Blackwind

Release Date: January 20, 2022

Action, science fiction, isometric view, RPG elements, mechs, for 2 players, indie games, co-op, shooters, action adventure, splitscreen, multiplayer, singleplayer

5.5

OpenCritic

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An action adventure game that lets us take on the role of a combat mecha operator and face whole hoards of monsters. In Blackwind we can play both solo and in local cooperative mode.

Plot
Mechanics
Game modes
Technical aspects

Blackwind is an action adventure game in which we take the helm of a powerful mecha and face hordes of enemies on an alien planet. Game was developed by Drakkar Dev studio and was published by Blowfish Studios and Gamera Game.

Plot

Blackwind takes us on a journey to the planet Medusa-42, which became a source of valuable resources for humans. But in the end monsters called Raknos decided to claim their own and started to attack the mining outposts. The main character of the game is James Hawkins - a teenager who landed here in an emergency after his spaceship was shot down. The protagonist must fight for survival and find his lost father. Fortunately, he is not doomed to travel alone, because he has at his disposal a prototype mech equipped with artificial intelligence - the titular Blackwind.

Mechanics

In Blackwind we observe the action from a top-down view. Moving through Medusa-42, where we can find, among others, sandy deserts, snow-covered mountain peaks or dense forests, we deal with facing the hordes of enemies. On our way are both regular enemies (among which you'll find aggressive two-legged Raknos and oversized spiders) and powerful bosses (led by giant beasts).

Battles are extremely dynamic, and we eliminate hordes of adversaries by fighting in close combat with energy blades, shooting with blasters and rocket launchers, as well as making use of mines and grenades. In addition, our mecha is equipped with a number of special combat abilities, the skillful use of which can change the fate of many a battle. Additional support for us is a special drone, which can be used in combat or during exploration (hovering in the air, it can get to places inaccessible in any other way).

A visit to the planet Medusa-42 does not end with fighting with enemies. In the game we have also implemented platform sections that require dexterity and uncomplicated puzzles. As we progress we develop our armor, unlocking new skills related to fighting and exploration, as well as gaining new special abilities. In addition, the game allows us to modify the color scheme of the mecha.

Game modes

In Blackwind you can play solo or in local cooperative mode, in which the second player takes control of the drone.

Technical aspects

Blackwind has a colorful and eye-pleasing graphics. The mecha and enemy models look good, as well as the particle effects with which the screen is flooded during skirmishes.

Videos and Screens

[0:48] Blackwind trailer #1

5.5

OpenCritic Rating

Game is Recomended by 10% of Critics. There are 32 Critic Reviews.

OpenCritic

GameSkinny: 6 / 10 by Samuel Adams

While it's packed with old-school hack and slash action, Blackwind's lack of variety and lackluster mechanics leave a lot to be desired.

Full Review

Nintendo Life: 5 / 10 by Mitch Vogel

Blackwind is as utilitarian as a bank statement and painfully middle-of-the-road. It's tough to recommend that you play this game because we can scarcely remember anything notable about it from our own playthrough. Yet at the same time, it doesn't actually do anything egregiously wrong to make it instantly destined for the garbage bin. If you're looking for an entirely unremarkable and unoriginal sci-fi themed hack 'n' slash, Blackwind certainly ticks those boxes. Unfortunately, if you're looking for a meaningful way to spend your limited time and hard-earned money, this ain't it. We won't go so far as to say that you should definitely give Blackwind a pass, but we'd understand entirely if you did.

Full Review

COGconnected: 59 / 100 by Mark Steighner

There aren’t enough hack-and-slash action games with a sci-fi setting, but Blackwind stumbles pretty hard and makes enjoying it consistently a challenge. The game’s camera is the worst offender, but issues with platforming, balance and combat are also parts of the problem. I didn’t care that the story could find a consistent tone as much as the game’s mechanics made me want to step away in frustration. I enjoy difficult games, but not unfair, busted or buggy ones.

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