Slash and Survive
Do you have what it takes to defeat endless monsters and become the strongest Blade? Ultra Blade is a horde survival RPG developed by Kyle Barrett. Like many other Barret games, the player controls a single character and fights waves upon waves of endless enemies. However, while Ultra Blade is simple in concept and controls, there is a level of depth to both that keeps the player returning for more. This take on the hack-ands-slash genre lends itself perfect for a mobile game.
Choose your Blade
The characters the player controls are known as Blades. Each Blade has a unique design and weapon that makes them stand out. There are only two different attacks. A quick flick moves the Blade and performs a normal attack. For a heavy attack, the player will drag, hold and release. While these are the only controls in the game, every Blade has a different standard and heavy attack. Some Blades might have a heavy sword, so their attacks are slower but are more damaging. Others have access to ranged attacks, so the player must keep their distance between enemies, changing the usual gameplay.
Blades can also be upgraded and leveled in two different ways. The first is during battle. Blades can upgrade and gain new abilities as the player explores and kills hordes of monsters. These are given randomly from a choice of three at a time per level up. Some of these can cause enemies to explode when killed. Others will provide the Blade with a barrier whenever you pick up an item or increase attack damage. Choosing which upgrades to use allows players to make a play style that fits them. However, these upgrades are reset after the player dies and must restart.
The second way to upgrade Blades is by gaining experience and Golden Ingots during battle and leveling up in the main menu. The experience is used to boost the overall stats of the Blade. Golden Ingots can be used to upgrade their current weapons or to craft new ones. Every Blade already has a unique play style, so being able to customize them even more with new weapons is a welcome addition. Golden Ingots are also used to unlock a total of 16 blades in the game.
Endless Waves
Now that the Blade has been chosen, it is time to hack and slash through waves upon waves of enemies. Dashing and slashing through the waves of enemies is fast-paced, smooth, and, most of all, a lot of fun. There are loads of different enemies to kill and loads of environments to kill them in. The simple controls allow easy one-handed play in short bursts throughout the day. Once selected, the Blade is put in the middle of the map, and hundreds of enemies surround them.
The overall look and style of Ultra Blade are beautiful as well. The pixel art style is reminiscent of old-school arcade games with a stunning modern take. Environments have a dark contrast that makes the colors of the Blade and monsters pop. No matter how many enemies end up on the screen, there is never any sign of lag as monsters’ blood flies everywhere, and bodies drop.
The plethora of enemies is also very well-designed. Every monster in Ultra Blade is highly detailed. From the claws and armor on alien-like monsters to the slime and fangs on monstrous slugs, the enemies are stunning and terrifying. With the variety of enemies, the player will not tire of the game quickly.
Final Execution
Ultra Blade is a stunning hack-and-slash reminiscent of old-school arcade games. The game offers endless hours of fun and variety. Every new character expands the pool of in-game upgrades, making every run feel different. Although the gameplay is simple, the real complexity is in how players upgrade their Blades. The quick and intense gameplay is perfect for short bursts of play and easy to return to. Slashing down the endless waves of enemies never gets boring. Ultra Blade is wonderfully polished and sure to please anyone that plays.
