Join forces with Nika, MechaNika, Agatha and the Great Bleeding Pig in this peculiar and crazy mission of destruction of everything that isn't cool.
The game blends multiple gameplay genres, providing a diverse and engaging experience for players. Beyond the core beat 'em up mechanics, players will encounter shoot 'em up sections, platforming challenges, and puzzles to break up the repetition. For instance, one level tasks players with navigating a side-scrolling shoot 'em up segment, while another features a boss battle that requires solving environmental puzzles to progress. This variety keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting throughout the adventure.
The combat system revolves around unlocking and mastering a wide array of special attacks for the mech, MechaNika. These powerful moves, such as the "dumbshredder" and "chopping tornado," come with a trade-off, as they consume large chunks of the player's health. Carefully managing this resource and timing the use of these devastating abilities adds depth to the combat, as players must weigh the risk and reward of each special attack.
The cooperative multiplayer allows players to team up as Nika and Agatha, the two main protagonists. This co-op experience introduces additional dialogue, cutscenes, and content not found in the single-player campaign. Reviewers praise the synergy between the characters, as Agatha's distinct moveset, which includes a "scarlet vomit" attack, complements Nika's abilities, making the multiplayer a standout feature.
Throughout the adventure, players will face thought-provoking decisions that can impact the story's progression and endings. One choice, for example, tasks players with deciding whether to renounce their objective of destroying everything that isn't "cool" or to carry on with their destructive mission. These meaningful choices add a layer of consequence and replayability to the experience, as players can explore the ramifications of their decisions.
Reviewers consistently praise the game's level design, which features a wide variety of visually distinct environments, from the neon-soaked Neon District to the surreal Candyland. These stages are not only aesthetically pleasing but also well-crafted, offering a balance of combat, platforming, and puzzle-solving challenges. For instance, one level tasks players with navigating a maze-like Neon District, filled with enemies and environmental hazards, while another features a Candyland setting where players must time their jumps across platforms to reach the end.