I usually don't partake in too many action-oriented games these days but with Bleed 2 being a side-scroller I felt I could probably manage. This sequel to the delightful game Bleed carries with it the similarly beautiful high-res pixel art and intense acrobatic combat. One of the noticeable differences may be the soundtrack which adds more layers and instruments to its retro inspired beats. Bleed 2 in many ways just feels like more of the same but hey if it ain't broke don't fix it, right? Whether you are familiar with the series or not this is as good of a point to jump in as any.
Bleed 2 starts with videogames, naturally. The main character Wryn is just chillin with her games when all hell starts to break loose. Wyrn runs outside to find a bunch of robots are destroying the city. As Wyrn it up to you yet again to save the world. Of course your rival is back and appears to want to take the credit for saving the earth. However you and your rival both know the bigger threat is Valintine, a super-powered girl who wishes to show the world she is the strongest. In between each of the seven stages featured across the story you get to watch a news reel read by Plucky the easily-excitable flower creature who finally appears to be cheering on Wyrn.
If you enjoy unloading endless clips of bullets into your foes you are in the right place. In this platformer you have infinite ammo as you spray down anyone who stands in your way. However you aren't the only one shooting and you'll need to use different tactics if you wish to avoid enemy fire. You can easily dash out of the way just be careful not to fly into danger. Better yet for larger bullets a mere slash of your sword will send them flying back to their sender as long as you can time it properly. As you progress through the story at different difficulties you'll unlock different characters who's play styles really mix things up. You can also try out different weapons but the sword and machine gun combo feels so natural for the way the action is designed.
Bleed 2 isn't a particularly long game but it does offer a fair bit of replay value across its different modes. The story mode is nice because you can just take on one stage at a time with infinite lives. On the flip side is arcade mode where you must play through the whole game on a single life. The game has four difficulties and you are awarded a letter grade at the end of each stage based on speed, style, and damage taken. There is also a rogue-like inspired endless mode in which you play through three randomly generated stages and bosses. Finally if you like to punish yourself or just want to be silly you can fight up to three bosses at once in challenge mode.
Bleed 2 is just pure and simple fun. One important feature is the option for co-op. Co-op is really neat because you can play as two different characters allowing you and your partner to deflect different colored attacks. Also if you like classic videogame scores you'll really dig the exciting tunes offered up that combine elements of rock with familiar beeps of chiptunes. I actually enjoyed the music enough to add the soundtrack to my personal gaming playlist. There is nothing revolutionary or extremely deep about Bleed 2 but sometimes we all just want to go back to simpler times. If you get the chance to play either game in this series I'm sure you'll have a good time.