Rise of the Badger Review – A Fan-Fiction Game That Takes Place in the World of Firefly?

Typically, when one plays an action platformer there isn’t the expectation of a compelling narrative. Yet, in Rise of the Badger, that is one of the game’s greatest strengths! Not only that, but it has a few other distinctive aspects in its gameplay as well!

You can also watch a video version of this review by checking it out on YouTube!

Story Setup

Starting with the story, it’s important to point out because not only is the game a side-scrolling action platformer, but it’s also a fan fiction taking place in the world of the Firefly TV show. You control one of the prominent side characters from the program. As the title of the game indicates, it’s Badger! Here you get to see how he rises to power, which is real cool!

Since the story is a big part of the game, each level is preceded by descriptive text that explains what is going on and the motivations of the main character. It also features multiple dialogue sequences between characters at various times.

Graphics

My first impressions of the graphics were that they looked fine, but at a really low resolution. As such, it felt like it was zoomed in a lot. This was slightly distracting but I got used to it.

Another aspect worth mentioning is that the animations are pretty good. I especially like how Badger’s trench coat flows in the wind as he runs. This is important because you’ll be doing a lot of running! The first level also has some nice background details such as rain and other effects that liven up the world.

Now, sometimes the game feels flat due to the lack of parallel scrolling. This is especially noticeable when indoors.

Turning to a couple more positive points, another surprising aspect is how many levels also include little cinemas between stages. They’re nice additions and make the story easier to follow.

Additionally, the game does a good job with having a clear connection with the world of Firefly. For example, in the first level there were Japanese signs visible as you traveled through the level. Of course, fans of the show will know that it actually has a mix of Mandarin and English. Still, I appreciate that any Asian language is referenced in game! Also, references to a major location in Firefly is referred to throughout the story.

Just to sum all this up, these story elements made me want to keep playing the game! I often wondered what would happen next as I progressed through it.

Gameplay

Concerning gameplay, it is a bit simplistic. Your character can fire your gun, jump, and interact with the environment. You’re also able to go up and down ladders at certain points in the game.

Frustratingly, you can’t shoot while running. Nor can you jump forward while firing your gun. At least jumping up and down and shooting at the same time is possible, but it looks a little silly.

The fact that you can’t more forward while shooting highlights the limited control options in the game. Your character can’t duck, either.

However, the limited number of control options are alleviated by the game’s variety of level styles. Rise of the Badger isn’t just a side scrolling platformer!

For instance, after the first level there is a stage where you fly away from the planet. While doing so, a laser fires at you if you touch its targeting reticle. You have to move your ship around the screen to avoid getting hit.

In another level you recruit a crew for your ship. This involves doing a few tasks such as picking up a few pieces of equipment, defeating a beast near the town, and more.

All these differences in gameplay aren’t exactly deep, but they make the game feel distinctive and special at times (along with the story line). Here are a few more details I’d like to share about the gameplay,

• There are no health pickups in the game. The only time you have health restored is between levels, and only at certain times.
• Also, a lot of the game’s strategy involves shooting your gun to hit enemies who are off screen. This is sometimes frustrating and boring, but the other aspects mentioned above make up for it.

Music and Sound Effects

The music and sound effects are fine; however, they aren’t exceptional. I liked some of the tunes as they were playing. They tend to fit the gameplay or story where they’re used. I don’t think that the sound effects add a ton to the game. Much of it is just you firing your gun and hitting enemies.

Final Thoughts

As I close up this review, I have a couple more things to share. Unfortunately, the game is a bit glitchy. If you try and run toward a wall and jump up at the same time your character gets all spazzy. And sadly, the last level has a glitch where the screen was panned upward about a third of the screen (not shown to avoid spoilers). As such, I couldn’t see my character unless I jumped. The only way I knew where I was standing was because of the life bar above my head. Look at the images above and you’ll see it.

I think the big drawback for the game is the limited control options. I also wish the different level types had extra nuanced elements added to them. My favorite stage had three major objectives to complete before making your escape. If only all the stages were like that one! By the way, the reason I am not describing it much is to, again, avoid spoilers.

Even so, I consider Rise of the Badger to be greater than the sum of its parts. This is largely due to the storyline and gameplay diversity. It makes for an intriguing action platformer title.

It’s available for free on itch.io.

Title: Rise of the Badger
Genre: Action Platformer
Year Released: 2025
Developer: Embyr Sky
Played On: Windows
Price Paid: Free

Remember, we can have different opinions about the games we play. If you like something more (or less) than I do, both of our perspectives are valid.