"We have Strider at home... and it kicks ass actually."
As always, the temptation to stop writing about a game after I've given it a one sentence summation is strong. Maybe it's finally time I face the fact that I'm never going to give into it. I'm too obsessed with fairness to cheat a product out of its review. Fairness is a bizarre and ultimately meaningless concept, but I like to hold onto it during the times I pretend to be a virtuous individual. Besides, Run Saber deserves more than a few words thrown its away. Even in the endless sea of action-platformers, it's got a uniquely tangy flavor that'll leave a lasting impression.
It's nearly the year 3000, and pollution has all but destroyed Earth. A scientist gets the bright idea to combine his research into genetic structure with radiation. I'm not 100% sure where he expects to go with this, but I'm guessing it involves mutant trees that can thrive in harsh environments while absorbing all the greenhouse gases and such. Since this is a video game, everything goes wrong, and now the entire planet is crawling with killer mutants. Not to worry, because science man's backup plan is a genetic freak with a rad laser sword named Kurtz...who immediately goes rogue and declares himself king of the planet. If the third time is a charm, then that's only because it's where you (and possibly a friend) come in. Take control of Sheena and/or Allen and lead them on a world-saving quest. They're also genetic freaks with laser swords, but it's different now because... because it just is.
Here's a fine example of what a 30-minute game should be. Each stage is a series of mid-bosses and end-bosses. Interspersed between those battles are short segments where you slash a bunch of mutants or avoid obstacles. The basics are naturally instantaneous to pick up. You'll be jumping and hacking in no time at all, but there's still plenty more to learn. All the fun action is accompanied by a difficulty curve that gradually increases, without any of the cliffs and valleys that might impede one's enjoyment. Unlike its inspiration, Run Saber opts to be forgiving. Healing items are coughed up by the minions you destroy. Don't fret too much about death. Your next life drops in the instant after your current one eats dirt or falls into a pit. Coop play is supported, and the developers clearly made something that two people can enjoy. There's no possible way that friendships will fall apart just because Person B steals all the 1ups or Person A can't read a boss pattern to save their life.
The controls here are pretty interesting. Depending on how long the button is pressed, Sheena (and Allen I assume) is capable of skipping, hopping, and jumping. There is a trade-off, since neither hero is especially mobile while in the air. You can't simply jump-cancel to hit the ground more quickly, so every jump is a conscious decision that has some risks. If the intention is to dodge an attack, then it might be a good idea to stay grounded, double-tapping the d-pad to dash* away or hitting a shoulder button to slide. Before you ask, there's no slide-cancel. The high yet floaty jumps contrast nicely with the quick yet inflexible evasive techniques. I like how each tool is a commitment, and not just in the predictable Castlevania style where midair movement doesn't exist.
Another really neat aspect to the combat is that offense isn't limited to the sword. Holding up during a jump does a flip attack while holding down does a flying kick. They're both important because they cover angles that the sword can't. Due to how the controls function, it might not be possible for someone to reposition themselves to counter every enemy. These unique moves cover weak-points and look stylish. Flying kicks also bounce off of enemies that take multiple hits, which is always nice to see. You'll want to make use of the advanced moves whenever possible, because Sheena (and maybe Allen) is a large target. Her hurtbox extends from the hairs on her head to the soles of her boots. Annoying, but whatever. It's not a big problem.
Along with their impressive visuals, each boss has its own fighting style, ensuring they're more than just a target to strike. The multiple duels with Kurtz are among the toughest. This is mainly because learning a human's pattern, particularly one who has the same moves as the protagonists, can be awfully tricky. Still, if you can hang onto the powered-up sword, then some fights are almost trivial. All it takes to beat the third boss is to stand in the middle of the screen, hit its head when it lowers, then duck the fire breath. This game is also quick to hand out screen-clearing bombs. Since they're lost on death, I feel like I can't really ignore them. Next thing I know, I'm panic-bombing like this was a Cave shmup. I don't think I can even call this a nitpick.
Easy to hop into and enjoy. Forgiving, but also a pretty good challenge if you're willing to try for a no-bomb run and/or die as little as possible. That's Run Saber in a nutshell. There's a lot to like, and I have to stretch damn hard to find anything worth disliking. Honestly shocked this wasn't released in Japan though. It's a gem that everyone should be able to check out.
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