Grapple Force Rena

 PC
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 5 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5

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  1. MindWanderer
    Jul 31, 2021
    8
    Unique mechanics spoiled by inconsistent level design and an incomplete story.

    Grapple Force Rena is a platformer with an innovative control scheme: one control stick controls Rena's movement, while the other controls a grapple beam which can attach to any surface, similar to Bionic Commando but with full 360-degree control. You can use the face buttons to jump and fire the grapple    Unique mechanics spoiled by inconsistent level design and an incomplete story.

    Grapple Force Rena is a platformer with an innovative control scheme: one control stick controls Rena's movement, while the other controls a grapple beam which can attach to any surface, similar to Bionic Commando but with full 360-degree control. You can use the face buttons to jump and fire the grapple beam, but since you need both thumbs to move and aim, you're better off using the shoulder buttons, which takes some getting used to but allows for some delightful movement once you master it. Attacking is performed by picking up enemies or objects and throwing them, so all you need is those two buttons and the sticks.

    Each level has a different objective, with "reach the end" and "defeat all enemies" being the most common. Unfortunately, most levels with different objectives are frustrating and repetitive, such as collecting macguffins and hauling them back to where you started, one at a time. Some are clever but more often than not I found myself just wanting to get them over with.

    My other main complaint is the plot. It seems simple enough at first, but there's a twist in the middle of the game that leaves it unclear what is actually going on. Unfortunately this is never resolved; apparently there was a bug in development that precluded the creators from actually finishing the story in time for launch, so they simply left it incomplete. This is a shame, because clearly a lot of imagination went into developing the setting, and you learn hardly any of it.

    I'd be very interested in seeing a follow-up title or remake that smoothed out the bumps and finished the story. As it was, it was an enjoyable experience that's worth a shot due to its unique mechanics, but not one I'd be eager to replay.    … Expand

Critic Reviews

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Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 1
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 1
  3. Negative: 0 out of 1
  1. Vandal
    Dec 28, 2018
    75
    This is a great platfromer full of great ideas and mechanics. It’s not perfect, but if you enjoy this genre and you want something original, it’s a good choice.
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