I’m not sure when 8 Bit Legit got so focused on Mega Man, but…hey, it’s a good model to follow. For years, Capcom’s iconic series enchanted players with its continuous challenges and wacky bosses (Metal Man!), so we can totally understand indie studios getting behind presenting their own take on what they’d do with such a franchise.

After the release of the enjoyable Trophy, the publisher has given us Battle Kid: Fortress of Peril for Nintendo Switch. And while it may not be nearly as polished as any of the Blue Bomber’s efforts, there’s still a dubious amount of charm to the game, making it well worth its $10 asking price. Especially if you’re up for a challenge that uses an old-school password system. Better get out your camera.

This Kid Can’t Stay Out of Trouble

So there’s this scientist, Chester, and he decides to break into the Disch Corporation and steal the corporate plans for a Supermech. Because, you know, someone has to be the evil one, right?

But the thing is, little Timmy is testing a combat training program at the Corporation at the time, and he’s not about to let Chester get away. So he dons a special suit and decides to pursue him, blasting any enemies that get in his way.

So, yeah, the story’s not the most original. But it does set the stage for some addictive blasting. The controls feel pretty good here, like straight out of the Mega Man blueprint; and the bosses provide a bit of difficulty, with eight in all to take on. The platforming is also handled very well, as a game of this type should be.

Just be prepared for a fight, however. Battle Kid is hard. Like, you’ll be coming back trying to beat certain stages over and over. It can be a hassle in spots. But, like the Mega Man games before it, overcoming these challenges is part of the fun. Be prepared to think your way around traps and keep on blasting.

A Charming Battle-Ready Presentation

Like Trophy, Battle Kid benefits from an old-school presentation. After all, the game was originally developed with the NES in mind, so it helps that the developers made it for that kind of hardware first before it got ported over.

The visuals aren’t as award-winning as, say, the Mega Man games. But there’s something neat about playing a kid that’s out to save the world, and seeing some of his expressions is really cool. Not to mention the humorous enemy designs and the awesome bosses. The level design isn’t too bad either, though we could’ve used more scrolling effects. (Won’t complain too much though – after all this is an indie effort.)

Also, the retro-style screen borders are worth noting. One even looks like an old-school CRT television. Just like mom and dad used to own!

But the music’s the thing. The developers really know their chiptunes here, and Battle Kid lays on a righteous soundtrack that’s a joy to listen to. There are a lot of good tunes here, some even worth adding to your collection if you can track down the MP3’s. The sound effects are pretty good too.

Get Battle Ready

There are obviously a number of Mega Man games you could get before you consider Battle Kid. But don’t shrug it aside. This is a fun take on the genre that has lots going for it, particularly its sharp gameplay, heightened difficulty and charming presentation. For ten bucks, it’s one of those games worth adding to your collection.

Perfect? Hardly. But for an indie effort, Battle Kid will certainly work his way into your heart.

GAMERHUB RATING: 3.5/5