Panzer Paladin

When you want to feel like a powerful mech rider carving through massive demons, Panzer Paladin just can’t be beat.

Tribute really managed to capture old-school level-based platforming in a bottle and put their own spin on it. [Issue #48 – September/October 2020, p. 26]

With fresh combat mechanics, plenty of features, and a ton of replayability, Panzer Paladin is the latest great retro-action platformer that is worth your time.

Making a good retro-style game is hard--balancing old-fashioned play mechanics with newer advancements in game design is a tough tightrope to walk. But Panzer Paladin manages that balancing act with few slip-ups, delivering solid platforming action, fierce weapon duels, epic boss fights, and a cool weapon-sacrifice mechanic, all dressed up in an immensely charming classic-robot-anime wrapping. While it might have its brief moments of annoyance, the amazing globe-trotting, alien-smashing adventure of Flame and Grit proves to be a delight from beginning to end.

Panzer Paladin is the kind of game I dreamed of as a kid. A flashy and colourful platformer with nearly a hundred weapons, over a dozen levels, cool anime art, and even the ability to draw my own weapons? It's a tall order, yet Panzer Paladin manages to deliver. Its sharp combat and even sharper visuals kept me glued to my screen for hours, but there were times where I struggled to engage with the best parts of the weapon system. Managing durability and an overflowing arsenal ended up being far more of a challenge than any of the platforming or enemies within the game.

Panzer Paladin's pleasing retro-aesthetics and slick use of 80s anime tropes compliment its new ideas wonderfully.

Panzer Paladin is a charming, satisfying platformer that I enjoyed immensely. It even manages to do the impossible: make at least one aspect of Zelda II enjoyable.

Panzer Paladin is one of the best retro-inspired games to be released recently so if you love 8-bit 2D action then you'll definitely want to play it as it masterfully combines existing and novel concepts into one cohesive and enjoyable formula.

Panzer Paladin's uncomplicated gameplay won't be for everyone and there are some very minor niggles that hold it back from true greatness. Even so, it has heart, and that goes a long, long way. If you're into retro throwback games then you should really give this a try; Panzer Paladin is an unpretentious, exuberant action game from start to finish, and a must for genre fans.

Seeing the same level pattern repeat from start to finish of the title quickly makes the gaming experience monotonous and loses much of its flavor.

At its best, Panzer Paladin leans into its great core platforming to offer genre comfort food. Its movement tools feel rewarding, with twitchy controls and a fun variety of traversal options. The game's aesthetic is similarly successful, capturing the buoyant energy of 80s mecha anime with period-appropriate character designs and vivid coloring. But unfortunately, the game’s level design isn't always as compelling. Only the boss encounters and the final few levels fully take advantage of the tight controls, resulting in stretches that fall flat. Panzer Paladin may not eclipse its influences, but it is still a very competent retro throwback.

Even with a few frustrating aspects, Panzer Paladin is still a solid choice. Going through each of its stages and ripping enemies apart is a good time overall. The additional modes add some nice longevity, and its anime-inspired presentation is wonderful. It's time to suit up and save the world.