While we patiently await the next Mega Man game from Capcom in 2027, we’ve got plenty to keep us busy, thanks to those good ol’ indies. Among them is the 2022 release Super Alloy Ranger, which the team at Alloy Mushroom knocked out of the park. It’s good fun, with two different characters to choose from, and its art style for the time was just about right. But little did we know what the team would pack into its follow-up, Super Alloy Crush, which is now available on Steam Early Access.
The game puts you in control of two heroes once again – treasure hunters Muu (Unit-02) and Kelly as you search for a mysterious planet. But, of course, enemies stand in the way, forcing the two to act with creative force.
What I like about this game thus far is its evolution in gameplay. Muu uses blasting techniques akin to Mega Man, while Kelly is more about visceral force with her up-close techniques. Between devastating Combo chains and powerful Overdrive attacks, they’re forces to be reckoned with. Which is good, considering what they’re up against.
So far, I truly enjoy the art style and the soundtrack, and the gameplay becomes quite addictive. The challenge can be a bit much at times, but, hey, that’s usual territory for Mega Man fans. I’m looking forward to the full release – and hope that console owners get a turn as well.
Super Alloy Crush Lives Up To Its Name With Its Two Characters
The two playable heroes in Super Alloy Crush couldn’t be any different from one another. Muu is a powerful armored soldier that fires charged shots and uses energy techniques to wipe out foes. Meanwhile, Kelly’s style is more visceral, as she utilizes a form of laser claws to mow down enemies, along with a sick drill technique.
Who is the better of the two? Honestly, I believe they both have something to offer. Old-school Mega Man fans will feel right at home with Muu, timing their shots and jumps with precision. But those with a more up-close preference will absolutely get into the combos that Kelly delivers, especially some of the sweet air techniques she can pull off. It’s almost like she’s inspired by the X-Men’s Wolverine, in a way.
Each level is loaded with stuff to destroy. Along with enemies, you can also break open crates to collect currency to upgrade your items, as well as health and energy boosts. These are crucial, as you’ll face off against some devastating enemies over the course of the game. These include bosses, some of which even fill the screen.
Fortunately, along with your main techniques, you also have Overdrive attacks. These really soup up whatever energy you’ve mustered, as you can deliver a powerful blow to knock even the strongest foe back. Time them carefully, however, since they use an abundant amount of energy.
Along with the Story Mode (which is pretty jam packed thus far), there’s also a Battle Frenzy mode. Think of it as a Horde mode, as enemies keep coming at you from every direction. It’s a great deal of fun, and you can earn rewards to make yourself even more powerful with each passing wave. It’s got room to grow in the final release for sure.
So far, Super Alloy Crush has a lot of promise. It boosts the gameplay tremendously over the first release, and has a challenge that some folks will absolutely crave. My only complaint is, thus far, it’s only out on Steam. This is a game that would truly benefit from a console release as well, like Super Alloy Ranger got. Fingers crossed it gets it.
Super Alloy Crush’s Presentation Is Going Places
There’s still work to be done here, since this is an Early Access release and all. But I like what Super Alloy Crush brings to the table.
The artwork has evolved beautifully over the first game, with better level design, improved animations and some slick-looking boss designs. Plus the pace is razor sharp thus far, with only small hints of slowdown. I do wish the hub was a little easier to navigate, but there’s time to make improvements there.
As for the music and sound design, it’s off the charts. The music is pleasant and will remind you of 16-bit games of yore, while the sound effects are right on par with other games of this genre. I do wish there were more voice effects, but it’s not bad.
Lots of Promise Sits Within Super Alloy Crush
I’m excited for the whole release of Super Alloy Crush. There’s still a little work to be done, and obviously the team at Alloy Mushroom is working hard towards the full release. Again, I just hope it comes to other platforms. Something this good deserves to be celebrated on the likes of Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox. We’ll see what happens.
In the meantime, check out the Steam Early Access release here. It works great on Steam Deck and obviously is right at home on your favorite PC. Go on, you need to fulfill that Mega Man fix, don’t you?
Thanks to Alloy Mushroom for providing us with an early access code! The game is available now for PC/Steam/Steam Deck!
Need more of a Mega Man-style fix? Check out our review of 30XX!
