Summary
- Release Year: 2015
- Genres: Fighting, Hack and slash/Beat ’em up, Indie
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
The Asskickers: A Modern Tribute to 2D Arcade Beat’em Ups
The Asskickers is a 2D arcade beat’em up game developed by French studio Crazy Monkey Studios and published by Microids. It was released on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC in 2015.
The game is a modern tribute to classic arcade beat’em ups such as Streets of Rage, Double Dragon, and Final Fight. Players control one of three characters – Alex, Diane, or Marcus – and fight their way through hordes of enemies in order to take down a corrupt political and financial elite.
The game’s combat is simple but satisfying, with each character having a variety of punches, kicks, and special moves. Players can also team up with friends to take on the game’s many challenges in co-op mode.
The Asskickers was praised for its faithful recreation of the classic arcade beat’em up formula, as well as its stylish visuals and catchy soundtrack. However, the game was also criticized for its repetitive gameplay and lack of innovation.
Gameplay
The Asskickers is a side-scrolling beat’em up in which players control one of three characters – Alex, Diane, or Marcus – and fight their way through hordes of enemies. The game’s combat is simple but satisfying, with each character having a variety of punches, kicks, and special moves. Players can also team up with friends to take on the game’s many challenges in co-op mode.
The game’s levels are varied and feature a variety of different enemies, from street thugs to corrupt police officers and even giant robots. Players must use their wits and skills to defeat their enemies and progress through the game.
Characters
- Alex is a former boxer who is now a bodyguard. He is the strongest of the three characters, but he is also the slowest.
- Diane is a skilled martial artist. She is the fastest of the three characters, but she is also the weakest.
- Marcus is a weapons expert. He is the most well-rounded of the three characters, with good strength, speed, and range.
Each character has their own unique set of special moves. Alex can use his boxing skills to unleash powerful punches and combos. Diane can use her martial arts skills to perform acrobatic kicks and throws. Marcus can use his weapons expertise to wield a variety of weapons, including guns, swords, and grenades.
Story
The Asskickers follows the story of Alex, Diane, and Marcus, three friends who are wrongly accused of a crime they didn’t commit. They must clear their names and bring down the corrupt political and financial elite who framed them.
The game’s story is told through a series of cutscenes and dialogue sequences. The story is well-written and engaging, and it provides a good motivation for the player to keep fighting.
Graphics
The Asskickers features stylish 2D graphics that are reminiscent of classic arcade beat’em ups. The game’s characters and environments are all well-drawn and detailed, and the game’s animations are fluid and smooth.
The game’s art style is unique and eye-catching. The characters are all designed with a sense of style, and the game’s environments are full of vibrant colors and details.
Sound
The Asskickers features a catchy soundtrack that is composed of a mix of electronic and rock music. The soundtrack is well-suited to the game’s fast-paced action, and it helps to create a sense of excitement and urgency.
The game’s sound effects are also well-done. The punches, kicks, and explosions all sound powerful and impactful, and they help to create a sense of immersion for the player.
Overall
The Asskickers is a solid beat’em up that is a faithful tribute to the classic arcade games of the genre. The game’s combat is simple but satisfying, its visuals are stylish, and its soundtrack is catchy. While the game is not particularly innovative, it is still a lot of fun to play, especially with friends.
If you are a fan of classic arcade beat’em ups, then you should definitely check out The Asskickers. It is a well-made game that will provide you with hours of enjoyment.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
