Eight Bit Magazine


Mayq Buster

Author: Paul Monopoli
Publisher: Cobinee
Machine: MSX

 
Published in 8 Bit Annual 2019

Mayq Buster

MayQ Buster features Wizards and Warriors action all packaged away in a platforming box. As with many other Cobinee releases the storyline is not documented.

Plot And Gameplay

The game merely tells you that "you found yourself in Mayq Buster" and... that's it! Fortunately, Cobinee's website explains a little more about what you need to do.

Running the Japanese through Google Translate we get a story of sorts - "Become descendants of brave people, collect items, help the scared Princess, be like creating the RPG and making actions, as it is the part of defeating the boss living next door". Make of that what you will.

Mayq Buster

Mayq Buster is a platforming adventure title that equips the protagonist with a sharp blade and the ability to double jump. The game takes place in a huge dungeon, with pathways leading in all directions. While you might be tempted to map the game out using graph paper, just be aware the dungeons are random, so each play through it completely different.

As you venture through the tunnels you will encounter bosses. Upon defeating them you will be given items such as a sword, or a key or even a potion. The problem with no documentation is that I have no idea what any of the items actually do. Keys open chests, potions heal you but I still have no idea what swords are for. They don't increase your attack and various button combinations yield no results.

Be aware that if you encounter a chest and have not yet procured a key you might want to jump over it and move on. Touching a locked chest without a key will result in you taking damage, which feels a little odd. The graphics are extremely blocky, though it feels appropriate for the style of game. Yes, nicer graphics would always be welcome, but these are adequate. Your warrior character moves smoothly, though there is a significant amount of sprite flicker depending on the number of enemies on the screen at the time. The in game tune is dark and moody, while the sound effects are what you would expect, with sword strikes and jumps being the most commonly heard. They're serviceable, but that's about it.

Mayq Buster

You control the warrior with the arrow keys and space bar, or a controller with button 1. The second button is not used, though I would have preferred using it to jump rather than pressing up on the D-pad as I have never been a fan of that control method.

What I Like

Random dungeons offer a different experience every time you play. The game is just fun!

What I Didn't Like

I would have preferred using a button to jump instead of up on the D-pad, and the graphics could be better.

Verdict

Overall, I'm actually really enjoying Mayq Buster. It's such a simple game, though I still have to figure out all of the gameplay mechanics. With that said, the random dungeons and fun gameplay will keep me coming back for more.

Paul Monopoli

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