Blackthorne is a fantastic example of an action/adventure side scrolling adventure. With some brilliant and original additions over other games of the time (upgradeable weapons, atmospheric locations), it is one of the most addictive and intense games of its type ever made.
The level of difficulty starts out low enough, but the puzzles quikly become difficult and the enemies far tougher. You get a real sense of dread as you play, and your skills become focused towards survival as the game continues. Eventually, Blackthorne becomes extremely challenging, and players must use a combination of wits, timing, reflexes, skill and logical thinking in order to advance.
Blackthorne is a fantastic example of an action/adventure side scrolling adventure. With some brilliant and original additions over other games of the time (upgradeable weapons, atmospheric locations), it is one of the most addictive and intense games of its type ever made.
The level of difficulty starts out low enough, but the puzzles quikly become difficult and the enemies far tougher. You get a real sense of dread as you play, and your skills become focused towards survival as the game continues. Eventually, Blackthorne becomes extremely challenging, and players must use a combination of wits, timing, reflexes, skill and logical thinking in order to advance.
The music and sound effects are subtle and perfectly suited to the games dark and eerie feel. The ominous droning of nearby enemies adds an element
of fear and expectation, something that has since been copied by many survival horror games.
The upgradeable weapon is certainly a great feature, and definitely one of the games stronger points. As you advance through the levels, you gain confidence in your weapon handling abilities, but never enough to expect to defeat any enemy. The balance between weapon strength, evolving player skill and the quality of enemy is what really serves to make this game fantastic.
The graphics are dark and eerie, perfectly suited to the gameplay. The jungle settings are made to feel alive by subtle animations and puts the player further on edge - you never know if an enemy is lurking nearby, ready to pounce and destroy you with a carefully timed attack.
The platforming elements of this game are also exceptional, and for their time quite realistic. As a player your speed and ability to jump and climb are limited to roughly those of a normal human, which further adds to the sense of survival - you are outmuscled, outgunned and ill-equipped to navigate this world, and must do as you can to live.
Overall, Blackthorne is one of the most intense and enjoyable side-scrolling shooters that I have ever played, and is most definitely worth your time. Don't be perturbed by the steep difficulty level, stick with it and you will be rewarded handsomely for your efforts. Brilliant!
