Gravity Circuit
Game Title: Gravity Circuit
Released: July 13, 2023
Game Length: 6 Hours
Grade: A-
Gameplay
Style: The first thing people are going to notice is how the game looks like Mega Man. All the characters are robots. You face off against 8 robots and then an encounter with the final boss. However, the game feels different in almost every way. Your primary weapon is a hookshot that allows you grapple against the ceiling and walls. The length can be manipulated as you swing through the levels. You can grab onto objects and throw them, even enemies after they have shut down. The tip of your tool can pass through walls and harm your foes.
Environment: You do not shoot pellets out of a gun. Striking enemies multiple times with your fists will be your primary choice of action. Once you become more accustomed to your hookshot, throwing objects or enemies at others will start to become second nature. There will be numerous ways to explore a level with blocks that fade away, teleportation spheres, motion-activated lasers, and tripwires. With the ability to sprint, grip, and slide, platforming across levels can become quite difficult. Thankfully the game will reset you to solid ground after taking some health away if you get smashed, fall down a pit, or hit spikes. There are checkpoints when you lose all your health.
Upgrades
Money: Currency to buy upgrades can be earned through a number of ways. You can break open crates, defeat enemies, or be awarded a certain amount from your performance after each round. The problem is your grade is very dependent on being efficient as possible in each category. Large amounts is only given to you if you receive less than 15 damage, complete a level under 6 minutes, or rescue at least 4 civilians (among other things in the list). The good news is you only lose a trifle amount to repair or reboot if you die. Nothing is lost by being hurt.
Purchases: At headquarters, there are two different vendors. The nurse will allow you to obtain physical modifications in exchange for a number of civilians rescued in the levels. Three of them can be equipped. These will help alleviate a lot of problems you may have like curtailing damage from enemies or hazards. You can double jump, prevent knockback, or another of other fascinating utilities to aid you through the levels. The second vendor sells abilities that are used when your power is at maximum. Four can be slotted that will perform maneuvers like quick heal, explosive shield, geyser, and upper cut.
Chips: As you play through the levels, there is a chance you will find an item that will extend your maximum health for the rest of the game. Chips are generally awarded from defeating enemies and bosses that can be unlocked for a small fee in the database. Unlike Mega Man, you do not automatically obtain a copy of the boss robot's ability when defeating them. The item is hidden somewhere in the level and the chassis must be manually switched back at headquarters. As an example, you can gain an ability like swinging your arms around every time you jump.
Summary
Review: Gravity Circuit may use Mega Man for inspiration, but the gameplay distinguishes it apart from being another clone. Upgrades, abilities, and level design have all been modified to put a new spin on the original formula. The story is interesting and there's enough content to keep you invested to the end. There is a certain level of difficulty and frustration that can creep up for those who aren't skillful enough to master the mechanics. Thankfully, there are options to assist your robot where you might need it the most. As a free game from the Epic Store, I definitely recommend this game.