Don’t let its visuals fool you. “Mercenary Kings” by Tribute Games is a hard game to master.

A throwback to the side-scrolling video games of the industry’s past, “Mercenary Kings” owes a lot to the 16-bit shooter games of yore like “Contra” and “Metal Slug.” Combining the graphics and aesthetics of older games with newer technology and mechanics, “Mercenary Kings” tries to be the best of both worlds.

Players create either a king or empress in the forms of gun-wielding sprites at the start of the game and have the option to change their character’s name and color scheme throughout the game. Choice seems to be a major component of the game, and players can craft their arsenal and armor to better fit their play style.

You start out with just a pistol but can buy and craft other weapons over time. Arsenal plays a major component in how players will tackle certain levels. For instance, equipping a riot shield will allow players to charge enemies and avoid damage from projectiles while acquiring an assault rifle that shoots rockets will devastate the enemy.

The level design further helps with the idea of choice. Each level offers multiple paths to take, each with its own hazards to face. The game lets you freely roam the level, rather than forcing you down linearly. The only downside to this is that sometimes it’s easy to get lost, but with each level’s map, players can solve the problem of not knowing where to go.

As a king or empress, players select missions ranging in difficulty from a hub world. Many of these missions revolve around rescuing hostages from the evil CLAW, the main villain of the game, and his men. To accomplish this, players must battle levels full of gunmen, suicidal men with bayonets and mandrakes that appear harmless until approached. The missions themselves, while initially fun, grow somewhat repetitive over time. This, combined with returning to the start of the level after dying, makes certain segments frustrating.

Luckily, “Mercenary Kings” offers a four player online co-op mode that relieves some of this frustration. Going into these levels with friends makes for a better experience than attempting them solo or with strangers. “Mercenary Kings” is a game that is best played with others. Having a four person team tackle a level makes it slightly easier and much more rewarding.

Through “Mercenary Kings,” Tribute Games has successfully blended elements of the past with modern innovations to create a game that is better than the sum of its parts. The game successfully reinvigorates the side-scrolling shooter with a modern flair.