Brawlhalla

Fighting games can be divided in to their own subgenres—but, among those subgenres, platforming-arena-matches are limited to a select few and that’s why Brawlhalla comes as such a breath of fresh air. In a fighting subgenre dominated by Super Smash Bros and the colorful assortment of video game icons therein, a few games have released over the years to topple the throne. So far none have been able to hold out, but next on the list of would-be usurpers, Brawhalla seeks to recreate that addictive party-gameplay with its own cast of characters and distinctive style.

Bring Your Friends

Brawlhalla is a free-to-play fighting game loaded with characters and modes to keep people coming back for its addictive, and quick-match gameplay. None of the modes are inherently overlong and so they are easy to pick up and play.

Be warned, ranked (like most fighting games) has some really talented players. Additionally, the free-to-play model allows you to invite your friends to join in on a game that is best shared with a group. That being said, the intense microtransaction formula, though of course necessary in this model of game, has some drawbacks.

Quantity Over Quality

When it comes down to gameplay, Brawlhalla is a fun time in small doses. However, playing for too long has you notice some things that really come to lessen its replayability on most solo outings. Where Brawlhalla doesn’t have the same long-standing game history for its characters as its competitors—it does come with a lot of very colorful characters. (Most hidden behind microtransactions) However, when it comes down to gameplay, a lot of the differences between these characters start to feel superficial. Everyone plays mostly the same, barring the range of their specific weapons. So, although characters in the game look different and there are a ton of them, they don’t have a diverse set of abilities you might expect after playing something like Overwatch or Apex: Legend—where each character fundamentally changes how you play.

The Triple Threat Formula

One reason Super Smash Bros has a throne that has yet to be taken by any other of these arena-platforming-fighting games, is its balance of all assets: characters, diverse movesets, and gameplay. There is an inherent excitement to seeing Mario battle Link and Fox McCloud and Solid Snake—attach that to fantastic gameplay with distinct variety of playstyles and you have that winning, triple threat, formula. That being said, the closest competitor it has had was, arguably, Playstation All-Stars. That game had colorful cast of character and diverse movesets—but it was lacking in the gameplay. Every KO was the result of a special, not necessarily skill. And with that in mind, some character’s specials were just better than others. Where Brawhalla falls short, conversely, is in diverse movesets. It has original characters, but their individual abilities change the gameplay about as much as a Fortnite Battle Royale character skin—i.e. not much.

Conclusion

Brawlhalla is an exciting free-to-play game. It doesn’t fundamentally change the genre but it’s a good time with friends. However, with the lack of variety in gameplay, it doesn’t have the longevity of its competition.

Pros

• Tons of characters to unlock
• Lots of exciting modes
• Free-to-play – bring friends!

Cons

• Microtransactions that don’t change the game
• Not very diverse movesets
• Repetitive gameplay

Brawlhalla, the free-to-play fighting game developed by Blue Mammoth Games, has captured the hearts of over 100 million players worldwide. With its engaging gameplay, diverse character roster, and cross-platform compatibility, Brawlhalla offers an immersive and accessible experience for gamers of all ages and skill levels. In this review, we will delve into the game's features, explore its gameplay modes, highlight its strengths and weaknesses, and provide an overall assessment of this epic brawler.

A Myriad of Legends

One of Brawlhalla's standout features is its ever-growing roster of over 50 Legends, each with their unique playstyle and abilities. From the ferocious werewolf Mordex to the enigmatic black hole manipulator Artemis, players have an array of captivating characters to choose from. Blue Mammoth Games consistently adds new Legends to the game every 2-3 weeks, ensuring that the gameplay experience remains fresh and exciting. This commitment to regular updates has contributed to the game's longevity and kept players engaged and invested.

Brawlhalla goes beyond its original roster by introducing legendary crossovers from other popular franchises. These collaborations infuse the game with a sense of novelty and excitement, allowing players to embody iconic characters from various universes.

Whether you dream of playing out battles between John Cena and Po or witness Finn and Jake teaming up with Rayman and Aang, the possibilities for epic clashes are endless. These crossovers not only broaden Brawlhalla's appeal but also showcase the developer's commitment to creating an inclusive gaming experience.

Thrilling Game Modes

Brawlhalla caters to diverse playstyles and preferences through its vast selection of game modes. Players can engage in competitive Ranked 2v2 matches, where teamwork and strategy are paramount, or indulge in casual modes like Capture the Flag, Kung Foot, and Volleybrawl for some lighthearted fun. For those seeking cooperative play, Horde and Walker Attack offer exciting challenges that require teamwork to overcome hordes of enemies.

The game's versatility in accommodating different play modes ensures that there is always an engaging experience awaiting players, regardless of their mood or preferences.

Brawlhalla draws inevitable comparisons to the beloved Super Smash Bros. series due to their shared genre and crossover elements. While both games offer chaotic multiplayer battles and diverse character rosters, they differ in their pricing models and accessibility.

Brawlhalla's free-to-play approach, combined with cross-platform compatibility, provides a more inclusive experience, allowing players to engage in epic battles without the need for purchasing additional hardware or games. Additionally, Brawlhalla's regular updates and commitment to new content ensure that the game consistently feels fresh and engaging.

Review: 9/10

With its engaging gameplay, diverse Legends, and cross-platform compatibility, Brawlhalla delivers a captivating brawling experience that is accessible to players of all skill levels. Blue Mammoth Games' commitment to frequent updates and crossovers keeps the game exciting and ensures its longevity.

Pros:

• Free-to-play model with no pay-to-win mechanics
• A diverse and ever-expanding roster of Legends
• Exciting crossover events with iconic characters from other franchises
• A plethora of engaging game modes catering to various playstyles
• Cross-platform compatibility fostering a large and active player base

Cons:

• Learning curve may be steep for newcomers to the fighting game genre
• Limited offline content for players without consistent internet access