WayForward Technologies has brought upon a new game for the Nintendo 3DS available specifically from the eShop as a download-only title. Known as Mighty Switch Force! 2, it will attempt to leave a lasting impression that its predecessor has made last year in North America.
In the case of the newly-released title, we have our main character, Patricia Wagon, who is playing as a firefighter out to save the Holligan Sisters from a fiery death. If you played the first game, you’ll be familiar with her ability to manipulate blocks from the background to the foreground and vice versa. In addition though, she is equipped with a portable hose that she uses to blast water against fires as well as attack her enemies. Basically, you’ll be engaging in a 2D platforming affair as you look for all the damsels in distress to rescue before you reach your final destination within the level.
Controls play out really well as the movement feels just right with using either the circle pad or d-pad. Jumping and shooting are assigned to the familiar button scheme from your typical 2D platformer. You’ll also be able to switch the blocks between the foreground and background with just a simple press of a button. With tight and responsive controls, Mighty Switch Force! 2 feels mighty good for the most part. The only slight concern I have is how the jump can be pretty brief in the air, thus potentially leading to misjudged timing when going from one platform to the next. But if you can overcome this minor hurdle, the controls are pretty much top-notch.
The challenges may seem pretty tamed in the beginning. But don’t let that confidence get the best of you as Mighty Switch Force! 2 does get pretty crazy with the difficulty as you progress further. With the various block types you’ll encounter, the puzzle-solving ordeal could require a bit more brain power along with some good reflexes on your part.
If you plaed the first Mighty Switch Force! game, you’ll find the mechanics and level design to be familiar. In fact, initially it may seem to be all too familiar that you may feel that there’s nothing really new here. However, the new challenges and content offered in this particular sequel could possibly change your mind. There are about 16 stages to play through which is plenty of time to keep you entertained. And there’s replay value as you revisit the completed stages in order to get a better time for completion. And just for an added challenge, each stage has a baby that you may want to find.
Mighty Switch Force! 2 has made some nice touches to its visual presentation. The animations run smoothly and fluidly while the overall color scheme populates the screen with beauty and awe. One particular worthy of mention are the fires that give out a little spark, which was designed quite well. On top of that, the 3D effects really showcase what the Nintendo 3DS is capable of. For instance, if you happen to stand in front of a block as it is switching to the foreground, you’ll be blasted towards you into the screen. The effect seems realistic, especially with the glass cracking around your character.
From the very beginning, I was impressed with the soundtrack behind Mighty Switch Force! 2. With the music provided by Virt, it is great to have music that you can even dance to. During the gameplay experience, you manage to feel excited and enticed to play the game even more. With the sound effects complementing the tunes playing in the background, the audio has been implemented really effectively.
WayForward Technologies have demonstrated that an eShop game can really shine. If you enjoyed the first Mighty Switch Force! game, then you should definitely check the second one out. There are plenty of puzzles, gorgeous graphics, and catchy music to keep you mighty satisfied here.
