Valfaris: Mecha Therion

Our analysis

A high-octane horizontal shoot-em-up sequel that successfully reinvents the series, with a satisfying melee-to-refill energy risk-reward loop, genuinely distinct swappable weapons, blood-point upgrades, and fair checkpointing that keeps its tough difficulty from feeling unfair. Striking, varied art direction and a standout metal soundtrack are strengths, though the faux-3D sprites mesh less well than the original's flat art, an awkward auto-turn setting, and music that loops into brief silences are minor drawbacks.