Other times, you’ll deal with MMO level grinds as you try to overcome that next difficulty hump. So you know it looks good and sounds good, but how does it play? Sometimes, it’s pretty magical. And despite putting over 10 hours into this game, I never once tired of the repetitive chip tune soundtrack. I don’t have a lot of nostalgia for pixel art, but I love it as a style when it’s actually done artfully, as in this case. Every screen is a masterpiece, lovingly detailed, even blown up on an iPad screen. The pixel art isn’t just slap dash, or done because it’s cheaper/easier. Lazy Bear Games has done a great job with this aspect. There is a fair bit of 90’s stuff in there as well, but it all fits the general theme and aesthetic, or lines up with the story. But so you understand the breadth of the situation, you’ll see references to Rocky, Blood Sport, Cobra, The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter, Fight Club, Aliens, Speed freaking Racer, and more. It’s a lot more fun to find them on your own. I won’t spoil too many of the references. The only way this game could be any more 80’s is if the devs shipped you a headband and some legwarmers with every purchase. Now you’re determined to become a great fighter yourself, and hopefully get to the bottom of your father’s murder. Soon after your twin brother has disappeared. Melding classic fighting movie tropes with an air of mysticism centered around a powerful medallion, you play as a fighter whose father (also a fighter) was killed when he was a child. This is basically a sim of the 80’s fighter movie, so all the nostalgia is quite warranted. But the story, and each screen, and most of the characters are just jam packed with references and memorable imagery. It’s not another Mario or Mega Man clone.
Then, a few cool cats from Russia follow the same principle of nostalgia, except like Ivan Drago from Rocky IV, it’s veins are coursing with steroids instead of blood, and you get a game so jam packed with references and tropes that you can’t help but smile. There is nothing wrong with making a love letter to a series you enjoyed growing up, don’t get me wrong, but it’s becoming a tired gimmick.
It seems like many developers hope that aping familiar art styles and systems will elevate their otherwise amateurish endeavors. The App Store is pretty much overflowing with games that are trying to capitalize on your nostalgia.
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