lot of humor.

The Messenger follows the story of a young ninja who is tasked with delivering a scroll that is vital for his clan's survival. Along the way, he encounters a variety of enemies, obstacles, and surprises that will challenge his skills and test his patience. The game features two distinct gameplay modes: an 8-bit mode that resembles the NES era, and a 16-bit mode that resembles the SNES era. The game switches between these modes as the story progresses, offering different graphics, music, and mechanics.




The game also features a clever time-travel mechanic that allows the player to travel between the past and the future. This mechanic adds a layer of depth and complexity to the game, as the player has to use it to solve puzzles, access new areas, and alter the course of events. The game also has a lot of secrets and hidden content to discover, such as optional challenge rooms, collectibles, upgrades, and easter eggs.

One of the highlights of The Messenger is its witty and hilarious dialogue. The game is full of jokes, references, and fourth-wall breaking moments that will make you laugh out loud. The game does not take itself too seriously and pokes fun at its own genre and tropes. The characters are also very memorable and quirky, such as Quarble, the demon familiar who revives you when you die; The Shopkeeper, who sells you items and tells you stories; and The Prophet, who guides you on your quest.







The game also boasts an amazing soundtrack by Rainbowdragoneyes, who composed all the music using a Nintendo Entertainment System. The soundtrack is catchy, energetic, and nostalgic, perfectly matching the mood and tone of the game. The soundtrack also adapts to the gameplay mode, switching between 8-bit and 16-bit versions of the same songs.




The Messenger is not without its flaws, however. The game can be quite difficult and frustrating at times, especially for casual gamers. Some of the bosses are very tough and require precise timing and execution. Some of the levels are also very long and have no checkpoints, forcing you to replay them from the start if you die. The game can also feel repetitive and tedious after a while, as you have to backtrack through many areas multiple times.

Overall, The Messenger is a great game for fans of retro-style action-platformers who are looking for a challenge and a good laugh. The game offers a lot of content and replay value for its price, and it is constantly updated with new features and improvements by the developers. If you are looking for a ninja-tastic adventure that will keep you on your toes and make you smile, then The Messenger is the game for you.