The Azure Striker Gunvolt the series has always had these strong characters. That makes sense, since a lot of them are Adepts. They are people who possess psychic powers that allow them to do extraordinary things. Copen, an ordinary Minos (human), is also always special due to the improvement of cybernetics. With Gunvolt Chronicles: Luminous Avenger iX 2, we get to see much more of how capable and powerful he becomes.
The game begins with a familiar arrangement. Copen, Kohaku and Lola are together. While Copen was researching a weapon, they heard a voice calling for help. It drags all three into another world. There, a cyborg named Null assists and asks for their help. Together the four go to the Grave Pillar to find their way home. It also means a chance to learn more about its world and the remaining Gravekeeper cyborgs. It’s also a chance to battle through all sorts of themed zones, acquiring new EX Weapons like him. Which means, again, very Mega Man kind of feeling of running and gun. You fight your way through the space, hoping to do your best. As you do so, you gradually become stronger.
Copen is not a ranged character like Gunvolt. He’s much more hands-on and introspective. What you really get with the Razor Wheel. It’s near. It’s spinning. It is sharp. You really have to go in and attack. Copen is gaining strength through his attacks. It makes you feel like you’re crossing areas, even when the odds are overwhelming. Perhaps literally, consider a new move as the reverse line (Recoil Dash). It’s a dash that pushes the enemy back. (It’s especially useful if enemies are taking up platform space or hugging the edge near an empty space.) When you dive into Break-Shift, you’re even better at all of that. Overdrive comes into play and you can deal more damage and boost your score even more.
That sounds rough forcing your way is an option in Luminous Avenger iX 2. Well, roughly like that! The healing options here are twofold. Lola is still a supportive muse. Her Anthem can come into play if you die and revive you. But you don’t have to go that far. Because she can use Healing Mode at any time. Press a button, select it and Copen will work properly again. Yes, it hoards your Kudo and stops your momentum. But it’s an accessibility benefit. An optional healing ability that never causes pain. Plus, it’s still thematically active, as Copen can’t be stopped and continues to pass, with Lola struggling to keep up. (Also, if you want a challenge, there’s a hardcore mode with lives you can unlock by finding the bonus symbol.)
Not to mention EX Weapons always create a sense of satisfaction. First, get one that feels great. You only get one after winning a boss. However like Mega Man , you have several options when choosing your next battle. So, once you start, you can choose between Dacite’s Volcanic Block and Vespa’s Jungle Block. And since Dacite is weak against the Whirling Chopper EX you get from Vespa, fighting her first can be a pretty good idea! That means that as you progress to Volcano, you’ll feel even better when Copen actually sheds tears on the boss.
The result is a match that really shows how outstanding Copen (and Lola) is. Throughout every stage, you are reminded of his strength. And when you meet a new boss or rival that can be a little intimidating, you know you have the chance to get things right. EX Weapons are there to help you through. And even when you’re struggling, Lola’s resilience can help someone get through it.
Gunvolt Chronicles: Luminous Avenger iX 2 available for Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and PC.
