Rocket Knight

Xboxdynasty (XD) (8.6 out of 10) (86%)

Nach der intensiven Testphase von Rocket Knight sind wir erst einmal grölend um den Häuserblock gezogen: „Endlich wieder ein gutes Arcade-Spiel!“ Nachdem in letzter Zeit so viele Durchschnittstitel und wahrhaftiger Pixelschrott durch unser Arcade Testlabor gerauscht sind, war es eine wahre Freude endlich mal wieder ein richtig gutes Spiel zu testen. Die Grafik ist toll, der Sound klingt gut und vor allem funktioniert das simple Spielprinzip eines Jump 'n' Runs mal wieder hervorragend. Mit Sparkster durch die clever gebauten Abschnitte zu hüpfen oder zu fliegen macht einfach Laune. Schließlich gibt es an jeder Ecke etwas Neues zu entdecken. Die wenigen Kritikpunkte lassen sich größtenteils schön reden. Die Story ist ziemlich wirr und reichlich klischeehaft, aber was erwartet man denn von Jump´N´Runs schon großartig anderes.

May 18th, 2010 · Xbox 360 · read review

4Players.de (80 out of 100) (80%)

Schwein gehabt: Konami hat seine altehrwürdige Rocket Knight-Serie erfolgreich wiederbelebt. Die ersten, hässlich-kahlen Screenshots erinnerten eher an Grabschändung, doch seit dem vergangenen Herbst haben die Entwickler ordentlich zugelegt. Das Endergebnis kann sich sehen lassen: Sparkster grinst als Polygonfigur zwar nicht mehr ganz so putzig wie sein handgezeichnetes Gegenstück, davon abgesehen hat Konami aber den Charme der Vorgänger wunderbar eingefangen. Rocket Knight ist waschechte Plattform-Action alter Schule, mit viel Geballer, erfreulich knackigen Sprungsequenzen und zähen Kämpfen gegen dicke Bossmonster. Das Highlight des Spiels sind die Akrobatik-Einlagen in Kombination mit der flüssig flutschenden Steuerung: Es macht unheimlich viel Laune, Sparkster wie einen Flummi durch die Level zu schnipsen und nebenbei ein paar aufmüpfige Wölfe aufzuspießen. Die Flug-Levels sind nach wie vor eine willkommene Auflockerung.

May 12th, 2010 · Xbox 360 · read review

GameSpot (8 out of 10) (80%)

Length and untrustworthy difficulty are the only minor problems here. You can finish the game in four or five hours, depending on how often you get killed and have to retreat to the start of a level with a continue. Length seems padded, too, because you only have three continues per game, and when they're gone, you have to start from scratch. This is a great game, but there are better deals out there for $15. Difficulty sometimes soars in odd places but then drops to cakewalks in boss battles. You can run into stretches of murderous jumping puzzles, die repeatedly, then make it to the next boss and kill it in one try. This is a classic retro platformer--one of the best released in some time--even if it is a little pricey.

May 21st, 2010 · PlayStation 3 · read review

GameSpot (8 out of 10) (80%)

Length and untrustworthy difficulty are the only minor problems here. You can finish the game in four or five hours, depending on how often you get killed and have to retreat to the start of a level with a continue. Length seems padded, too, because you only have three continues per game, and when they're gone, you have to start from scratch. This is a great game, but there are better deals out there for $15. Difficulty sometimes soars in odd places but then drops to cakewalks in boss battles. You can run into stretches of murderous jumping puzzles, die repeatedly, then make it to the next boss and kill it in one try. This is a classic retro platformer--one of the best released in some time--even if it is a little pricey.

May 19th, 2010 · Xbox 360 · read review

Game Informer Magazine (8 out of 10) (80%)

It may only be a two-hour game, but the difficulty is perfect, and it offers plenty of incentive for completionists. You can go for speed-runs, try to collect 100% of the gems in each level, or take on hard mode. Nostalgia for the series isn't a requirement if you want to enjoy Rocket Knight, but nostalgia for the era it comes from certainly doesn't hurt.

May 12th, 2010 · PlayStation 3 · read review

4Players.de (80 out of 100) (80%)

Schwein gehabt: Konami hat seine altehrwürdige Rocket Knight-Serie erfolgreich wiederbelebt. Die ersten, hässlich-kahlen Screenshots erinnerten eher an Grabschändung, doch seit dem vergangenen Herbst haben die Entwickler ordentlich zugelegt. Das Endergebnis kann sich sehen lassen: Sparkster grinst als Polygonfigur zwar nicht mehr ganz so putzig wie sein handgezeichnetes Gegenstück, davon abgesehen hat Konami aber den Charme der Vorgänger wunderbar eingefangen. Rocket Knight ist waschechte Plattform-Action alter Schule, mit viel Geballer, erfreulich knackigen Sprungsequenzen und zähen Kämpfen gegen dicke Bossmonster. Das Highlight des Spiels sind die Akrobatik-Einlagen in Kombination mit der flüssig flutschenden Steuerung: Es macht unheimlich viel Laune, Sparkster wie einen Flummi durch die Level zu schnipsen und nebenbei ein paar aufmüpfige Wölfe aufzuspießen. Die Flug-Levels sind nach wie vor eine willkommene Auflockerung.

May 12th, 2010 · PlayStation 3 · read review

Gameplay (Benelux) (79 out of 100) (79%)

Een leuke platformer op zich, die een nostalgische dimensie krijgt voor al wie lang geleden reeds kennis maakte met Sparkster.

May 28th, 2010 · Windows

BestGamer.ru (7.8 out of 10) (78%)

В сухом и отжатом осадке претензий к игре всего чуть: слабоватый звук да некоторая сложность финальных этапов, которую вполне можно окрестить непонятным, но гордым challenge и выпячивать как достоинство. А вот цена какая-то странная: 15$ за жалкие два-три часа пусть и приятной, но все же тухлой механики. Хотя, тот же Bionic Commando Rearmed стоит ровно столько же.

Jun 17th, 2010 · Windows · read review

Cheat Code Central (3.8 out of 5) (76%)

We've waited a long time for Rocket Knight to make another appearance, and for the most part, the marsupial hero does us proud. The main platforming ideas hold up surprisingly well, and Climax Studio has done a bang-up job translating the Rocket Knight experience for the present day. A few unfortunate control issues crop up from time to time, and $15 is quite the premium for such a fleeting romp. Still, anyone who has been eagerly awaiting Sparkster's return should be satisfied with Konami's latest offering.

2010 · PlayStation 3 · read review

Cheat Code Central (3.8 out of 5) (76%)

We've waited a long time for Rocket Knight to make another appearance, and for the most part, the marsupial hero does us proud. The main platforming ideas hold up surprisingly well, and Climax Studio has done a bang-up job translating the Rocket Knight experience for the present day. A few unfortunate control issues crop up from time to time, and $15 is quite the premium for such a fleeting romp. Still, anyone who has been eagerly awaiting Sparkster's return should be satisfied with Konami's latest offering.

May 2010 · Windows · read review

That Gaming Site (7.5 out of 10) (75%)

A solid action-platformer with cool action and creativity. It brings back many of the winning elements of its predecessors, but lacks the variety of gameplay of the original Rocket Knight Adventures. As it is, it’s a welcome return to form but ultimately not as fun as the Sega Genesis classic.

May 21st, 2010 · PlayStation 3 · read review

ZTGameDomain (7.5 out of 10) (75%)

Rocket Knight is never enigmatic in what it offers. This is a straight up side-scroller from gaming's past, and it executes that extremely well. While the price tag may be a bit on the high side I still think it is worth checking out if you have fond memories of the original game, or are simply in need of a blast (processing) from the past. Rocket Knight is definitely a well put together game, and one that will entertain you for the short time it lasts.

2010 · PlayStation 3 · read review

IGN (7.5 out of 10) (75%)

If you've been waiting for the return of Rocket Knight, I think you'll be pleased with this effort. It's got a vibrant, modern look, but the gameplay is rooted in the 16-bit original. Gamers who don't have warm fuzzies for the SEGA Genesis original will still find an inventive platformer here. Eyebrows may be raised over the $15 price tag and short length of the game, though.

May 20th, 2010 · PlayStation 3 · read review

IGN (7.5 out of 10) (75%)

If you've been waiting for the return of Rocket Knight I think you'll be pleased with this effort. It's got a vibrant, modern look but the gameplay is rooted in the 16-bit original. Gamers who don't have warm fuzzies for the SEGA Genesis original will still find an inventive platformer here. Eyebrows may be raised over the $15 price tag and short length of the game, though.

May 12th, 2010 · Xbox 360 · read review

Quebec Gamers (7 out of 10) (70%)

Pour finir, je dois admettre que c'est bon de revoir Sparkster dans un nouveau jeu. J'aurais aimé une plus grosse production, plus de boss, et un gameplay plus frénétique, bref, j'aurais aimé qu'on donne à Sparkster une véritable chance dans un jeu plus flamboyant. Les gros fans des vieux Sparkster risquent de rester sur leur appétit. Mais au moins, on a un bon jeu qui vaut la peine d'être joué, que vous ayez aimé les précédents ou que vous soyez nouveau à la série.

May 24th, 2010 · Xbox 360 · read review

360 LIVE (7 out of 10) (70%)

(...) Fühlt sich alles ganz unterhaltsam an, auf Dauer fehlt's den 14 Kapiteln aber an Überraschungen und Höhepunkten.

May 2010 · Xbox 360

Eurogamer.es (7 out of 10) (70%)

Rocket Knight es ideal para nostálgicos, pero el resto de usuarios encontrarán en su cortísima duración y alto precio (1.200 MS Points / 12.99€) un impedimento importante para optar por su compra. Climax ha hecho un magnífico trabajo recuperando un título clásico de la era de los 16 bits y manteniendo pura su esencia, aunque ignorar los gustos del jugador actual, acostumbrado a títulos que duran más de dos horas, puede haber sido un error fatal que evite su viabilidad comercial.

May 20th, 2010 · PlayStation 3 · read review

Teletext (6 out of 10) (60%)

On top of the platforming are sections that work like a horizontally scrolling 2D shooter, with the jetpack turned on permanently and a new charged shot. It all works perfectly well - the bosses are particularly competent - but like the rest of the game it does all feel a bit empty and inconsequential. It's a fun way to pass a few hours, particularly for nostalgia hounds, but at 1200 Points a touch too expensive.

2010 · PlayStation 3 · read review

Eurogamer.net (UK) (6 out of 10) (60%)

It's hard to know how many people are really going to care about the return of Rocket Knight. Climax has done a decent job of giving it a modern sheen, but while it's mildly entertaining and completely inoffensive, it's also forgettable. It's a bit like when one-hit-wonder indie bands get back together and go out on tour to relive their glory days. Some things were just of their time and should remain that way.

May 7th, 2010 · Windows · read review

GameZone (6 out of 10) (60%)

Even though the levels are varied, the game mechanics are solid and the controls are responsive, there’s not much soul behind Rocket Knight. There’s a missing aspect that needs to grasp a hold of the player and never let go. Sure, Rocket Knight has the standard dash attacks, firing projectiles, the ability to hover and hang upside down, but Sparkster isn’t given a true heroic deed to accomplish. Outside of the boss battles – which, to Climax Studios, at times, come off as epic – much of the game presents itself as a training seminar for the rodent with an attitude.

May 14th, 2010 · Windows · read review

Eurogamer.net (UK) (6 out of 10) (60%)

It's hard to know how many people are really going to care about the return of Rocket Knight. Climax has done a decent job of giving it a modern sheen, but while it's mildly entertaining and completely inoffensive, it's also forgettable. It's a bit like when one-hit-wonder indie bands get back together and go out on tour to relive their glory days. Some things were just of their time and should remain that way.

May 7th, 2010 · Xbox 360 · read review

Eurogamer.net (UK) (6 out of 10) (60%)

It's hard to know how many people are really going to care about the return of Rocket Knight. Climax has done a decent job of giving it a modern sheen, but while it's mildly entertaining and completely inoffensive, it's also forgettable. It's a bit like when one-hit-wonder indie bands get back together and go out on tour to relive their glory days. Some things were just of their time and should remain that way.

May 7th, 2010 · PlayStation 3 · read review

1UP (C+) (58%)

For all its competence, there's no real hook for anyone who doesn't remember the original Rocket Knight game. It appeals mainly to nostalgia for the way platformers used to be. Although it has a lovely next-gen presentation with the hi-res, 3D graphics engine, this is very much two-or-three-gens-ago gameplay. Not that there's anything wrong with that. But when you cost $15 and you're competing with, say, Soosiz on the iPhone, Trine on the PC and PSN, and Shadow Complex on the 360, you need more than a long-forgotten possum and his rocket pack.

May 18th, 2010 · PlayStation 3 · read review

Thunderbolt Games (5 out of 10) (50%)

But once those colourful environments are replaced with dull mechanical labs, and the few rocket pack-related ideas presented in the first stage are reused ad infinitum, any initial enthusiasm is dispelled quickly. Of course Rocket Knight gets the benefit of the doubt for not being a full release, but with the competition out there, how could it ever be? With Nintendo and Media Molecule seeming to have almost maxed out the potential of the platformer genre in very different ways, Rocket Knight needed to do a lot to even qualify its own existence in the first place. It perhaps scrapes that qualification by being fundamentally inoffensive, but today inoffensive simply isn’t good enough and all it ultimately amounts to is a game that is far too content in its own mediocrity.

Jun 28th, 2010 · Xbox 360 · read review

Games TM (5 out of 10) (50%)

Climax has captured one element of the opossum's early outings with style, however, and that's their lush animation. The sprite art of the original has morphed into a plump cartoon world that placates frustration with its rich, variegated colour. Nevertheless, it's scarcely enough to completely obscure the glaring fact that this marsupial has gone from company spokescreature to little more than mediocre XBLA moneymaker, a fate we've seen all too many characters consigned to over the years.

Jun 10th, 2010 · Xbox 360

Jeuxvideo.com (9 out of 20) (45%)

Attendu par de nombreux fans, Rocket Knight est une grosse déception. Malgré quelques bonnes idées de gameplay, les passages originaux sont trop rares et on finit souvent par foncer dans le tas sans trop faire gaffe aux ennemis. Mais que dire de l'absurde durée de vie du jeu, alors que ce dernier est vendu à 15 euros ? C'est vraiment prendre les gens pour des pigeons...

May 21st, 2010 · Xbox 360 · read review

Jeuxvideo.com (9 out of 20) (45%)

Attendu par de nombreux fans, Rocket Knight est une grosse déception. Malgré quelques bonnes idées de gameplay, les passages originaux sont trop rares et on finit souvent par foncer dans le tas sans trop faire gaffe aux ennemis. Mais que dire de l'absurde durée de vie du jeu, alors que ce dernier est vendu à 13 euros ? C'est vraiment prendre les gens pour des pigeons...

May 21st, 2010 · PlayStation 3 · read review

Jeuxvideo.com (9 out of 20) (45%)

Attendu par de nombreux fans, Rocket Knight est une grosse déception. Malgré quelques bonnes idées de gameplay, les passages originaux sont trop rares et on finit souvent par foncer dans le tas sans trop faire gaffe aux ennemis. Mais que dire de l'absurde durée de vie du jeu, alors que ce dernier est vendu à 13 euros ? C'est vraiment prendre les gens pour des pigeons...

May 21st, 2010 · Windows · read review

GameCola.net (1 out of 10) (10%)

It’s not the worst game ever made, but it is among the most contemptuous. Climax have taken a beloved series and neutered it, and have done so knowingly. Do not reward them for this.

Sep 25th, 2010 · Windows · read review