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.
Players rave about the custom-made fighting engine, which offers unique move sets for each of the three playable characters - Hiro, Meilin, and Shin. The combat feels "fluid" and "visceral", allowing them to perform a variety of satisfying attacks, such as powerful piledrivers, throws, and juggles against their enemies. A key mechanic is the intuitive parrying system, which lets players deflect attacks, projectiles, and traps by timing their button presses precisely.
Reviewers praise the depth and challenge of the gameplay, which has a high skill ceiling. The fighting system rewards players who take the time to master advanced techniques and combos. The game features a belt-based difficulty system, ranging from the accessible "white belt" setting to the punishingly difficult "black belt" and beyond. Higher difficulties not only increase enemy numbers and aggression, but also introduce new attack patterns that demand razor-sharp reflexes.
In addition to the core combat, the game encourages exploration and discovery. The levels are filled with hidden areas, secrets, and collectibles that incentivize players to thoroughly search their surroundings. Uncovering new moves, alternate character costumes, and multiple endings through this in-depth exploration is frequently cited as a source of reward and satisfaction.
The gameplay aims to strike a balance between accessibility and depth, catering to both casual and hardcore players. The "belt" difficulty system allows newcomers to gradually improve, while offering seasoned players the option to tackle the most punishing challenges. The variety of playable characters, each with their own distinct movesets and stories, further enhances the game's replayability, as players can experiment with different strategies and approaches.