For an indie title, ARES is really impressive. For a full on downloadable title, this is impressive. ARES does so many things right, it's hard not to want more.
For those of us who played Contra as kids, the feeling of firepower was almost overwhelming. Put simply: this is Contra in super-smooth HD. This game is gorgeous all the way through but the boss fights are mind-blowing. During boss-fights and other set pieces they use multiple layers of backgroud to create an uncanny 3D effect. Also due to the mouse, aiming and shooting is a breeze. Unfortunately the platforming is a steaming pile of frustration.
This game is very reminiscent of the Mega man X series and it delivers the same kind of platforming experience complete with new guns for defeating bosses and upgradeable armor and weapons. The soundtrack is solid and listenable, the settings look great and the 2.5D look it has really works itself to the games futuristic feel. The story did feel a bit rushed and lacking in any real meaning, but the gameplay was fun and the levels offer replay value. I enjoyed the game, but did find it a bit short, I spent maybe 4 hours on it and this was after replaying some levels quite a few times. Some of the boss battles were much more difficult that the others, but overall it was not too difficult a game really. A control pad is strongly recommended if you want the full experience. Overall I found the game worth playing and hope that they release content such as new levels and enemies, I would replay it if this was done.
If the team can perhaps fix a few niggling issues via an update A.R.E.S. will be well worth a look, but until then this is a case of try before you buy.
It's kind of like if Contra sexed up Megaman then released a 16/32 bit Contra+Megaman type of thing who took after his father, Contra. The older Contra games were so good you guys, and this is as close as we're going to get to a decent new one. Also, Contra.
The graphics and gameplay were pretty smooth. But something about the game makes me feel like I'm playing more of a flash game as opposed to a platformer.
ARES has a visual style appealing to fans of the old 2D Megaman games, with a futuristic setting featuring robots, lasers, and gigantic scripted bosses - What's not to like? Unfortunately, overly large and uninspired sprites, rushed animations and a forgettable story gave the game a cheap feeling.
As for gameplay, if you've played a Megaman game, then you've played this. The addition of mouse control is a greatly appreciated addition, but actually made the game a bit too easy. Repetitive gathering of in-game resources so weapons can be upgraded and purchased simply isn't suited for a fast-paced scroller. Finally, the game is so short, it's over before you know it. It took me 3 hours to beat, with a bit of achievement-huntin' done, too!
I only recommend this game in a bundle, but otherwise I'd rather suggest playing one of many old Megaman games instead.
Pretty expensive for a 5 stage game, offers little to do and has some clumsy mechanics as the whole grenade system. Not much reason to replay it in a different difficulty, waste of time and money.
Simple Megaman clone with Dreamcast graphics. Everything is pretty average except the length. With only 5 stages there isn't much variety but the replay value comes from trying to get max rating on each map. It's decent but nothing really memorable.