Boomerang X plays it safe while never being afraid to flex its creative soul. A constant struggle between nailing a concept and never quite going beyond it creates an odd, but curious gameplay experience. The difficulty in reviewing such an experience is a challenge, but a challenge worth investing in.
Boomerang X
Developer: DANG!
Price: $20 USD
Platform: PC
MonsterVine was supplied with a Steam code for review
With a focus on mechanics over anything else, Boomerang X is a finely tuned set of parts that work in tandem, producing a flawless flow of platforming, combat, and dealing with crowds of enemies. Those fresh from the likes of Doom Eternal may see similar elements to how the combat builds around management and priority over simply killing. It’s that axis that allows Boomerang X to tilt and turn into various directions, but also limit it from dropping too low or elevating it beyond a certain point.
There are no guns in sight, only you and your boomerang. A deadly tool of throwing-based death, made even more deadly when combined with a glut of skills unlocked through the 4(ish) hours of the campaign. Double jumps, combative strikes, slow-motion are a few of the fairly robust skills that can be acquired. Undeniably an asset on their own merit, the synergy that can be crafted between them is where Boomerang X shines.
Neatly cut into slices, Boomerang X’s story is paced across a number of environments, each with its own unique elements. Hazards, enemy types and layouts differ from point to point, with the only constant being the requirement to kill certain enemies to progress. Levels are separated into arenas, with some foes being marked for death. Unmarked enemies will still attack and hinder you, creating the requirement of learning how to deal with multiple foes. Each enemy has its own unique attack pattern and style, with some being more a nuisance than a direct threat.
It’s tricky to keep the balance between unique enemies, ensuring the player still has a chance at success. Thankfully, Boomerang X confidently keeps things level, never feeling cheap or unfair. The challenge at hand requires the player to learn, understand and learn again, projecting a fluent gameplay loop that rewards the player for creative plays and strategic moves.
Boomerang X is a sum of its parts, a balanced gameplay experience that has unwavering confidence in its mechanics while building enough of a narrative between engagements to keep the game’s pace at a good level. Every cog moves together, a well-oiled machine constantly in motion, very rarely chugging. It’s just a shame there’s not a lot of fuel in the engine.
Depending on how you view it, the longing for more by the time the game ends could be a great thing or an awful thing. For those with an eye for perfection and optimization, re-playing Boomerang X to hit better and better times acts as the replay value. One-shot players may find themselves at a loss when the short campaign closes. Buyer beware.
The Final Word
Even with a short campaign, the solid soundtrack, screen popping visuals and buttery smooth gameplay result in a fantastic experience. Like your first-ever Monster energy drink, Boomerang X will leave your heart pounding, your digits twitching and a longing for more.
– MonsterVine Rating: 4 out of 5 – Good
