Summary

Release Year: 2014
Genres: Adventure, Indie, Platform, Shooter
Platforms: Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)
Developers: Free Lives Games
Publishers: Devolver Digital

The Expendabros: A Nostalgic Blast of Action-Packed Co-op Mayhem

Introduction

Prepare for an adrenaline-fueled adventure as we delve into the explosive world of The Expendabros (2014), a side-scrolling beat ’em up that brings the iconic action movie franchise to life in pixelated glory. Developed by Ubisoft Bucharest and published by Ubisoft, The Expendabros captures the essence of the Expendables films, offering a nostalgic trip down memory lane for fans and an engaging co-op experience for up to four players.

Gameplay: A Symphony of Bullets and Brawls

The Expendabros stays true to its arcade roots, delivering fast-paced side-scrolling action that’s both chaotic and satisfying. Players take control of one of seven legendary mercenaries, each with their own unique weapons and special attacks. From the shotgun-wielding Barney Ross to the knife-wielding Lee Christmas, every character feels distinct and adds variety to the gameplay.

The game’s levels are a rollercoaster of explosive set pieces and intense combat encounters. Enemies swarm the screen in waves, forcing players to adapt their strategies on the fly. Melee combat is visceral and brutal, with satisfying impact and gore. Ranged weapons, on the other hand, offer a more tactical approach, allowing players to take down enemies from afar or set up devastating traps.

Characters: A Band of Legendary Soldiers

The Expendabros wouldn’t be complete without its iconic cast of characters, and the game faithfully recreates their larger-than-life personalities. Players can choose from seven playable characters:

Barney Ross (Sylvester Stallone): The leader of the Expendables, wielding a powerful shotgun and a no-nonsense attitude.
Lee Christmas (Jason Statham): A skilled martial artist and knife expert, known for his agility and speed.
Gunner Jensen (Dolph Lundgren): A massive and powerful soldier, armed with a minigun and a penchant for heavy firepower.
Toll Road (Randy Couture): A former wrestler and skilled hand-to-hand combatant, known for his brute strength.
Hale Caesar (Terry Crews): A former soldier with a colorful personality, wielding a flamethrower and a knack for one-liners.
Thorn (Arnold Schwarzenegger): A mysterious and deadly assassin, armed with a sniper rifle and a cold demeanor.
Yin Yang (Jet Li): A skilled martial artist and master of disguise, known for his acrobatic abilities and deadly strikes.

Each character has their own unique set of skills and abilities, allowing players to experiment with different playstyles and strategies.

Co-op: The Ultimate Expendables Experience

The Expendabros truly shines in its local multiplayer co-op mode, where up to four players can team up to take on the hordes of enemies together. Cooperation is key to success, as players must cover each other’s backs, revive fallen comrades, and unleash devastating team attacks.

The game’s levels are designed to encourage teamwork, with challenges that require players to split up and cover different areas or work together to solve puzzles. The chaos and intensity of the combat are amplified in co-op, creating a truly unforgettable gaming experience.

Visuals: A Pixelated Tribute to Action Cinema

The Expendabros’ pixelated graphics may seem like a throwback to the 16-bit era, but they perfectly capture the over-the-top action and tongue-in-cheek humor of the Expendables films. The character designs are spot-on, with each mercenary’s unique personality shining through. The environments are detailed and varied, from war-torn battlefields to explosive urban landscapes.

The game’s soundtrack is a mix of original compositions and licensed tracks that perfectly complement the action on screen. The sound effects are equally impressive, from the roar of gunfire to the satisfying crunch of melee combat.

Reception and Legacy

Upon its release, The Expendabros received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised its nostalgic charm and chaotic co-op gameplay, while others criticized its repetitive levels and lack of innovation. Despite the mixed critical reception, the game was a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.

The Expendabros has since become a cult classic among fans of the Expendables franchise and beat ’em up enthusiasts. Its unique blend of action, co-op, and nostalgia continues to entertain gamers to this day.

Conclusion

The Expendabros (2014) is a love letter to action cinema and a testament to the power of co-op gaming. While it may not be the most groundbreaking beat ’em up ever made, it delivers a satisfying and nostalgic experience that’s perfect for fans of the Expendables films and anyone looking for a chaotic and over-the-top action fix. Grab your friends, choose your favorite mercenary, and prepare for an explosive adventure that will leave you craving more.

Review Score

7/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Introduction

In a world beset by evil, there is only one force that can stand against the darkness: Broforce. This elite paramilitary organization, known for its excessive force and underfunding, is the last line of defense against the terrorist threats that plague our way of life. With an arsenal of over-the-top weapons and a roster of dozens of unique bros, Broforce is ready to unleash a storm of freedom upon its enemies.

Gameplay

Broforce is a 2D run-and-gun shooter that can be played solo or with up to four players in co-op mode. The game features a wide variety of levels, each with its own unique challenges and objectives. Players must battle their way through hordes of enemies, using a variety of weapons and abilities to overcome obstacles and complete their mission.

One of the most unique features of Broforce is its destructible environment. Players can use their weapons to blow up walls, floors, and even enemies, creating their own path through the levels. This adds a level of strategy to the game, as players must carefully consider how to use their weapons to maximize their effectiveness.

Characters

Broforce features a roster of over 30 different bros, each with their own unique weapons and abilities. These bros are based on a variety of action heroes from movies, TV shows, and video games, such as Rambo, Terminator, and Chuck Norris. Each bro has their own strengths and weaknesses, so players can choose the ones that best suit their playstyle.

Some of the most popular bros in Broforce include:

Bro Hard: The all-American action hero, Bro Hard is armed with a shotgun and a variety of explosives.

Rambro: A parody of Rambo, Rambro is a one-man army with a minigun and a rocket launcher.

The Brofessor: A scientist with a knack for creating deadly weapons, The Brofessor is armed with a flamethrower and a variety of gadgets.

Bro Lee: A martial artist with lightning-fast reflexes, Bro Lee is armed with nunchucks and a variety of kicks and punches.

Indiana Brones: A parody of Indiana Jones, Indiana Brones is armed with a whip and a variety of archaeological tools.

Weapons

Broforce features a wide variety of weapons, from the standard assault rifle to the more exotic flamethrower and rocket launcher. Each weapon has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, so players must choose the ones that best suit their playstyle and the situation at hand.

Some of the most popular weapons in Broforce include:

The Broforce: A powerful shotgun that can be used to blast through walls and enemies alike.

The Minigun: A rapid-fire machine gun that can mow down hordes of enemies.

The Rocket Launcher: A devastating weapon that can be used to take out large groups of enemies or destroy obstacles.

The Flamethrower: A close-range weapon that can be used to set enemies on fire.

The Homing Missile: A guided missile that can be used to take out distant targets.

Co-Op Mode

Broforce can be played solo or with up to four players in co-op mode. Co-op mode is a great way to experience the game with friends, and it can be even more chaotic and fun than playing solo.

In co-op mode, players can work together to overcome challenges, complete objectives, and achieve victory. However, players must also be careful not to kill each other, as friendly fire is enabled.

Conclusion

Broforce is an over-the-top action game that is sure to please fans of shooters, action movies, and video games. With its destructible environment, unique characters, and vast arsenal of weapons, Broforce offers a chaotic and fun experience that is unlike any other game.

Whether you’re playing solo or with friends, Broforce is sure to provide hours of entertainment. So grab your bros and get ready to unleash a storm of freedom upon the forces of evil!