I’ve played plenty of indie platformers that claim to bring back the magic of classic games. Some actually do, some miss the mark, and most just feel like weaker versions of the originals. Basureroes: Invasion, though, is different. It doesn’t just look like an old-school action platformer; it feels like one. It respects the player, demands skill, and never holds your hand. If you love platformers, this game is a reminder of why you fell for them in the first place.

It Just Feels Right

The first thing that stood out to me was how smooth and precise the controls were. In a game like this, the movement needs to feel right if the jumping is floaty, the combat feels sluggish, or there’s input lag, the experience just falls apart. Thankfully, Basureroes: Invasion absolutely nails the controls. Every jump, attack, and dodge feels right like an extension of your own reflexes. You’re always in control, and that’s exactly how it should be.

You also get to choose from seven different characters, and unlike some games where that’s just for show, here it actually changes how you play. Some characters are quicker, some hit harder, and others use ranged or melee attacks that completely alter your approach. You’ll probably find a favorite fast, but the fact that each character offers a different playstyle makes the game feel fresh every time.

A Brutal, but Fair Challenge

Let’s be clear: this game is tough. But it’s the kind of challenge that feels fair. There are no cheap enemy placements or unfair mechanics meant to frustrate you. Every time you fail, it’s because of a mistake—you mistimed a jump, got too reckless, or weren’t paying attention—and that’s what makes it so rewarding when you finally get it right. The levels are designed to push you without feeling impossible. At first, it’s just basic platforming and combat, but as you progress, the difficulty ramps up. You’ll need to time jump perfectly, react instantly to enemies, and manage your positioning carefully. By the time you hit the later stages, you’ll realize just how much better you’ve gotten, not because the game held your hand, but because you learned through trial and error.

What keeps it from feeling repetitive is how often the game surprises you. Just when you think you’ve got things figured out, you’re suddenly in a high-speed motorcycle chase, a space shooter segment, or a wild minecart escape. These moments don’t feel like random additions they fit seamlessly into the game’s world and keep the excitement going.

Combat that Rewards Precision

While platforming is at the heart of the game, combat is just as important. At first, it seems simple: shoot, dodge, attack, but the way enemies are placed makes it more strategic than just button-mashing. Some enemies rush you, forcing quick reactions, while others attack from a distance, making you think before you engage. Since each character plays differently, who you choose really matters. Some are great for taking down enemies from a distance, while others force you to get up close and personal. The game never forces you into a particular playstyle, but you’ll definitely notice that certain characters feel more suited for different situations.

Boss Fights That Push You to Your Limits

The boss fights? Easily one of the best parts of the game. They’re fast, intense, and demand your full attention. These aren’t just big enemies you have to chip away at. They have multiple attack patterns, second phases, and zero room for sloppiness. Each boss fight feels unique. One moment you’re dodging laser beams and missiles from a massive war machine, and the next you are facing a shapeshifting alien that completely changes its attack style mid-fight. The first few attempts might wreck you, but once you learn the patterns and pull off a perfect victory that feeling is unbeatable.

Soundtrack Ties Everything Together

A game like this needs a killer soundtrack, and Basureroes: Invasion delivers the chiptune music that is energetic and intense and matches the action perfectly. The boss themes, in particular, stand out with pulse-pounding tracks that keep you engaged and focused. Even outside of battle, the level music is so catchy that you might find yourself humming it long after you’ve stopped playing.

You’ll Keep Coming Back

Even after finishing the game, there’s plenty to come back for. Every character plays differently, so replaying the game feels fresh each time. There are also hidden secrets and collectibles, so if you love finding everything a game has to offer, there is a lot to dig into, and then there is Hard Mode. If you thought the regular game was challenging, just wait. Enemies hit harder, bosses are even trickier, and the game expects near-perfect execution.

Real Talk

Basureroes: Invasion doesn’t hold your hand, and that is exactly why it’s so good. It respects the player, teaches through gameplay, challenges you without feeling unfair, and makes every victory feel earned. If you grew up on Mega Man, Contra, or Metal Slug, or if you love games like Shovel Knight or The Messenger, this is a must-play. That said it is not for everyone. If you’re looking for a relaxed, easygoing experience, this isn’t it. But if you enjoy mastering mechanics, learning enemy patterns, and pushing through tough challenges, you are going to have an incredible time.

GAMEFFINE CUPPING: 85/100