Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

X-Blades delivers a fast-paced hack-and-slash experience centered around its dual-wielding heroine, Ayumi. Players will find themselves chaining together acrobatic combos, dodges, and special abilities as they carve through hordes of demons and mythical creatures. The combat system balances accessibility with depth, allowing newcomers to feel powerful early on while rewarding seasoned players who master timing and ability management.

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The Royal Bundle’s inclusion of an official strategy guide is a noteworthy advantage. It provides detailed breakdowns of enemy weaknesses, hidden collectibles, and optimal skill upgrade paths. Whether you’re aiming for full completion or just want a smoother ride through the tougher boss fights, the guide ensures you won’t miss crucial mechanics that can turn the tide of battle.

Exploration in X-Blades is a significant part of the gameplay loop. Levels are designed with verticality and secret passages, encouraging players to backtrack once they’ve unlocked new abilities. The mousepad featuring Ayumi’s artwork may seem like a small perk, but it serves as a handy reminder of your character’s agility as you navigate environmental puzzles and platforming challenges.

Graphics

Visually, X-Blades leans into vibrant, exotic environments that range from lush jungles and sun-drenched deserts to shadowy temples. The engine handles particle effects—like fiery explosions and magical auras—with minimal slowdown, even when the screen is crowded. Character models, especially Ayumi’s, are detailed, with fluid animations that make every spin attack and leap feel satisfying.

The 72-page art book included in the Royal Bundle is a treasure trove for fans of the game’s aesthetic. It features concept sketches, environmental studies, and character turnarounds that highlight the development process. From Ayumi’s weapon designs to the fearsome demon lords, the art book deepens appreciation for the game’s visual direction.

While X-Blades isn’t on par with today’s cutting-edge titles, its stylized graphics hold up well on modern hardware when settings are cranked up. The two-sided poster—showing a world map on one side and a 2009/2010 calendar on the other—also doubles as a charming piece of wall art for those who want a daily reminder of the game’s colorful world and timeline.

Story

The narrative of X-Blades follows treasure hunter Ayumi as she searches for legendary artifacts in a world teeming with demonic threats. The story’s pace matches the action-heavy gameplay, offering brief cutscenes that push the plot forward without stalling the momentum. While the overarching plot is relatively straightforward, the characters Ayumi encounters add flavor through quirky dialogue and memorable boss introductions.

The original soundtrack, composed by Michael Dees and Pavel Stebakov, enhances the story’s mood dramatically. Sweeping orchestral tracks underscore high-stakes encounters, while atmospheric melodies accompany quieter exploration segments. Having the OST on CD lets you relive Ayumi’s journeys even when you’re away from the keyboard.

Voice acting quality varies, but Ayumi’s dialogue delivery captures her spunky, determined personality. Supporting characters occasionally border on cliché, yet their banter helps humanize the larger-than-life events. The lore snippets scattered throughout levels—detailed further in the art book and strategy guide—add depth, hinting at a broader mythology that fans can piece together.

Overall Experience

The X-Blades (Royal Bundle) is more than just a purchase—it’s a collector’s dream. Alongside the core game, you receive a beautifully crafted 23cm Ayumi figurine, adding a tangible centerpiece to your shelf. The combination of physical collectibles and digital content offers a compelling package for both players and memorabilia enthusiasts.

Between the robust combat mechanics, engaging level design, and the array of bonus items, the bundle strikes an excellent balance of gameplay and keepsakes. The strategy guide and art book ensure that your investment goes beyond a single playthrough, inviting deeper exploration and repeated enjoyment. Meanwhile, the mousepad provides practical value for everyday gaming sessions.

Overall, X-Blades (Royal Bundle) stands out as a well-rounded offering. It caters to action fans seeking a stylized, adrenaline-fueled adventure, while also appealing to collectors with its high-quality extras. If you’re searching for a game that marries energetic combat with tasteful bonus content, this bundle is a strong contender for your library.

Retro Replay Score

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