Warstride Challenges Review (Frankie Spankie)
This game came out of nowhere and got absolutely no praise since release. It's a speed running game in an arena shooter game. Every level has a collectible as well as time limits you're looking to beat. As you play the more difficult stages, there are requirements for some enemies. If enemies are highlighted blue, you have to spin 360 degrees before you can kill them. If they're highlighted yellow, you have to perform a flip in order to kill them. Don't worry, there's a slow mo button to allow you to perform these stunts and still hit your targets.
Speaking off slow mo, most things are limited. Many levels will have unlimited ammo but a lot also have limited ammo so you have to manage your shots. The slow mo timer is limited so you have to be careful not to over use it. There are other abilities like stomp that will send you to the ground quickly and killing everyone nearby, those abilities are also limited so you have to plan your route accordingly for what you use and when you use it.
The game play is really tight. Everything is fun to do and the game makes you feel like you're incredibly skilled. My only complaints is the air control is rather limited. There is some but I would prefer more. You get air control with the grappling hook in the final chapter of the game which is strange because there's not much reason to have more control with the grappling hook but not in the air. My other complaint is you're often crouching for a speed burst from sliding, particularly when landing. It always slides you in the direction you're looking rather than the direction you're moving. This can get frustrating when you're trying to shoot behind you and you land a bit earlier than expecting and slide in the complete opposite direction.
Fortunately when minor things happen to ruin your run, it doesn't feel too punishing as most stages are very short. Just restart your run! The game's an absolute blast and it's great to see a very polished game like this in a very niche genre. If you like speed running games, I definitely recommend this one.