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The side-scrolling beat ’em up genre holds a special place in the hearts of many gamers. Titles like Final Fight, Streets of Rage, and Captain Commando provided countless hours of arcade action and remain nostalgic favorites. Mayhem Brawler, developed by Hero Concept, aims to recapture that classic feel while adding modern elements. Does it succeed in delivering a knockout punch, or is it just a nostalgic trip down memory lane?

mayhem brawler

A World of Mayhem

Mayhem Brawler unfolds in a vibrant urban landscape where humans, superpowered individuals, and mythical creatures coexist. Maintaining order in this diverse world is Stronghold, a police force comprised of both regular officers and those with extraordinary abilities. Players control three distinct members of Stronghold: Trouble, a versatile officer with retractable claws; Dolphin, the powerhouse of the team, who is part dolphin; and Star, a rookie with telekinetic powers. Each character represents a classic beat ’em up archetype: balanced, power, and speed, respectively.

mayhem brawler

Narrative Depth and Comic Book Flair

Unlike many classic beat ’em ups where the story was a mere afterthought, Mayhem Brawler features a compelling narrative. The story unfolds through dynamic comic book-style panels, adding a unique visual element while effectively conveying the game’s plot and world-building. The characters are well-developed, engaging in witty banter and commentary that adds personality and depth. The branching narrative, leading to multiple endings, further enhances replayability.

mayhem brawler

Balanced Gameplay and Modern Refinements

Mayhem Brawler addresses some of the frustrations common in older beat ’em ups. Instead of depleting health when using special moves, a separate energy meter is consumed. The score threshold for earning extra lives is more attainable, and health pickups remain in place until collected, allowing for strategic healing. A dedicated block button adds a layer of defensive strategy.

mayhem brawler

Challenging Encounters and Enemy Variety

Despite the quality-of-life improvements, Mayhem Brawler presents a substantial challenge. The enemy roster is diverse, with varied attack patterns and strategies. Ranged attackers, close-quarters brawlers, and grapplers force players to adapt their tactics. While blocking is effective, enemies can exploit openings and attack from behind, preventing a purely defensive approach.

mayhem brawler

Room for Improvement: A Lack of Progression

Mayhem Brawler‘s combat system is solid but simple, with relatively short combos and a limited moveset. While player creativity can lead to stylish and effective combinations, the lack of a progression system hinders long-term engagement. The absence of character upgrades or new abilities to unlock can lead to repetitive gameplay, especially after several stages.

mayhem brawler

Conclusion: A Solid Brawler with Untapped Potential

Mayhem Brawler successfully captures the spirit of classic beat ’em ups while incorporating modern design choices. The engaging narrative, vibrant art style, and refined gameplay mechanics make for a satisfying experience. However, the lack of a progression system holds it back from true greatness. While it provides a fun and nostalgic trip for fans of the genre, the absence of character development leaves a noticeable void. Despite this shortcoming, Mayhem Brawler is a worthy contender in the beat ’em up arena, offering a stylish and entertaining brawl.