Creating a game that seeks to pay tribute to a classic of gaming is already a tall order but it takes a special kind of courage to attempt to recreate a retro game that’s not fondly remembered.
Yet, that’s what Quebec City’s Berzerk decided to do with Infernax, a clear homage to 1987’s Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest. Luckily for them, it’a roaring success.
There’s a simple reason for this: while Castlevania II was definitely flawed, there was a great game there under all the rough edges.
With Infernax, Berzerk used what was learned about game design in the last 35 years to polish the initial concept and release a game that shines brightly.
You play as Alcedor, a duke who returns from an expedition to find his kingdom under assault by the infernal hordes of Baphomet. You then raise you mace to slaughter the demons to either save your citizens or gain power for yourself.
Infernax offers devilishly difficult platforming (pun intended), relentless action and brain racking puzzles that will challenge every one of the skill you might have built since 1987.
Oh, and if the challenge is a little too much, don’t worry: Berzerk considered the less skilled among us and included a more lenient casual mode that’s not as punishing.
