No, this isn’t new Streets of Rage 4 DLC, it’s Mayhem Brawler which looks to be a shameless clone of Dotemu’s awesome beat- ‘em up.
To be fair to the developers of Mayhem Brawler, it is being described as “a love letter to 90s’ beat ’em ups”, which I suppose can also be said for Streets of Rage 4.
Watching the gameplay trailer for Mayhem Brawler, it’s difficult not to describe it as a Streets of Rage 4 clone. However, developers Hero Concept has added their own spin on the retro arcade beat- ‘em up formula.
In Mayhem Brawler you play as three law enforcement officers of Mayhem City, juiced up with over-the-top superpowers. Ok, this still sounds like I could be talking about Streets of Rage 4, so bear with me.
There’s more to Mayhem Brawler
Mayhem Brawler features three multiple endings and branching paths during the campaign. So the choices that you make will impact the ending.
Mayhem Brawler also has an emphasis on tactical combat which is said to be taken “out of the RPG handbook.” According to the post on the PlayStation Blog: “Our officers can perform offensive and defensive special abilities.“
Taking inspiration from RPGs
“Not only these skills will improve players combo potential, but they will also leave opponents with certain condition effects, such as Bleed (making the target take additional damage) or Expose (decreasing an opponent’s resistance),” says Hero Concepts.
“Weapons that you’ll pick up as you patrol the streets (crowbars, knives, handguns) will also be able to apply condition effects depending on their type. Using the right effect on the right enemy will help you deal greater damage, clear stages faster and obtain higher scores. Be warned: Minions of Mayhem City can possess special abilities or use weapons to leave our officers with condition effects as well!”
Everything is inspired
Growing up as an 80s and 90s gamer that loved to spend my time in the arcades, games back then were full of imitations. As they say: “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” It is also worth keeping in mind that nothing in video game development is unique. A game, its mechanics, visual presentation, or story are often inspired by something else.
If you create a game inspired by a favourite of yours, but you’ve put your own spin on things, then that’s all good in my book. Plus, Mayhem Brawler has been developed from the ground-up, so Hero Concepts would have put a lot of love and dedication into this side-scrolling beat- ‘em up.
Mayhem Brawler is available now for PC, PS4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch. Will you be checking out Mayhem Brawler? Let us know across our social media channels.
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Featured Image Credit: Hero Concepts