Nintendo Switch Critic Reviews

Azure Striker Gunvolt: Striker Pack contains the high points of Inti Creates' oeuvre. The sequel included is easily the headliner of the two, bursting with content and generally being the much better designed title. The action is really addictive with playability being very tight and responsive. It's hard to let go of the game because it feels so good to play it. To find any big flaws in these would entail mostly petty nitpicks as they stand to be exemplary entries in the run and gun genre. Them being on Nintendo Switch only means that the action does not have to stay at home.

With two comparable games from veteran action platformer developers, this dual pack is worth picking up even at full price.

Azure Striker Gunvolt: Striker Pack is a wonderful collection of a couple of the best 2D action games ever made. If you're a fan of the genre and have yet to experience GV's adventures then this is definitely a must-buy compilation.

Even with the inflated price tag, Azure Striker Gunvolt: Striker Pack features two highly underrated games well worth playing which many have missed. While it might be a bit a tough sell to those who have completed both games on the 3DS, to newcomers, it’s a golden opportunity to check out the series which I’ve dubbed the unofficial spiritual successor of Megaman.

For diehards and the uninitiated, it’s hard not to recommend Azure Striker Gunvolt: Striker Pack. The compilation features two compelling games, wonderful graphics and all of the previously released DLC all on one cartridge. The games have a couple of warts here and there, and the difficulty level can be demanding at times, but the gameplay will keep you coming back again and again. Fans of old-school, 2D platforming would do well to check this one out.

All told, we’d give Azure Striker Gunvolt: Striker Pack a strong recommendation to anyone who hasn’t yet played these games. Although the two games can be picked up individually on the 3DS for a lower price, this still presents a good opportunity to try them both in a format that can be played on both a big screen or a portable. The two games stand high on their own merits and — when you consider additions like HD Rumble and DLC — they certainly justify the cost, but the porting job is a little sloppy; fans who have already played these out on the 3DS might want to think it over first before buying. If you haven’t played them yet, then this is nevertheless the best way to go.

The asking price of 40$ for a port of 2 3DS games with DLC that cost 40$ on 3DS initially as a package might be a bit much for some but if you’re a fan of action platformers, these are great and this pack is the definitive version of the Gunvolt collection.

Despite its poorly told story, repetitive material grind, and wonky scoring system, Azure Striker Gunvolt: Striker Pack is a solid investment for fans of the 2D platformer genre. Gunvolt may not be Mega Man, but the series offers up much of the same charm and challenge that made Capcom's iconic franchise such a big hit. The pair of games doesn't quite hit the same highs as many of the Blue Bomber's greatest adventures, but Azure Striker Gunvolt: Striker Pack earns serious points for trying something new.

As would be expected for a pair of 3DS games, the Gunvolt titles look sharp in handheld mode. There was a bit of an adjustment period when playing on TV, as I had mostly played Blaster Master Zero in handheld mode so I wasn’t used to the pixels being enlarged for TV visibility. It’s especially notable in the first game’s credits. The music is not really noticeable until the Japanese pop idol overrides kick in, but those songs are a nice reward for the first game and serve as the DLC for the second title. Inti Creates’s first six months on Switch have been quite strong, and this package is keeping the streak alive. Some of the additional content may water down the experience, but both games at their heart are worth a look.