The Crackpet Show

The Crackpet Show is a bullet hell adventure game that looks as crazy as it sounds. A bizarre mix of top-down shooter with roguelite elements, this game puts many other “crazy" games to shame with its outrageous approach to death and gore. Fuzzy little animals equip large guns and do battle in an insane gauntlet either alone or with friends to be the most famous killer. Lock and load and let’s get into this insane nightmare.

Gameplay

Gameplay follows a simple idea; don’t get shot while shooting the enemy. I know it seems simple enough for a bullet hell but in this game, you cannot shoot while running.

That’s right, you have to stand still every time you shoot. It causes the game to become quite difficult as you pick your moments between getting shot to pieces or blown up by ordnance. Similar in function to games like Enter the Gungeon and The Binding of Isaac, this title has players toe the line between the all out madness of combat and the carefully crafted level design.

The objective is to kill enemies and bosses to become the new champion. Through the game you are asked to accrue fans and sponsorship deals, it’s not yet been revealed as to how this can effect Gameplay but it appears as though those deals can provide the player with new guns and power ups.

Visuals

Watching this gameplay, you get a distinct Happy Tree Friends: False Alarm vibe that really sticks with you. Fuzzy little creatures that get absolutely obliterated through the game can be a little disturbing. You can pick your character and unleash hell with a huge variety of guns, the amount of bloodshed can be jarring so make sure you’re ready before you jump in.

Besides that, the characters and world are colourful and interesting to look at. Everything is well designed and charming despite its dark overtones. This even extends to the procedurally generated maps that can differ each play through to keep everything interesting. It somewhat reminds me of Professor Genki missions from Saints Row The Third.

Multiplayer

Now, we must always remember that multilayer does not mean co-operative. Just because you allegedly fight on the same team, doesn’t mean things won’t come between you.

This game likes to pit players against each other just as much as it pits the world against you. Join up with up to 3 other players and take on the trials and tribulations of becoming a TV killing game sensation. Since you may need help along the way to being number one, you can share guns and buff teammates to make them more efficient tools in your rise to stardom.

Pros:

• Amazing gameplay
• Looks sharp
• Scratches that super violent itch

Cons:

• It’s going to need more game modes