Mayhem Brawler is an urban fantasy themed beat 'em up that brings back the 90s arcade vibe to present day. With comic book style art and kick-ass soundtracks, it offers a unique experience that you can tackle solo or as co-op with friends while defining the next step in the story with your choices.
Players praise the game's tight controls, which allow them to effectively string together attacks, block incoming hits, and evade enemy strikes. The combat system offers a variety of combos, special attacks, and defensive maneuvers, creating a satisfying and challenging brawling experience. Reviewers highlight the depth added by the ability to dash, perform aerial combos, and counter enemy attacks, rewarding skilled play.
Levels feature a diverse array of enemy types, from street thugs to supernatural foes like werewolves and wizards, each with their own unique attack patterns. Reviewers note that players cannot simply button mash their way through, as they must adapt their strategies to overcome different enemy types. The boss encounters are particularly praised, with each boss having multiple phases that require players to learn their attack patterns to emerge victorious.
The game's branching paths system allows players to make choices at the end of each level, affecting the story's progression and the levels they encounter. Reviewers appreciate this non-linear structure, as it enables multiple playthroughs with varied content and outcomes, including different enemy encounters, level designs, and boss fights.
The game offers five unique playable characters, each with their own distinct fighting styles and special abilities. Reviewers highlight the variety between the characters, from the fast-paced, telekinetic attacks of one protagonist to the heavy-hitting, grappling-focused moveset of another. This character diversity encourages players to experiment and find the playstyle that best suits their preferences, further enhancing the game's replayability.
The game's hand-drawn, comic book-inspired art style and frame-by-frame animations create a visually striking and nostalgic atmosphere. Reviewers praise the game's visual flair, which complements the high-energy brawling action. The comic book-style cutscenes and level introductions also contribute to the game's immersive storytelling and unique identity within the beat 'em up genre.