Mangavania 2 [Review]
Mangavania 2 is a platformer you can safely avoid.
While Mangavania 2 may have “vania” as part of its title, I was disappointed to find out it’s not a Metroidvania. It’s a short, 20 level action platformer that overstays its welcome despite its brief length.
The game consists of 20 levels you access via a level select screen, with each level locked until you complete the previous. Levels are short, linear courses—and a couple of uninteresting boss fights—that you must navigate using your move set. Levels are platforming challenges with traps such as spikes, dripping acid, and the like, and enemies you mostly kill with one hit. Enemies that require more hits—the bosses—were more of a chore than a fun challenge.
You’re able to jump, wall-jump, attack, and deflect projectiles. Later on, you gain a grappling hook and can throw a bomb. A double jump mechanic can be tricky to execute thanks to fussy hit detection and controls, where slashing a torch lets you bounce up again.
The game’s graphics are 1-bit black and white with some red highlights mostly used to mark things that would hurt you. The art is competent but a bit boring since it doesn’t do much to create an interesting environment or textures. Mangavania has one of the most irritating soundtracks I’ve ever heard in a game; every track is a loop that only lasts a few seconds, repeating a single refrain endlessly like a skipping record. It’s grating, to say the least.
I can’t recommend Mangavania 2. When I wasn’t frustrated with the torch jump or boss fights, I was gritting my teeth at the music. There are simply too many other similar platformers out there with better execution.
Mangavania 2 is available now on Nintendo Switch, Xbox One / Series X|S, and PlayStation 4/5.
Overall Score: 2/10
Played on: PS5
