LarsGadiel PC (Final version)

Graphics and colors faithful to the Nintendo NES. LarsGadiel is the prequel to Xenon Valkyrie, a game originally created for the Nintendo 8-bit console that was never released (so far). Now it finally arrives on PC with this Pixel Perfect Port. This version includes several changes that enhance the experience and make better use of the screen to display more information. The dialogue provides obvious information, but the way it is delivered is kind of funny, which adds personality to what could otherwise be a frustrating run, especially for new players.

The kill counter is another interesting feature. Tracking how many times a save file has failed is a neat concept, and the music during this transition is especially memorable. It was one of the main reasons for the excitement around playing LarsGadiel, though the core gameplay remains more important than a death jingle. The core gameplay of LarsGadiel is enjoyable, particularly the way the screen transitions when moving into different sections, a feature often seen in retro games. The map is what keeps the experience engaging, as there is a strong desire to explore every small area and uncover the entire layout.

Some sections can be extremely difficult to reach at first, adding an extra layer of challenge. A few bugs were encountered prior to this review, though they may vary depending on hardware: When launching LarsGadiel, leaving it idle on the main menu for a couple of minutes resulted in a crash caused by a graphics issue. The crash may only occur after extended inactivity, but it only happened once during testing. The “Game Over” screen can also cause the game to freeze. After reaching 10 kills, the game froze on the 10th death.

The only reliable solution was to force close LarsGadiel through Task Manager or Steam. The game over song also occasionally overlaps with the stage music, though this resolves itself after a short period. Another issue is the lack of proper keyboard support. While keyboard controls technically work, they are inconsistent. The controls occasionally stop responding during the intro dialogue, and the same issue may occur during gameplay. Using an Xbox controller provides a much smoother experience and works properly.