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The videogame industry has evolved into a massive entertainment sector, often recognized as a modern art form. While a relatively young medium, its rapid growth and widespread appeal are undeniable. In just 40 years, a diverse and sophisticated ecosystem has emerged, with even the simplest game types holding a unique charm. Among these classic genres, the side-scrolling beat ’em up remains enduringly popular. Dominating the arcade scene with its easy-to-grasp, engaging, and relaxing gameplay, the beat ’em up offers a familiar and satisfying experience centered around, well, beating things up.

Developed by Nicalis, Code of Princess gained a dedicated following after its 2012 release on the Nintendo 3DS. While not a blockbuster hit, its popularity led to a PC port on Steam in 2016. However, this version suffered from pixelated graphics, especially on larger HD displays. Recognizing the game’s potential, Nicalis released Code of Princess EX on the Nintendo Switch in July 2018, featuring a complete HD overhaul. This review explores why this beat ’em up has garnered such attention across multiple platforms.

An Engaging Story and Simple Yet Effective Gameplay

Beat ’em ups typically prioritize satisfying combat over complex button combinations or intricate RPG mechanics. Code of Princess EX follows this formula, presenting a three-lane combat system where enemies appear on the upper, middle, and lower paths. Players control their character’s movement between these lanes to engage enemies, evade attacks, or simply for the fun of it.

The combat system is streamlined, featuring basic attacks, heavy attacks, special moves, a block button, and a dodge/dash. Each character can also activate a temporary power-up for increased damage. Combined with a target lock feature, players can unleash devastating attacks by strategically managing their “burst” meter and power-up state.

Code of Princess EX

With six playable characters in the story mode and over 50 in the free play mode, Code of Princess EX offers diverse gameplay experiences. Princess Solange Blanchefleur de Lux, the main protagonist, wields the oversized DeLuxcalibur sword, sacrificing speed for wide-ranging attacks and high damage. In contrast, the swift thief Ali Baba prioritizes speed and combos over raw power. The game also incorporates RPG elements with character leveling and stats. Equipment affects stats, attack effects, and resistances, adding depth without overwhelming the core beat ’em up experience.

Eye-Catching HD Visuals and Unique Character Designs

The original Code of Princess on the 3DS, while visually appealing, was hampered by the handheld’s low resolution. Code of Princess EX on the Nintendo Switch represents a significant upgrade, with reworked 3D models and HD visuals. The vibrant anime-inspired art style, coupled with distinctive character designs, makes the game visually engaging.

Code of Princess EX

From Princess Solange’s revealing attire to the quirky Necromancer ZoZo, who collects corpses to enhance herself, each character boasts a unique personality and visual flair. The humorous dialogue and character interactions further enhance the game’s lighthearted charm. The animation quality, crucial for a beat ’em up, is generally well-executed, reflecting each character’s unique fighting style.

A Slow Combat Pace Hampers the Experience

Despite its engaging story, appealing visuals, and diverse characters, Code of Princess EX falters in its core gameplay: the combat. The slow combat pace, sluggish enemies, and lack of significant threat diminish the overall excitement. Even agile characters feel slow compared to the level length, requiring frequent dashing to maintain a reasonable pace. Furthermore, while the animations are well-crafted, the hit detection feels inconsistent. This is a significant drawback for a genre that thrives on impactful blows and satisfying combos.

Finally, the game over-relies on grinding despite its light RPG elements. While stats don’t drastically alter combat effectiveness, players are often forced to replay levels to gain levels and purchase new equipment to overcome difficulty spikes.

Conclusion: A Fun but Flawed Beat ‘Em Up

Code of Princess EX offers a visually appealing and engaging beat ’em up experience on the Nintendo Switch. The diverse characters, humorous dialogue, and HD graphics are definite highlights. However, the slow combat pace, inconsistent hit detection, and reliance on grinding ultimately hold the game back from its full potential. While enjoyable in short bursts, the repetitive gameplay may not hold the attention of seasoned beat ’em up fans.