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Punch Club 2: Fast Forward, developed by Lazy Bear Games and published by tinyBuild, throws players back into the immersive world of tycoon-style boxing management. This sequel to the 2016 hit, Punch Club, draws inspiration from the iconic martial arts action films of the 80s and 90s, promising a nostalgic trip down memory lane. But does it live up to the hype and deliver a knockout punch, or is it more of a swing and a miss? Let’s dive in and find out.

The Fighter’s Journey Begins

Punch Club 2: Fast ForwardSet in a “slightly” distant future following the events of the original game, Punch Club 2: Fast Forward puts you in the shoes of the son of the first game’s protagonist. Raised by a single mother, with his father mysteriously absent after the previous game’s conclusion, our young fighter inherits a burning passion for martial arts. Driven by the desire to become a professional fighter and uncover clues about his father’s disappearance within the shadowy world of underground fighting, your journey begins. Your success depends entirely on your strategic prowess.

Training, Working, and Fighting: The Core Gameplay Loop

The core gameplay loop revolves around the familiar cycle of training, eating, and working to fund your aspirations. This could easily become monotonous, but Punch Club 2: Fast Forward cleverly incorporates milestones and progression systems to keep you engaged and motivated.

Punch Club 2: Fast ForwardTraining focuses on three key stats: strength, stamina, and agility. These attributes determine your health, endurance, attack accuracy, and attack frequency. As this is a management game, you don’t directly control the fights. Instead, victory hinges on these stats and the moves you’ve learned. New moves are unlocked by spending points earned through training with coaches or winning fights. This creates a compelling incentive to keep fighting, constantly striving to expand your repertoire.

Working provides the necessary funds for training and sustenance. The game offers various job options with differing schedules, salaries, and stat bonuses. Working at the scrapyard boosts strength, while the chemical plant enhances stamina. However, jobs aren’t just about money; they also unlock new storylines. For instance, sticking with the scrapyard could lead to a “promotion” within the Russian mafia that runs it.

Punch Club 2: Fast ForwardThis, in turn, grants access to their unique fighting style and moves. Every action, from training to working and even eating to recover, consumes time, demanding careful planning and resource management. While you don’t directly control the fights, the improved animations and added moves compared to the original game make them surprisingly engaging.

Beyond the main quest of becoming a professional fighter, the game offers a wealth of side activities. You can become a police officer, collect martial arts movies to unlock helpful perks, or even renovate an abandoned gym and become a trainer.

Punch Club 2: Fast Forward

A World of Sci-Fi Parody and Humor

While the original Punch Club parodied 80s and 90s action movies, Punch Club 2: Fast Forward expands its scope to encompass science fiction influences from films and games like Blade Runner, Death Stranding, and Ghost in the Shell. Interacting with iconic elements from these works adds a layer of humorous charm to the experience. The game’s humor often stems from the characters’ serious treatment of the world’s absurdities. For example, earning “good guy” points, required for becoming a police officer or moving to a richer neighborhood, is best achieved not through good deeds but by… fighting in the ring. This absurdity is acknowledged in-game, adding to the overall comedic effect.

Punch Club 2: Fast Forward

Balancing Issues and Bugs: A Few Jabs to the Gut

Punch Club 2: Fast ForwardDespite its strengths, Punch Club 2: Fast Forward suffers from some noticeable flaws. The job balancing feels off, with the noodle bar job being significantly worse than the other options due to low pay and long commute times. However, skipping this job means missing out on a story branch and a unique fighting style. Technical issues, ranging from control glitches to fighters ignoring assigned tactics, also mar the experience. While the developers are aware of these issues and promise fixes, they are worth noting.

Conclusion: Is It Worth Your Time?

Punch Club 2: Fast Forward delivers a fun and engaging experience with its blend of tycoon management, fighting, and humorous storytelling. The improved animations and expanded world add to the charm. However, the balancing issues and bugs can detract from the enjoyment. If you’re a fan of the original or enjoy management sims with a quirky twist, it’s worth checking out, but be prepared for a few technical hiccups along the way.