Noitu Love 2: Devolution (originally released in 2008), is a game by Joakim Sandberg, and a sequel to a simpler Flash game with similar mechanics. In essence, the game is a love letter to arcade games, and various action games released for the Mega Drive, mostly by Treasure (like Gunstar Heroes or Alien Soldier). There's some truly beautiful pixel art and animation on display, but that's only half of it: The true beauty lies in its fast, frantic pace, and incredibly unique control scheme (emphasis on the latter). Xoda Rap, the main character, moves via the WASD on the keyboard, but can also perform a dash by tapping A or D (left or right), and an upward cyclone move by tapping W (up). All other actions utilise the mouse. By left clicking on an enemy anywhere on screen, Xoda will fling herself towards them instantly, and a string of attacks be performed by clicking the same button. It's also possible to hold the cursor on a smaller enemy for a brief period in order to grab and throw them anywhere. The right mouse button is used for placing down a temporary shield, which can block enemy attacks, as well as various hazards in the levels.

This novel control scheme is quite complex, but the impressive part is how well it works. There's an optional tutorial segment detached from the main game that explains everything thoroughly. The game is divided into seven stages, and runs about fifty minutes long. Each stage is completely unique, and features its own bosses and minibosses. The boss battles are the real highlights (much like in a Treasure game), as not only do they have great designs (02-Joy is a standout), but they seem to truly take advantage of the mechanics. The bulk of the stages are more enjoyable when rushed through, as the cannon fodder enemies don't put up much of a fight. There's a combo system in place that rewards multiple fast kills, and this is where Xoda's dash is best utilised, as she can maintain speed while raising the combo meter by going through grunts. Ranks are awarded at the end of each stage based on a variety of factors, like time and damage taken, and this further adds to the replayability.

As far as negatives go, some stages are not as good as others. The third, Japanese themed level is a bit of a letdown, with all of its random, gimmicky hazards that slow down the action and take the focus away from the combat. The stages in general are much less interesting than the boss fights, and though fun to run through, make it feel like the game would have probably succeeded more as an outright boss rush game (Alien Soldier). Some of the bosses also have some questionable attacks that seem poorly telegraphed, especially on a first playthrough. In all, it's really fun to replay, and the game even hides additional content, such as a second character (Riley) that mixes things up by using a ranged gun instead of close range melee moves like Xoda, and removing the ability to fly towards enemies. This is a highly original game, with a tight core that could easily be expanded on, but remains quite interesting. It's not often that games toy so wildly with unique controls like this, so it's a joy that this one dared to try something new and succeeded.

Rating: 7/10

The PC version is bad and Not Controller Supported. Go for the Nintendo Switch version instead

PERFECT game for Steam Deck. Played this on Wii U a few years ago - game is great and uses the Deck's trackpads for satisfying and unique action

超级好玩的清版过关游戏，喜欢此类的建议无脑入，不是专门喜欢此类的可以打折入，4块钱还要什么自行车。
关卡设计，人物设计，操作方式，剧情演出俱佳的像素小游戏，并且难度在同类游戏中算是控制得较好的。

This game is quite short but it feels like a great, arcadey experience similar to games like Gunstar Heroes and Alien Soldier, featuring a good amount of bosses.

The game is supercute and got a lot of care in terms of game design but it crashes like crazy. I've lost my saved games because the character got trapped outside the screen. This has been made a long ago and it's quite unstable.Play at your own risk.

Controls are terrible. There is zero reason why there isn't controller. Game play is bland and boring. After 5 minutes you've seen everything this game has to offer

鼓励性好评，无中可玩；还是要呼吁一波，chinese need. 有入库三要素，2.1内可考虑入库。we need this game noitu love 1 sell on steam. 我们需要1代售卖。

202304，steam，steam掉卡抵扣，t a o宝，支付宝红包，humble，indie gala，daily indie game，fanatical，杉果，它处自定义包入的本体约4元。爱人如己，目前就这，看以后追评。有中文的游戏请耐心自研体验乐趣，攻略指南尽量不用。不建议使用外挂，插件，作弊之类的，游戏都要这样搞，那现实里那更是如此了。兄弟萌，强烈建议不要第三方平台的小店买y u额，通过饰品等挂steam市场转的，高概率red信乃至封号，且行且珍惜。

Super fun sidescroller. Love Joakim Sandberg's games.

> Be me, looking for a game that's more chaotic than my morning routine
> Stumble upon Noitu Love 2: Devolution
> "Sounds like a serious title," I think, oh how wrong I was

> Boot up the game
> Retro graphics hit me like a nostalgia truck
> Pixels so sharp, they could cut through my doubts about indie games
> "Is this the Matrix or the '90s?"

> Meet Xoda Rap, the protagonist
> Small in size, big in punches
> "Must've been training in a pocket dimension" 🕹️

> Gameplay is like a rave party on fast forward
> Smash buttons, unleash chaos
> Combos so wild, they should be illegal
> "This is like dance dance revolution, but with explosions!" 💥💃

> Encounter bosses bigger than my life problems
> Panic.exe initiated
> Dodge, punch, weave, repeat
> "Is this a boss battle or a workout routine?" 🏋️‍♂️

> Plot is like a fever dream, but in a good way
> Robots, aliens, and a plot twist that had me questioning reality
> "I signed up for a game, not a mind-bending journey" 🤯

> Soundtrack slaps harder than my mom with a flip-flop
> Every punch synced with beats, creating a symphony of destruction
> "Move over Beethoven, we got a new maestro in town" 🎶🥋

> Unlock new characters with unique playstyles
> "Why settle for one when you can have an entire roster of chaos bringers?"
> Every character feels like a different game, and I'm here for it 🎮

> Finish the game, sit back, and contemplate life
> "Did I just play a game or survive an intergalactic rave?"
> Either way, I'm enlightened 🌌

> Noitu Love 2: Devolution - 11/10
> "More chaotic than a family reunion, and I loved every pixelated moment" 🌟

Open Your Heart (Sonic Adventure) - Crush 40

Thunder, clicks, and tapping,
Joyful, heroes clapping,
Laughter, gamers cheering,
It’s such a great sign.

Retro vibes and creatures,
Exciting scenes floating in the air,
Players jump with fervor,
What’s gonna happen next?

All the jumps we take, all the moves we make,
All the points at stake,
I see the high scores for everyone,
Who are we? What can we do?
You and I are groovin' in the way that,
We have our own styles that we won’t change,
Yours is full of combos, and mine’s not,
There’s no way I can lose.

Can't press on much longer,
But I will never let go!
I know it’s a one-game track,
Tell me now how long this’ll last!
I’m not gonna rage this way,
Nor will I blame the devs!
Close my eyes and feel the joy,
Now I see what I’ve gotta do!
Open your game, it’s gonna be all fun!

Retro levels blazing,
Nostalgia keeps attacking,
Little characters dancing,
Excitement, endless laughter.

I don't know what it can be,
But it makes me happy,
All the clever tricks make me smile,
You won't have it any other way.

Can't press on much longer,
But I will never let go,
I know it’s a one-game track,
Tell me now how long this’ll last.
I’m not gonna play this way,
Nor will I blame the lag!
Close my eyes and feel the groove,
Now I see what I’ve gotta do,
Open your game, and you will see!

If it won’t stop,
There will be more levels for us,
Its charm’s boosted by
All the love, gotta spread it free!

I know it’s a one-game track,
Tell me now how long this’ll last!
Close my eyes and feel the joy,
Now I see what I’ve gotta do!
Gotta open your game, dude!

Can't press on much longer,
But I will never let go!
I know it’s a one-game track,
Tell me now how long this’ll last!
I’m not gonna play this way,
Nor will I blame the controls!
Close my eyes and feel the thrill,
Now I see what I’ve gotta do!
Open your game, it’s gonna be all right!

Open your game,
Open your game,
Yeah, yeeeah...

[Scene: Sonic's living room. Sonic is comfortably sprawled on the couch, playing Noitu Love 2 Devolution with the gang gathered around. Tails, Knuckles, Amy, Robotnik, Vector, Charmy, Espio, Blaze, Rouge, Shadow, and Maria eagerly watch Sonic showcase his gaming prowess.]

Sonic: (enthusiastically) Guys, this game is like a blast from the past with a futuristic twist! You gotta see this! 🎮✨

Tails: (leaning in) So, what makes it so special, Sonic?

Sonic: (with a grin) Well, Tails, it's got this rad mix of retro aesthetics and modern gameplay. It's like stepping into the golden age of gaming with a turbo boost! 🕹️🚀

Knuckles: (crossing his arms, skeptical) Retro, huh? Let’s see if it lives up to the hype or if it’s just another glorified history lesson.

[Amy, ever the organizer, sits next to Sonic with a notepad ready.]

Amy: (curious) Sonic, tell us about the characters. Are they as cool as us?

Sonic: (nodding) Oh, absolutely, Amy! The main character is a hero with some serious moves. It’s like looking in a mirror, minus the blue fur, of course! 😎🌀

Robotnik: (stroking his mustache, smugly) A hero, you say? I wonder if this hero possesses the intellectual prowess to match my genius. And, of course, what kind of gadgets he wields. After all, true ingenuity lies in the tools at one's disposal.

Sonic: (smirking) Robotnik, you'd appreciate this – the hero's got some seriously cool gadgets and weapons, all crafted to perfection! 🔧💡

Robotnik: (leaning closer, grandiose) Hmm, intriguing. Perhaps this game can provide some inspiration, though I doubt it could match the brilliance of my inventions. But then again, I am always open to appreciating the efforts of lesser minds.

Vector: (bobbing his head) Gadgets and weapons? That’s my kind of game!

[Charmy, ever the enthusiastic one, buzzes around eagerly.]

Charmy: (buzzing) Let me try, let me try! I wanna be a hero too! 🐝🌟

Espio: (calmly) Patience, Charmy. Sonic, what about the game dynamics?

Sonic: (leaning back) Ah, Espio, that's where it gets interesting. The controls are so smooth; it's like the game dances to your every move. Jumping, shooting, dodging – it's all about the rhythm! 🎶💃

Blaze: (intrigued) Rhythm, you say? I might have to test that.

[Sonic maneuvers through intricate levels, showcasing his nimble fingers and lightning-fast reflexes.]

Rouge: (smirking) Impressive, hedgehog. But what about the story? Is it as captivating as one of my heists?

Sonic: (nodding) Oh, Rouge, you'd love it. There's this chaotic world, and our hero has to save the day. It's like a blockbuster movie, but in a game! 🎬🎮

Maria: (smiling) Sounds exciting! I want to play too!

Shadow: (crossing his arms) Interesting. I'll give it a shot after Sonic.

Robotnik: (grinning smugly) I must admit, Sonic, you've piqued my interest. If a game can captivate even a fragment of my vast intellect, it might be worth a look. Perhaps I'll play after Shadow and demonstrate how true mastery is achieved.

[Sonic faces a challenging boss battle, and the group watches with bated breath as he skillfully conquers it.]

Sonic: (proudly) That's how it's done, folks! Noitu Love 2 Devolution is not just a game; it's an experience! 🌟🎉

Amy: (excitedly scribbling) Sonic's Seal of Approval officially stamped!

[The gang continues to watch Sonic play, sharing laughs and cheers, creating a lively atmosphere in Sonic's living room.]

Fade out on the gang, bonding over the shared thrill of the game. The sounds of gameplay and laughter echo in the room as they continue to enjoy the retro gaming adventure together. 🕹️👾

In Noitu Love 2, a blast from the past,
With action so fast, you'll be having a blast.
Heroes leap high with moves that amaze,
In retro-style chaos, you’ll spend all your days.

With gadgets and gizmos and levels galore,
Each twist and each turn just makes you want more.
The laughter and fun never seem to slow down,
As you fight off the baddies and save the whole town.

So grab your controller, don’t hesitate,
This game’s a gem you’ll appreciate.
A perfect blend of old and new,
Noitu Love 2, we’re all loving you!