Thunder Ray: Forgotten Duels delivers an exciting set of new DLC battles to get you back in the ring as the renowned Thunder Ray on the Nintendo Switch. Let me take you through my experience with this thrilling extension in our review.
When the main Thunder Ray adventure burst onto Nintendo’s scene earlier, it took us through an exhilarating interstellar journey. This time, with the Forgotten Duels DLC, we rewind to see Thunder Ray climb the ranks through grueling human competition. This glimpse into his past lets us understand how he became the formidable boxer we met in the original 2023 release from Purple Tree and Purple Play.
Starting up the Forgotten Duels, you find yourself squaring off against some tough human challengers. Each fighter is crafted with vibrant hand-drawn animations, making them pop on your screen. You’ll be facing off against the likes of Uncle Slam, the fierce Bayar Kahn, and the final boss, Hunter Callahan. While the roster might seem limited with just three opponents, it’s important to note that this is, after all, a DLC and not a full-fledged sequel. With the main game priced at $14.99, you get an experience that includes eight opponents to test your mettle.
In terms of gameplay, the controls you’ve come to know remain unchanged. Steering Thunder Ray around the ring is managed with the left analog stick or D-Pad, dodging incoming punches by swaying left or right. Quick reflexes are your best friend here, as precision dodging will keep you upright. Duck under swipes with a neat press downward, and ensure your timing is sharp when blocking; otherwise, you’ll be on the receiving end of some serious blows!
Your offensive strategies involve a mix of body shots and jabs, orchestrated with the B, A, Y, and X buttons. Powering up for a serious punch is done with the L and R buttons, allowing you to unleash a devastating Super Attack once your Super bar, located at the screen’s bottom, is filled. Pulling off this move correctly can drastically alter the fight’s outcome.
Overall, Thunder Ray: Forgotten Duels is an enjoyable expansion that gives our main character more depth through his battles against skillfully animated human opponents. For just $4.99, it’s a fantastic value addition to the full Thunder Ray experience. If you’re new to the series, you can purchase Thunder Ray Origins for $19.98, bundling both the main game and the DLC.
Please note, this review is based on a Nintendo Switch copy provided by the developer, Purple Play.
