If you owned an Xbox 360 back in the day – and who didn’t, really – you probably came across a game called Trouble Witches Neo. This 2011 release came from SNK Playmore and Bandai Namco, an unlikely partnership for its time. And it produced a bewitching side-scrolling shmup that’s still a favorite amongst fans. As expected with games like this, ININ Games recognizes its worth and gave it a re-release of sorts with Trouble Witches FINAL! Episode 01 Daughters of Amalgam. And if you somehow missed it before, here’s your chance to catch back up on be-witch-ing history.
Developed by the team behind Cotton Reboot!, the game features a number of different witches to take control of. You’ll venture across six different stages, using a variety of power-ups and techniques to fend off the horde. It helps to have a mid-game shop, mind you, which can change the game in a flash.
With its sweet gameplay tactics, namely the magic barrier system, Trouble Witches still feels as fresh as the original release. But there’s more outside of the Story mode, including some hardcore offerings that shmup will feel right at home with. I’m sure Score Attack will be a favorite amongst the hardcore.
Throw in a cute presentation and the option to throw in Cotton herself (via $5 DLC, but ah well), and you have a game that’s likely to create a stir with the shooting community. Trouble Witches FINAL! is a great time for those who invest in it. It has a short length but offers quite a bit for the long haul, particularly with its modes. Go on, raise a little Trouble this Christmas.
Trouble Witches FINAL! Brings the (Good) Pain
I couldn’t help but be reminded of the Cotton and Deathsmiles games with Trouble Witches, but that essentially means it’s in good company. You choose from one of twelve different witch characters (well, plus Cotton, we’ll get to her in a sec), and then engage with enemies across six stages. As you proceed through each stage, you’ll pick up power-ups, thanks to the very convenient power-up shop in each area. Shop wisely, because you can change things up in an instant.
The gameplay is excellent, particularly with the involvement of the magical barrier system, which helps deflect incoming fire. You can also pick up currency by lightening up off of the fire button for a sec, which you can save for better power-ups. Oh, and of course, you can clear everything with the “panic button,” but use it sparingly.
There’s just creative design galore here, just like the original game offered. And though it’s a bit on the short and sweet side, there are modes aplenty here. These include Boss Attack, Score Attack, Practicer, Endless, and my personal favorite, the diabolical Valpurgis Night. Good luck getting through that. And the fact you can compete online is icing on the cake.
The variety of characters is nice, and, should you feel compelled, you can add the original witch, Cotton, to the mix. She is $5 DLC, which may come across as a cheap ploy to some. But it’s great to add her to the party, and the main release isn’t bad on price. So, yeah, might as well add her to the mix.
Overall, it’s good to have Trouble Witches back on the board. Its gameplay has always been a huge draw, and with so many witches and modes to choose from, you’ll certainly keep occupied.
How Cute Is Trouble Witches FINAL? Very Cute
One other thing I like about Trouble Witches FINAL is its presentation. It’s just so darn cute in an anime sense.
The game runs very smoothly despite the foray of bullets and explosions firing on-screen. The combination of 2D sprites and 3D worlds works remarkably well, and the use of colors and animation is razor sharp. And darn it if this array of characters won’t catch your attention, because they sure will. That said, keep an eye on attacks. It’ll be easy to miss some here and there. (Might explain why the team opted to leave co-op off the table, though I still miss it.)
As for the audio, it’s charming, with an electric mix of fun tunes and little voice effects that are sure to win you over. Those who don’t get into anime that music may get slightly annoyed, but, um, if that’s you, why are you reading this? Clearly you want to know more about Trouble Witches, and now you do. The presentation is good stuff.
Get Into Trouble This Holiday Season
If you’re a shmup fan, no doubt you have your plate full with other offerings like Earthion and R-Type Delta HD Boosted. But, like a good Xmas feast, save some room for Trouble Witches FINAL! It’s an absolute gas and a good second chance to play something you may have missed in the Xbox Live Arcade era. It’s cute as heck, loaded with lots of content, and has shooting action to indulge in.
I wouldn’t normally say give Witches this holiday season, but dagnabbit, I’m adding it to the shopping list. Treat yourself and others to a little bit of Trouble!
GAMERHUB RATING: 4 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
Big thanks to ININ Games for providing us with a review code! Trouble Witches FINAL! Episode 01 Daughters of Amalgam is available now for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation!
