Info about Final Vendetta:

Official game description:
**No-nonsense brawling, arcade style**
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Final Vendetta delivers classic side-scrolling combat with modern polish. Inspired by the legendary beat ‘em ups of the 1990s, it challenges you to master hard-hitting combos, precise timing, and relentless momentum.
The streets of London are under siege by the Syndic8 gang. When martial artist Claire Sparks’ sister is kidnapped, she joins forces with wrestler Miller T. Williams and bare-knuckle brawler Duke Sancho. Together they will fight through six urban zones to bring her home and crush anyone who stands in their way.
**Pick Your Fighter**
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*   Claire Sparks: Fast, technical, and deadly with her fists and feet
*   Duke Sancho: A street-smart fighter with powerful punches and flashy style
*   Miller T. Williams: A former pro wrestler built for slams and chaos
Each character brings a distinct moveset and feel. Master blocking, juggling, running attacks, and more across multiple modes.
**An Authentic Arcade Experience**
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Final Vendetta captures the look, sound, and feel of classic coin-op brawlers. It features gorgeous pixel art, responsive controls, and a thumping original soundtrack from Utah Saints, Featurecast, and Krafty Kuts.
Whether solo or with a friend, this is pure arcade action with no filler and no mercy.
**Features**
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*   Fast, fluid, and unforgiving 2D combat
*   Three playable characters with unique styles
*   Local co-op support
*   Four modes: Arcade, Survival, Versus, Boss Rush
*   Six distinct stages packed with enemies and bosses
*   Multiple difficulty settings and unlockables
*   A pounding soundtrack featuring UK dance music legends

Release date: Jun 16, 2022

Categories: Beat 'em up, Local Co-op, Arcade, Side-scrolling, Retro, High Difficulty, Pixel Art Style, Fast-paced Combat

Feature scans:
- Steam Deck: score 15; verdict: Seamless with minor control friction; summary: The game appears to run smoothly on Steam Deck, with one user explicitly calling it 'an absolute treat on the Steam Deck.' No reports mention Proton, external launchers, performance issues, or text readability. The main source of friction is controller configuration, where several users encountered difficulties or limitations, though the game still seems playable out of the box.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $10.00 - $15.00
  - Reasoning: Multiple reviews agree the game's current full price (around $25-30) is too high for its short, repetitive content. Specific price guidance points to a fair range: one reviewer suggests a $10 discount from $25 (implying $15), while another explicitly says not to pay more than $10. Other feedback emphasizes it's only worth buying on deep discount and criticizes the price for lacking the polish of genre benchmarks like Streets of Rage 4. These comments collectively indicate the community considers a fair base-game price to be substantially lower than the launch price, settling around $10-15.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 0.6h
  - Story completion: 0.6h
  - Session length: 0.5h
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: Multiple reviews directly report total completion times: one says 40 minutes on hard mode, another estimates 30–45 minutes for the arcade mode, a third beat the whole game on Easy in under an hour, and another frames playthroughs as fitting into 20–30 minute sessions. These converge on a full game completion (story/arcade) of roughly 30–45 minutes, so I set both gameCompletion and storyCompletion to 0.6 hours (36 minutes) as a midpoint. The session length is supported by the 20–30 minute play session quote, so I set sessionLength to 0.5 hours (30 minutes). No specific endgame playtime is provided, only that post-game content is minimal, so endgame remains null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: Players enjoy the beat 'em up combat initially, but fun fades quickly because of repetitive levels, no online co-op, and a shallow progression system.
  - Stance: Fun then drops
  - Anchor: N/A
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: No online co-op; No progression or unlockable characters; Boring boss fights; Nearly identical playable characters
  - Unlock drivers: N/A
  - Conditions: Playing in co-op rather than solo; Having online multiplayer available; Purchasing at a sale price
- Player Archetypes:
  - Old-School Mastery Seeker (buy)
    - Motivation: To achieve mastery over demanding old-school mechanics and experience authentic arcade challenge.
    - Playstyle: Plays on Hard or Ultra, attempts 1CC, focuses on combo execution and memorizing enemy patterns.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Fight N Rage; Streets of Rage 4
  - Price-Savvy Brawler (sale)
    - Motivation: To enjoy a classic beat 'em up experience at a fair price without overpaying for a short game.
    - Playstyle: Plays through efficiently, often in one sitting, and evaluates content duration before committing to a purchase price.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Streets of Rage
  - Casual Player (buy)
    - Motivation: To have an accessible, laid-back beat 'em up experience without punishing difficulty.
    - Playstyle: Uses Casual mode, relies on continues, plays for fun and to finish stages without intense pressure.
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Disappointed Veteran (no buy)
    - Motivation: To find a worthy successor to classic beat 'em ups, but is let down by uninspired design and execution.
    - Playstyle: Compares to genre classics, analyzes originality and enemy design, and critically assesses whether it brings anything new.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: veteran
    - Reference games: Final Fight; Streets of Rage


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Authentic retro beat 'em up (weight 0.56): Players consistently praise the game's faithful homage to 90s beat 'em ups, with many noting its authentic retro feel and SNK-like technical style. This nostalgic experience is a major highlight.
- Solid and smooth gameplay (weight 0.49): The gameplay is widely described as solid, smooth, satisfying, and snappy, with a good feel that keeps players engaged. Multiple reviews highlight the well-executed action and overall polish.
- Beautiful pixel art (weight 0.47): The pixel art is a standout feature, praised for its quality, style, and attention to detail in characters and scenarios. The large, detailed sprites on screen are particularly admired.
- Great soundtrack and audio (weight 0.4): The soundtrack receives high praise for its quality, catchiness, and perfect fit with the retro beat 'em up genre. Sound effects are also noted as well-done, enhancing the overall experience.
- Fun and enjoyable experience (weight 0.3): Many reviewers find the game fun, enjoyable, and easy to spend time with, describing it as super fun and a joy to play. The game's entertainment value is a key positive point.
- Nostalgic 90s atmosphere (weight 0.28): The game successfully evokes childhood arcade memories and the atmosphere of early 90s games, with decorations, sounds, and a pixel art style that feel authentic. This nostalgic charm is a big appeal.
- Overall goodness and quality (weight 0.26): The game is described as good overall, not terrible, and a solid entry into the genre. It is considered a well-made and enjoyable experience that meets player expectations.
- Satisfying combat system (weight 0.24): Combat is praised for being great, satisfying, fast-paced, and addictive, with a modern combo system that rewards skill. The fighting mechanics are a core strength of the game.
- Well-executed sprite animations (weight 0.23): The sprite work and animations are noted as well-done, smooth, and great, contributing to the game's polished look. The character movement is also smooth and graceful, adding to the positive impression.
- Good side-scroller beat 'em up (weight 0.22): Reviewers consider the game a solid, great, and quality entry into the side-scrolling beat 'em up genre. It fulfills its purpose as a beat 'em up and is considered one of the best modern examples.
- Weapons add variety (weight 0.11): The presence of weapons like knives, bats, pipes, and katanas is mentioned positively, adding variety and depth to the combat. The weapon system is a notable gameplay element.

Common complaints:
- Difficulty is very high (weight 0.41): The game starts on hard difficulty by default and offers no normal mode, making it challenging even on easy. Many players find the overall difficulty excessive compared to other beat 'em ups.
- No continues allowed (weight 0.3): The game does not offer continues when lives run out, which players find punishing and a significant design flaw. This is especially problematic given the high difficulty, leading to frustrating game overs.
- Lacks replay value (weight 0.29): Critics note that the game has minimal replayability due to its short length and shallow content. There is little incentive to return after finishing the six levels once.
- Gameplay feels janky (weight 0.29): Players describe the controls and combat as unpolished and janky, particularly against aggressive enemies. This negatively impacts the overall enjoyment and fluidity of fights.
- Price is too high (weight 0.2): Many players feel the game is overpriced relative to its limited content and short length. This is a common complaint that increases dissatisfaction with the purchase.
- Poor game balance (weight 0.17): Players report significant imbalance in gameplay, especially at higher difficulties, where certain enemies or situations feel unfair. This contributes to frustration and reduces the strategic depth.
- Limited character selection (weight 0.14): There are only three playable characters, which players feel is too few for a beat 'em up. This reduces variety and customization options.
- Weapons feel weak (weight 0.14): Picked-up weapons are often underpowered and not more effective than basic attacks. This reduces the incentive to use them and limits gameplay variety.
- Combat is too simple (weight 0.14): The combat system is basic and lacks the depth or combo mechanics found in other beat 'em ups. This makes the gameplay feel repetitive and shallow.
- Training mode is locked (weight 0.14): The training mode cannot be accessed until the game is beaten, which players find inconvenient and unnecessary. This limits practice opportunities for new players.
- Pixel art is unpolished (weight 0.13): The pixel art is described as unconvincing and lacking polish, detracting from the visual appeal. Some animations also look strange, making the game feel less professional.
- Lacks online multiplayer (weight 0.11): The game does not include online co-op or multiplayer modes, limiting how players can enjoy it with others. This is a notable omission for a genre that benefits from cooperative play.
- Enemy variety is lacking (weight 0.11): Players note that enemies are repetitive and lack variety, both in appearance and behavior. This makes combat feel monotonous over time.
- Only two-player co-op (weight 0.11): The game supports only two players in co-op, whereas many beat 'em ups allow three or four. This limits the multiplayer experience and fun with friends.
- Input buffer causes issues (weight 0.08): There is a noticeable input buffer problem that leads to unintended dashes or dodges. This makes controlling the character feel less responsive and can lead to mistakes in combat.
- Sound effects lack impact (weight 0.08): The hit sounds are soft and lack punch, reducing the satisfaction of combat. Players expect more impactful audio feedback in brawlers.
- Not solo-friendly on hardest (weight 0.08): Playing solo on the hardest difficulties is nearly impossible and frustrating for non-hardcore players. This makes the game less accessible to a broader audience.

Gameplay feedback:
- Classic arcade beat-em-up (weight 0.91): The game is consistently described as a classic, old-school arcade beat-em-up, reminiscent of Streets of Rage and Final Fight. Many reviews highlight its 16-bit style and arcade energy, with side-scrolling action and combat against street gangs.
- Multiple difficulty options (weight 0.47): The game offers a range of difficulty settings including Casual, Easy, Hard, and sometimes an unlockable 'Ultra' difficulty. Reviews note that Hard mode is challenging and suitable as a default for experienced players, while Casual and Easy modes cater to newcomers.
- Three playable characters (weight 0.4): Players can choose from three distinct characters: Claire Sparks, Miller T. Williams, and Duke Sancho, each with unique moves, strengths, and playstyles. The characters are often described as an all-rounder, slow-strong, and fast-weaker type.
- Multiple game modes (weight 0.25): The game includes several modes such as Arcade, Boss Rush, Survival, Training, and Versus. These modes provide variety and replayability, with some unlockable through progression.
- Combos and juggle mechanics (weight 0.25): The combat system includes technical combo and juggling mechanics, allowing players to perform extended combos. Each character has unique combo strings and special moves, adding depth to gameplay.
- Local co-op support (weight 0.24): The game supports two-player local co-op, either on the same screen or via remote play. This feature is highlighted as a key aspect, allowing friends to play together.
- Side-scrolling combat mechanics (weight 0.19): The gameplay is side-scrolling with mechanics such as block, side dodge, button combinations, and special moves. Some versions allow enemies to be hit off-plane, and the combat resembles Final Fight and Streets of Rage 2.
- Six stages with bosses (weight 0.1): The game features six mostly horizontally scrolling stages, each ending with a boss encounter. This structure is typical of classic beat-em-ups.

Performance notes:
- Runs well on Steam Deck (weight 0.05): The game performs adequately on the Steam Deck, indicating good compatibility with the handheld device. This is a positive note for portable play.
- Gamepads are not detected (weight 0.05): Some users find that gamepads are not recognized, preventing them from using preferred input methods. This is a significant accessibility and usability problem.
- Occasional stuttering during play (weight 0.05): Players report intermittent stuttering that disrupts gameplay. This performance issue may require optimization for smoother experience.
- Controller double movement issue (weight 0.05): A controller bug causes double movement, but it can be resolved by disabling Steam Input. This workaround helps but native support would be better.
- Occasional sound bugs (weight 0.04): There are intermittent audio glitches that affect the overall experience. Fixing these would improve polish and immersion.
- Feels like emulator performance (weight 0.04): The game's performance gives an impression of running under an emulator, suggesting possible optimization or compatibility issues. This impacts the overall feel and polish.

Recommendations:
- Buy on sale, not full price (weight 0.85): A significant portion of feedback advises waiting for a sale or discount before purchasing, as the game is not considered worth its full price. Some mention specific discounts like 50% off or low price points such as $5.
- Recommended for beat-em-up fans (weight 0.68): Many reviewers recommend this game to fans of classic beat-em-ups, especially those who enjoyed Final Fight and Streets of Rage. The game captures old-school arcade nostalgia and is a solid addition to genre collections.
- High difficulty and trial-and-error (weight 0.34): The game's high difficulty and trial-and-error design are highlighted, with some warning that players should be prepared for a challenge. This is a key consideration for potential buyers, as it may deter casual players.
- Nostalgic appeal for retro gamers (weight 0.33): The game strongly appeals to players nostalgic for 80s and 90s arcade beat-em-ups, offering a blend of classic and modern elements. It is especially recommended for those who grew up with such games.
- Consider alternatives instead (weight 0.32): Some reviewers suggest playing other beat-em-ups like Streets of Rage 4 or Final Fight instead, as they consider those superior. This feedback indicates the game may not be the best choice when better options exist.
- Strong genre recommendation overall (weight 0.31): Several reviewers give a straightforward positive recommendation without caveats, praising the game's quality and enjoyment. These endorsements are less conditional than others, suggesting broad appeal to genre enthusiasts.
- Encouragement to play despite issues (weight 0.16): Some reviewers encourage playing the game despite its flaws, suggesting that with the right mindset, it can be an enjoyable experience. This is a nuanced take that balances positives and negatives.
- Good for short sessions (weight 0.14): A few reviewers note the game is suitable for short, casual play sessions, like a 20-30 minute break. It may not be a long, deeply engaging experience, but it fits well for quick gaming moments.
- Mixed recommendations and caution (weight 0.12): Some reviewers express mixed feelings, leaning toward recommendation but with reservations due to difficulty or price. They may suggest waiting for a sale or skipping if those issues are dealbreakers.
- Potential for buyer's remorse (weight 0.11): A few reviewers warn that buying at full price may lead to regret, especially if the player doesn't finish it. This reinforces the advice to purchase at a discount.
- Best in multiplayer (weight 0.1): The game is reportedly more fun when played cooperatively with a friend, evoking classic arcade two-player action. This suggests multiplayer enhances the overall experience.
- Quality-of-life improvements needed (weight 0.1): The absence of continues and other quality-of-life features is a concern for some, making the game harder to recommend. Future updates could improve the experience significantly.
- Value at low price points (weight 0.1): Several reviewers mention the game is a good value if purchased at a low price, such as $5 or 3 euros. This aligns with the general advice to buy on sale.
- Useful for players new to genre (weight 0.09): The game is seen as a good entry point for those new to serious beat-em-up play, with modes like Casual and Training helping beginners. It can onboard players into the genre.
- Praise for challenge and soundtrack (weight 0.07): The game is commended for its good challenge and great soundtrack, appealing to players who enjoy tough but rewarding gameplay. This is a positive aspect for genre fans.
- Accessibility for casual players (weight 0.07): The game offers modes like Casual and Training that make it more accessible to newcomers, providing a more forgiving experience. This is a plus for those intimidated by the difficulty.
- Not for those seeking long experience (weight 0.04): The game is not recommended for players looking for a long, hours-long beat-em-up experience. Its short length and limited content may disappoint such players.
- Visual enhancements recommended (weight 0.03): One reviewer suggests using shaders like CRT filters to improve the visuals, implying the default graphics may not be ideal. This is a minor point but affects immersion.

Other player notes:
- Frequently compared to classic beat 'em ups (weight 0.93): Many reviews compare the game to classic titles like Final Fight, Streets of Rage, and Vendetta, often describing it as a homage or tribute to the genre. Some reviewers note it sticks closely to the template of these classics, while others feel it fails to match their quality or innovation.
- Game is very short (weight 0.45): A significant number of reviews state the game is very short, with playthrough times ranging from 20 minutes to about an hour, most commonly around 30-40 minutes. This short length is a major criticism, especially considering the game's price.
- Praise for soundtrack (weight 0.39): Reviewers often mention the soundtrack, noting it was crafted by Utah Saints and Featurecast, and compare the music to classic Streets of Rage soundtracks. Some feel the music doesn't reach the same level as Streets of Rage, while others highlight it as a positive.
- Homage to 90s beat 'em ups (weight 0.37): The game is frequently described as a homage to, or paying respects to, 90s beat 'em up classics. This framing is used both positively and negatively, depending on the reviewer's perspective on originality.
- Compared to Streets of Rage 4 (weight 0.28): Reviewers compare the game to Streets of Rage 4, noting the latter has more content, characters, and replayability. Some preferred the contrasting combat focus of this game, while others felt it did not hold up to Streets of Rage 4.
- Appeals to Streets of Rage fans (weight 0.28): The game is described as faithful to the Streets of Rage spirit and recommended for fans of the series, with comparisons in characters and soundtrack. This positions the game as a direct appeal to the Streets of Rage audience.
- Better options exist in genre (weight 0.27): Several reviewers suggest that better, more content-rich beat 'em ups exist on the market, such as Streets of Rage 4, TMNT Shredder's Revenge, and Fight'N Rage, making this game a less compelling option for some. This is a common point of comparison and criticism.
- Price considered too high (weight 0.26): Several reviewers feel the game's base price is too high for the experience and the short amount of content provided. Some mention the game costs 25 dollars/euros for only about 40 minutes of playtime, while others find it a good value when purchased in a bundle.
- Compared to other classic arcade titles (weight 0.17): Reviews compare the game to a variety of classic arcade beat 'em ups beyond the most common ones, such as Cadillacs & Dinosaurs, Renegade, and Burning Fight. This further situates the game within the broader genre lineage.
- Comparisons to TMNT titles (weight 0.15): Some reviewers compare the game to TMNT beat-em-ups released around the same time, like Shredder's Revenge, often stating that this game is more fun. Others may recommend those titles as better modern 90s beat 'em up tributes.
- Comparison to masterpieces of genre (weight 0.13): Some reviews compare the game to what they call masterpieces of the genre, like Final Fight and Streets of Rage 2, noting the game tries to combine their strengths but may fail to match them. This highlights high expectations from classic comparisons.
- Lack of innovation noted (weight 0.1): A few reviewers note that the game doesn't offer anything innovative in the genre, but instead combines the best existing elements. Some see this lack of innovation as an unfair criticism, considering the game still feels solid.
- Developer identified as Bitmap Bureau (weight 0.09): Reviews identify the developer as Bitmap Bureau, known for other titles like Xenocrysis and Battle Axe, and the publisher as Numskull Games. This information is often included in the review's context.
- Borrows from Streets of Rage gameplay (weight 0.07): Some reviewers specifically note the game borrows gameplay elements from Streets of Rage 1, 2, or 3, describing it as a faster-paced version with elements from those titles. This shows a direct influence that is both praised and criticized.
- Desire for a sequel (weight 0.07): A couple of reviewers express a hope for a sequel, indicating they enjoyed the game enough to want more content. This positive sentiment is noted alongside other criticisms.
- Review scores around 6-7/10 (weight 0.06): Two reviewers gave the game a score of 6 or 7 out of 10, reflecting a generally positive but not outstanding reception. These scores are consistent with the mixed-positive tone of other feedback.
- Purchased in bundle (weight 0.06): A couple of reviewers mention purchasing the game as part of a bundle on Fanatical at a very low price, which influences their perception of its value. This suggests that at a lower price, the game is seen as a better deal.
- Valve regional pricing considered fair (weight 0.05): One reviewer notes the game uses Valve's suggested regional prices, which makes it a bargain in some regions. This is a positive note on pricing for certain audiences.
- Includes YouTube video link (weight 0.05): One review mentions including a YouTube video link for the reviewer's impression, indicating a multimedia review format. This is a neutral observation about the review itself.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.34): The overwhelming cause of frustration is the game's punishing difficulty, driven by a lack of continues, cheap instant-kill hazards, and a final boss that exploits invincibility-frame issues to lock players in combos. Control and input problems compound this: an inability to rebind keys or configure joysticks, an overly generous input buffer that triggers the life-draining super accidentally, and imprecise hitboxes that cause attacks to miss or enemies to hit from off-plane. A lack of saves, a harsh S-or-F scoring system, and limited content for a high price further sour the experience.
- Disappointment (weight 0.25): Disappointment stems from the game failing to live up to genre classics, feeling derivative of Streets of Rage and Final Fight while lacking their fluidity, depth, and combo variety. The short campaign, sparse content, and high price exacerbate the letdown, as does the absence of modern brawler mechanics like dodges, rolls, or parries. A lack of online co-op, minimal post-game, and a generic story and ending contribute to the overall sense of unfulfilled promise.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.2): Satisfaction comes from the game delivering a solid, authentic classic beat 'em up experience with tight controls, effective defensive options, and satisfying hit feedback. The excellent music and smooth animations enhance the feel, while the default difficulty offers a fair challenge that can be conquered with practice, even on hard mode. The appropriate game length for a one-coin clear and multiple modes provide a rewarding, arcade-style sense of accomplishment.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.19): Enjoyment is driven by the game's fun, fast-paced combat that feels snappy and satisfying, particularly when chaining combos and using weapons. The presentation, including catchy soundtrack and detailed pixel art, bolsters the appeal, making the game feel like a faithful throwback to classic Streets of Rage. Despite some flaws, the overall experience is positive, with many players finding it addictive and a joy to play, especially in co-op.
- Appreciation (weight 0.13): Appreciation arises from the developers' evident care and attention to detail, seen in the polished combat, fluid movement, and well-designed enemy patterns. The exceptional soundtrack, particularly the exclusive tracks and music inspired by Streets of Rage, along with striking pixel art, are frequently praised. Players value the game's faithful recreation of the arcade experience, complete with a sweet, to-the-point design and just the right level of challenge.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.07): Nostalgia is triggered by the game's strong resemblance to classic 90s arcade beat 'em ups, evoking memories of playing Final Fight at the mall or old NEO GEO games. The mechanics, visuals, and overall atmosphere transport players back to that era, with the game successfully recreating the authentic arcade feeling. This sentimental connection makes it a treat for those who grew up with these games.
- Admiration (weight 0.05): Admiration is expressed for the game's near-perfect execution as a retro arcade title, with solid fundamentals, top-tier sound, music, graphics, and animations. It is regarded as a love letter to 90s beat 'em ups and one of the best modern examples of the genre, capturing the classic spirit with balanced gameplay. The phenomenal soundtrack and rich pixel art further elevate the experience to a high standard.
- Disappointed (weight 0.05): Disappointment in this context centers on the final boss, who is described as lame and cheap, with a second phase that feels exploitative rather than fair. Bosses, in general, are seen as boring, with limited moves and a reliance on cheap tactics that frustrate players. Additionally, the game fails to meet expectations set by its price point and reputation, leaving it feeling unfinished and lacking content.
- Boredom (weight 0.04): Boredom sets in quickly due to the game's repetitive nature, with generic controls and gameplay that becomes monotonous after the first few levels. The lack of variety in enemies and the absence of replay incentives, especially without online co-op, makes the experience stale. Some players even dropped the game mid-campaign, finding the later stages, particularly boss fights, uninteresting.
- Excitement (weight 0.04): Excitement is generated by the game's intense, fast-paced combat and energetic soundtrack, which keep the adrenaline high during play. The promise of co-op play and characters with vast move sets adds to the anticipation, making it a highly recommended experience. The retro aesthetic and charming pixel look initially hook players, with many eagerly awaiting future content or the developer's next project.
- Frustrated (weight 0.04): Frustration here is tied to specific gameplay issues: being hit while getting up due to a lack of invincibility frames, a rating system that unfairly punishes after a tough fight, and the inability to customize buttons even with a fightstick. The game's shallow, cheesable mechanics also irk players, reducing the sense of skill. Additionally, unlockables gated behind specific character arcade runs feel grindy and annoying.
- Love (weight 0.04): Love for the game is rooted in its unique, distinguishable pixel art and faithful recreation of the 90s beat 'em up style. Players enjoy the gameplay's faithfulness and entertainment value, appreciating how the developer understands and embraces the genre's core mechanics. Even those who admit to not being skilled at the game find it enjoyable, highlighting its broad appeal.
- Annoyed (weight 0.04): Annoyance is triggered by ranking system quirks, where an S rank demands avoiding knockdowns, which can be destroyed by cheap hazards. The special move costing health when the powerbar isn't full feels punishing, and bad hitboxes allow enemies to hit from unexpected positions. Small details like incomplete animations and throws leaving the player open, plus a nearly useless block button, add to the irritation.
- Approval (weight 0.02): Approval comes from the game being a decent, solid beat 'em up that fulfills its promise as a tribute to the classics. It delivers an old-school experience with good fundamentals and enjoyable gameplay, meeting the expectations of genre fans. This positive reception is based on the game successfully providing a classic beat 'em up experience without gimmicks.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.02): Enthusiasm is fueled by the game's excellence at a deeply discounted price, making it a great value. Players enjoy the satisfaction of beating up enemies with combos, relishing the classic feel reminiscent of Streets of Rage 2 and Final Fight. The combination of solid gameplay and affordability sparks eagerness to recommend it.
- Dissatisfaction (weight 0.01): Dissatisfaction arises from poor hand feel and stuttering during gameplay, which detracts from the overall experience. The main character designs are seen as flat compared to enemies, and area transitions are poorly executed. Ultimately, the game fails to bring the same enjoyment as other beat 'em ups, leaving a sense of lacking in polish and appeal.
- Indifference (weight 0.01): Indifference is due to the game being nice but too short and relatively expensive, offering little to enthuse the player. It fails to leave a strong impression, either positively or negatively, resulting in a lukewarm response. The lack of substantial content or standout features makes it forgettable.
- Annoyance (weight 0.01): Annoyance is caused by unintended dashes from long input windows, which disrupt control and lead to accidental moves. The final boss breaks the game's rules in an annoying way, frustrating players with unfair tactics. Additionally, double inputs on the gamepad for running sometimes fail to register, making movement feel unreliable.
- Regret (weight 0.01): Regret is expressed over purchasing the game because it feels like it lacks care and ambition, despite being a beat 'em up. Players feel the product has notable flaws and does not meet expectations, leading to a sense of wasted money. The game's shortcomings outweigh its merits, prompting them to wish they had not bought it.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Surprise is sparked by the game's positive reception, which contrasts with the reviewer's own assessment, suggesting a wide range of opinions. More strikingly, discovering the manual revealed half the moves existed, dramatically changing the game's rating from a 4/10 to a 7.5/10. This hidden depth was a pleasant revelation, and the game also proved solid despite being labeled hard and unforgiving.}