overdrive's Ironsword: Wizards & Warriors II review

A nice writeup, but a little too kind, even with the two-star rating.

I'm one of probably only... (waves index finger; whispers, "carry the one"...) three people on this site who still enjoys the first Wizards & Warriors game, warts and all. However, the last time I played Ironsword, the experience was disgusting. In addition to the points mentioned in the review, Kuros' weapon and armor upgrades are completely worthless, and, perhaps the game-breaker, the damage Kuros receives upon being attacked seems completely randomized. The first attack from an enemy might deal only a sliver of damage; the next, despite being the same attack and from the same enemy type, could be an instant kill. Now that I look back, I'm rather shocked Ironsword was ever released in such a broken state.

I am that other person, the other guy who still loves Wizards and Warriors the first. I actually was almost also still in love with Ironsword... Except for that goddamned continue issue. I didnt even realize thats what was happening! Thanks for clearing that up.

The music is awesome, by the way, as you mention. You know it was David Wise, yes? Of donkey kong country fame?

Ah so fucking good!!
http://youtu.be/r-Wda-9EZQo

You know, that's a good point about the difficulty. I think that's another reason why the game's difficulty is so stagnant throughout the game, because of stuff like that. Like, right in the very first area, if you run all the way to the right and go in the door there, you're in a cave with a few keys, gems and a treasure chest or two. That has a few of those imps that float up and down and occasionally shoot at you. They can cause a shit-ton of damage sometimes, so it is legit possible for a person to run quickly, not take any damage, go into that room and get one-hit-killed and be like WHAT THE HELL JUST HAPPENED!?!?

Honestly, if not for the stupid continue issue, this would be a game that bizarrely gets easier as you go along, simply because it doesn't get more difficult and the most annoying stage (the cloud one) is one of the first ones. I HATED that room where I think you get the spell you need to kill the boss. Those jumps need perfect timing and more of those imps are in there.

I think the continue vanishing is a good idea, and one suiting the game.