Take on the role of the martial arts master Hiro, Meilin, or Shin as they face off in a desperate fight for their lives against the Black Mantis clan. DOUBLE THE MAYHEM: Bring a friend and battle against ninjas, demons, and more in the 2-player local co-op mode of this action-adventure platformer.
The game allows players to take control of three different martial arts masters - Hiro, Meilin, or Shin - as they battle against the nefarious Black Mantis clan. The core gameplay loop revolves around platforming through various stages while engaging in intense hand-to-hand combat against a variety of enemies.
At the heart of the gameplay is a robust and nuanced combat system. Players can perform a wide array of punches, kicks, throws, and special moves using simple button inputs. The game's standout mechanic is its parrying system, which allows players to time their defensive inputs to parry enemy attacks and follow up with devastating counterattacks. Mastering the parry timing is crucial to success, as it opens up devastating combo possibilities. In addition to standard melee attacks, players can also pick up and wield various weapons such as swords, nunchucks, and bo staffs, each with their own distinct movesets and attack properties. The combat is further deepened by the ability to juggle enemies in the air, leading to stylish and impactful combos.
The game features a variety of progression systems to keep players engaged. Each of the three playable characters has their own unique story and move set, providing ample reason to revisit the game with different playstyles. Players can also upgrade their characters' stats and abilities by spending in-game currency earned through combat and exploration. The game offers a range of difficulty settings, from the accessible White Belt to the incredibly challenging Grandmaster mode, catering to players of all skill levels. Furthermore, the game boasts multiple endings for each character, encouraging repeated playthroughs to uncover the full narrative.
The game draws inspiration from classic arcade-style beat 'em ups, evident in its fast-paced, score-chasing gameplay loop. Players are encouraged to master the game's systems to achieve high scores and compete on global leaderboards. The retro-inspired pixel art, dramatic soundtrack, and B-movie-esque storytelling further contribute to the game's authentic arcade feel.
One of the standout features is its local co-op mode, allowing players to team up and battle through the stages together. The co-op experience adds an extra layer of chaos and coordination, as players must work together to overcome the hordes of enemies and challenging boss battles.