• PSP(Vita)

by Arcee on 07.20.10

When I first heard of the game Young Thor by Frima Studio, I have to admit that I actually envisioned that it would have something to do with the Marvel Comics character. Being a huge comic book fan, that is the first thing that popped in my mind. But when the game started up on my PSP, I knew it would have nothing to do with the comic book. And you know what? I am really okay with that. Playing through Young Thor, the game would actually turn out to be one of the best PlayStation Minis I have gotten my hands on. 

Actually, this game takes reference from old Norse mythology for the settings and characters all the way to what and how the power-ups work when collected. From mentioning locales such as the Tree of Life known as Yggdrasil, Bifrost, and Helheim, to characters such as Hel, Skuld, Urd, Verdandi, and Nidhogg: the game’s makers definitely  knew their Norse mythology. It adds a lot to the credibility of the title knowing that they made so many references to it. In many ways it reminds me of the anime series Ah! My Goddess! in the way that it uses the mythological aspects of the Norse culture.

But enough of the aesthetics of the game, let me get on to what some of you want to know. The game is fun to play. It isn’t too easy that you will breeze through it in one sitting but it is not so tough that you will get frustrated. Gameplay is just like every other beat’em up game out there. You go around using Mjolnir and beat up goblins, trolls, giants, banshees, and many more assorted beasties. Along the way you grab power ups that add to how strong you are and how hard you hit your enemies. You can also add to Young Thor’s strength by leveling him up. Level him all the way up to level 99 and not only do you make him nearly invincible but you can earn several achievements along the way. 

Visually, the game looks great. Not just the still images that move the game along and tell the story but as you play the game the graphics look as good throughout the entire game. Of course, being a Mini and a PSP game, you shouldn’t expect Crysis level graphics. But what you do get is some of the best and colorful visuals on the PSP. The only thing that really bugs me about the game is the music. Granted, I know that they are trying to stay true to the setting of the game, but come on, it seems as though the music is so repetitive that it nearly becomes unbearable. It almost kills the mood and sense of fun in the game. 

I am kind of glad that I had a chance to try Young Thor early. I have played just enough of the game to get a major gist of what the game is about and how the story and plot will progress. But just because I am done with this review, I think I am going to finish the game just for the hell of it. I have got to admit, I am having a lot of fun with this game. Sure, it may not be based on the Marvel character, but given what it does and how well it does it, it certainly does not disappoint. Sure, on a fan boy level I would have liked to have played a “Thor” game, but this Thor game is fun enough that I can have more than enough fun. Now I someone would just go out there and make a “Thor” game I would be really excited. 

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