Mask of Fury

There's hardly an advertised hook for Mask of Fury, which makes it all the more difficult to understand why players would want to try this brawler. However, it's a top-down 3D fighter that could compel someone to give it a whirl for a couple of reasons; the intriguing level design and the whacky approach to gameplay.

Mask of Fury pays homage to the luchador, similar in character design but different in mechanics. This game is more about beating the ever-loving snot out of each other in confined spaces than wrestling. It's like professionals getting into a house and having the same fight you used to have with your siblings growing up. I am curious about this game despite its unenthusiastic launch.

Furry Furious Fists

Mask of Fury keeps things as straightforward as a brawler, keeping character selection and levels uncluttered to focus on the primary mechanic, combat quality. There are eight characters to choose from with the same number of locations, each varying in abilities and theme, respectively. As you'd expect from any brawler, you'll have to leverage unique capabilities and manipulate game environments to win your battles.

So far, you'd not believe anything particularly enticing about the game. However, Mask of Fury does a decent job of creating entertainment in several respects. Mainly, the enclosed environments of the locations bring more intensity to the fights, and the well-designed combat mechanics allow anyone to jump in and put up a fight for multiplayer.

Up to four players can enter the arena and smash-and-grab without experience. Becoming more consistently successful in the game requires time and patience. But is there any point in mastering the learning curve after a few fun-filled rounds? Herein lies the core problem of Mask of Fury, which is that gameplay doesn't seem to be sure of itself and subsequently lacks direction.

Where do you go after you've had multiple battles exploring each game mode? When players have fought and won a few times, there doesn't feel like there's any rhyme or reason to continue. The progression system is lacking, and there's little reward for completing story mode and any other challenges Mask of Fury presents.

Chipping Away at the Mask

Still, that's not to say that Mask of Fury is a few grand rounds of fun. The visuals make the game accessible, and the level design adds an array of dynamism not often seen in brawlers. There's a lot of focus on the entertainment you can bring out of each fight, similar to the direction that Gang Beasts took with their game. It's something to be respected in casual gaming these days.

Round-Up - Pros & Cons

Pros:

• A unique brawler without compromising core gameplay
• The level design delivers more intense combat
• Humorous battle animations

Cons:

• The reward system needs to improve
• Not enough incentive to dedicate much time to mastering the game
• The more condensed spaces make movement frustrating sometimes