Closing Credits: The Messenger (2018)

The Button Bash Brigade played it... should you?

A Digital Communion Over Controllers

Welcome, fellow nerds, geeks, and gamers of Checkpoint Church!

August saw the inception of our vibrant video game club, aptly named the "Button Bash Brigade." The game under our collective magnifying glass for September? "The Messenger," a choice nominated and democratically voted upon by our spirited community.

We’ve partnered with the community of gamers who played this title and asked for their takes. What did they think and should you play? Let’s talk about it.

Diving into 'The Messenger': The Game's Essence

For those unfamiliar, "The Messenger", courtesy of Sabotage Studio's meticulous crafting in 2018, is an action-platformer that thrusts players into the ninja shoes of the titular Messenger. His mission? Delivering a scroll across a time-warped world that oscillates brilliantly between 8-bit past and 16-bit future visuals. A brainchild of Thierry Boulanger, the game borrows fervently from classics like "Ninja Gaiden" and "Chrono Trigger". Complementing the visuals is the harmonious, duality-inspired soundtrack by Eric W. Brown.

Ninja Moves & Time Warps: A Peek into Gameplay Dynamics

Don the role of a swift-footed ninja, tracing back to the nostalgia of the "Ninja Gaiden" series. Your arsenal includes agile jumps, sharp sword swipes, and the game-defining "Cloudstepping," granting airborne jumps post-attack. As you tread deeper into the game, you'll be showered with new abilities, use Time Shards for coveted upgrades, chat up the charming shopkeeper, and if misfortune befalls, a demon named Quarble revives you (though at a shardly cost).

The journey commences linearly, taking the player through the pixelated past and vibrant future. Still, it soon broadens its horizons into a Metroidvania style, beckoning players to traverse across eras.

Unity in Gaming: Building Bonds Beyond Pixels

"The Messenger" seamlessly lends itself to communal gaming. Conversations about the game's challenges, free from spoiler threats, bound through our community. The collective groans of frustration and sighs of relief were truly a testament to its entertainment quotient. For any budding streamers or spectators, this game is a golden ticket to shared experiences.

Voices of the Button Bash Brigade: Players Weigh In

Our community's CheckMeta score for the game? A solid 8.6.

Recommendations for similar heart-racers included Castlevania 3, Ninja Gaiden, Celeste, and a slew of SNES/Genesis-era side-scrolling platformers. Many echoed a fondness for the game's nostalgic soundtrack, retro visuals, and engaging dialogues. Boss battles, though often punishing, were particularly memorable.

However, no game is without its critique.

Some lamented the precision required in the game's latter stages, while others grumbled about specific achievement criteria and memorization-heavy DLC bosses. But even with its imperfections, "The Messenger" carved a special niche in the hearts of many, with one community member passionately advocating for its prequel, "Sea of Stars."

Reflecting Pixels and Spirit: A Journey’s Endnote

In retrospect, "The Messenger" was more than just a game; it was an experience, a collective journey through time and pixels.

Our digital church community's shared adventures in this game were a testament to the beautiful confluence of faith and fun. At the core, it reiterates the importance of scrutinizing and understanding the entertainment we soak in.

As we bid adieu to "The Messenger" (for now), we extend a warm invitation to all to plunge into our next joint game review – "Our Life: Beginnings and Always." Dive in, share your perspectives, and let's continue our exploration of faith meeting fun.

Did you play The Messenger as well? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!