Kosong Sen: Assassin Blue

For this weeks Kosong Sen feature, we look at a 2D platformer called Assasin Blue. It's a full featured 2D platformer with an attack combo upgrade mechanic that has some interesting exposition between the protagonist and his targets(and other mysterious characters).

Developed by Banov using Game Maker, Assasin Blue is a combat heavy game(all 12 levels) and you get to upgrade new combo attacks by collecting targets in the levels. The combat is a lot more complex than any other Flash game or most indie games. You can block, attack(with the basic three combo attack), and break defence.

Banov has also managed to squeeze in boss battles in the game. They are either your targets themselves or some bodyguard( I won't spoilt the story for you). These bosses have powerful attacks that you must learn their range and observe what type of attack they are powering up to for you to counter. Very much basic combat platformer stuff.

There is storyline behind the game that meanders about betrayal, morality and trust. As an assassin, you will receive mission briefings from your boss(unnamed) and have to complete your assignment by killing the target. All in a days work for an assassin really.

It's all very tongue in cheek and the story rolls on like a JRPG(also with text boxes and rolling texts) game and you will probably see the plot a mile away. But it's an indie game and was worked on by one guy(or gal). For what it is, the story is quite good.

The art style is rather basic and looks like it was sketched by a child. This is not in a bad way but a rather interesting approach to art design. Sound and music(by Prophecy) is charming but is a little too loud and can get a little grating after a while.

Assassin Blue plays in very low resolution which you can play full screen. It's a little blurry but is adequate enough to identify things in the world. Final word, it is good and at least deserves a try. You can't really complain since it is after all free! Assassin Blue is better as a whole than the sum of its parts.

Download Assassin Blue here