Clawpunk is the type of game that will push your buttons! It is fast-paced, tough, and often unfair. However, it is fun, colourful, and a good example of the rogue-like genre. If you hate your equipment and temporary progress being wiped after each loss, you may wish to look elsewhere. Alternatively, if you like a fresh challenge, while testing your skills and reactions, this is probably the game for you.
This pixelated arcade action adventure was developed by Kittens in Timespace and published by Megabit Publishing. It is a single-player game where falling to your goal is the aim of the game. If you fall too quickly and try to cheat your way to victory, you’ll be punished. Therefore, you must plan your descent if you wish to make it across each stage alive.
Clawpunk is a game about oppression and resistance!
Forall City is a dark and dangerous place. This crumbling metropolis has been overrun by villainous gangs and deadly machines. Furthermore, Mr F has no soul, and he cares not who he crushes. Thankfully, 9 modified cats are up to the task of thwarting this dictator. Each feline has a special set of skills that will overcome every obstacle. Yet, if they are not careful, they’ll be wiped out, and the resistance will fail.
The story rarely impacts the action. Instead, it is the fast-paced madness across the 4 key levels that sits in the foreground. Once you complete each unique stage, you must take on a final test of your skills. The last level will test the best players, and it almost broke me several times.
Destructible arenas.
In Clawpunk, it doesn’t matter which level you pick first. However, the cat you select makes a huge difference! Each hero has different attack methods to master. Moreover, the environment can be destroyed to avoid certain foes or to speed up your descent.
If you go too quickly, you’ll pique the interest of the dictator’s grunts. These heavily armed machines will smash you to pieces. Therefore, you want to try to avoid these hulking beasts as much as you can. This isn’t always easy, especially when you have limited health and even less time. Consequently, Clawpunk is a balancing act of fighting, stealth, and luck.
Clawpunk looks amazing.
I’m a sucker for neon lights and interesting stage design. Thankfully, this incorporates both nicely. The vivid colours and pixelated action are tough on the eyes. However, I didn’t care. As you fly through each level, the details blur into one. This creates a sense of speed and drama that works extremely well. Alongside this, the animation is smooth, and the game rarely falters when things go crazy. Therefore, Clawpunk is a joy to play.
The audio is as angry, loud, and aggressive as you’d expect. Each cat generates its own field of sound, and this creates a new and exciting adventure no matter which hero you pick. Moreover, the music drives you on as you avoid obstacles, search for collectables, and kill anything in sight.
Excellent controls.
This is one hell of a fast-paced game. Subsequently, I was glad that the controls were responsive and easy to understand. Moving, fighting, and grabbing surfaces was a cinch. Additionally, learning each hero’s style was a breeze. Therefore, you’ll master each kitty’s approach in no time at all.
Due to its genre, Clawpunk oozes replay value and longevity. You will die, fail, and curse repeatedly. Yet, once you understand the basics and you come to terms with losing, you’ll love the brutality and the challenge you’ll face.
Clawpunk is a great indie title.
I didn’t expect to like Clawpunk as much as I did. The simple mechanics, addictive gameplay, and challenging rogue-like elements kept me coming back for more. Furthermore, the choice of cats, tough enemies, and affordable price tag make this a great indie title. Accordingly, I love it and recommend buying it here! Can you defeat Mr F? Pick your cat, master their style, and defeat every goon.
