Side-scrolling shooters have made a big comeback, and Valfaris: Mecha Therion leads the charge. As a follow-up to the cult classic Valfaris, this game keeps its metal spirit while upgrading its mechanics and presentation. From intense combat to striking visuals and sound, it offers a thrilling ride for fans of the genre. Whether you’re into hardcore action or fast-paced challenges, this game delivers.
Overall Impressions
I dove into Valfaris: Mecha Therion with high hopes. Right away, its heavy-metal look and fast action grabbed my attention. Steel Mantis builds on its earlier success, delivering a more refined 2.5D shoot ’em up. The game moves with serious intensity, outpacing many modern side-scrollers.
Compared to old-school classics like R-Type or Metal Slug, this one feels weightier and more focused. Even so, it never slows down. While I did notice some minor stutters in tight spots, the game’s grim, detailed world kept me hooked. Overall, this is one of the best mecha shooters I’ve played all year.
Gameplay Mechanics
From the start, the controls feel tight and responsive. The core loop—shooting, dashing, and switching weapons—stays fresh throughout. Learning how to use the hover dash well can really help, cutting down room-clearing time by up to 20%.
There are six weapon types, each with unique ammo and heat systems. This setup creates a nice balance between power and strategy. For example, during the third boss, switching from the plasma cannon to explosive rockets saved me precious seconds. While a few camera issues popped up, especially in tight spaces, the game’s generous checkpoints made them easier to manage. Overall, the combat feels fast, smooth, and full of smart choices.
Story and Characters
Therion is back, returning to Valfaris for another round against Lord Vroll. The story continues the dark sci-fi vibe of the first game. It’s told in a subtle way, mostly through the environment and short cutscenes.
I liked how the story moved quickly and never dragged. Lord Vroll still stands out as a great villain, thanks to his powerful design and presence. Supporting characters show up now and then, adding depth without getting in the way. The dialogue is sharp and to the point, which helps keep the focus on the action. This keeps you fully in the pilot’s seat, chasing down your enemies.
Visuals and Graphics
Visually, the game is a metal lover’s dream. Using 3D models in a 2D space, Steel Mantis creates a world that’s gritty, mechanical, and alive with motion. Every explosion bursts with fire and sparks, making each battle feel intense.
One player called the visual jump “a pleasant surprise,” and I agree. The lighting casts eerie reds and deep blues, giving the world a dark edge. Sometimes the camera felt a bit too close, but it didn’t ruin the experience. Animations hold steady at 60 frames per second on all major platforms. Every gear and piston looks like it was built with care, adding to the game’s heavy, industrial tone.
Sound and Music
The soundtrack absolutely shreds. Finnish composer Janne Pitkänen delivers nonstop guitar riffs that match the chaos on-screen. The sound effects hit hard—missiles roar, and weapons explode with impact.
Voice acting is kept to a minimum, which works well. It’s used only when it counts, making those moments stand out. Boss fights especially benefit from music that shifts in real time, raising the tension. I often found myself dodging to the rhythm. This strong audio design keeps every fight exciting and ties perfectly into the game’s heavy-metal feel.
Difficulty and Replayability
The game strikes a great balance between challenge and fairness. It’s tough, but it doesn’t scare off newcomers. Many players commented that the difficulty curve feels just right—and I agree.
In the early stages, the game teaches the basics at a smooth pace. But soon, you’ll need to chain dashes and weapon swaps just to stay alive. For speedrunners, there’s plenty to master. Learning enemy patterns and ammo tricks can cut minutes off your run. Plus, with time trials and hidden items, there’s lots of reason to replay. I’ve already gone back to improve my scores and rankings.
Final Thoughts
Valfaris: Mecha Therion stands tall among today’s side-scrolling shooters. It brings together sharp controls, a bold art style, and a killer soundtrack. While a few camera issues show up, they don’t take away from the overall quality. If you love heavy metal vibes, fast combat, or speedrunning thrills, this game is for you. Steel Mantis proves once again that they know how to make a genre standout.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Trivia
Steel Mantis started as a one-man effort by Frédéric Coispeau, who worked on classic PC games in the ’90s. For this title, the team teamed up with Twin Gates Studio to build the 3D assets. Publisher Silver Lining Interactive made sure the game runs smoothly across all platforms, including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
Valfaris: Mecha Therion nearly perfects the formula for 2.5D shoot ’em ups. While not flawless, it’s a wild ride that both casual and hardcore players will enjoy.
