Fallen City Brawl is a dated side-scrolling brawler that takes you down memory lane. If you love Streets of Rage, you’ll adore the rough edges, larger-than-life brutes, and simple mechanics. However, it is the combo attacks, weapons, and brutality that make it appeal to lovers of the genre.
Fallen City Studio has developed this retro experience, and Eastasiasoft Limited have published it. It is a single-player and co-op affair. I enjoyed it alone, but my kids enjoyed the odd co-op session as we nailed each gigantic thug and explored a linear side-scrolling world.
Fallen City Brawl is a story of revenge.
Revenge is a dish best served cold, or at least it’s supposed to be. Fallen City Brawl tells the tale of 4 unlikely heroes who team up to smash every goon they encounter. The crime-ridden Fallen City is a hellhole! Gangs run wild and everyone is petrified. However, the unlikely team work hard to clear the streets and remove the filth.
The story isn’t particularly deep, but it focuses on themes of revenge, survival, and fighting for what’s right. There are some nice animated cutscenes to support the action, and the game flows nicely as a result. It won’t win any awards for originality, but I liked the 80s vibes.
Combo attacks.
This genre is judged on its depth, character values, and combo attacks. Fortunately, it has 4 unique characters that offer varied approaches, different fighting styles, and an array of special attacks. This adds a layer of tactical nuance that is great to witness and better to experience. When combined with another player, things are taken to another level.
The fighters can work together to chain deadly combos and grab weapons they find. Guns, clubs, poles, hammers, and more can be used to decimate anyone or anything you see. On top of this, there are gems to collect to power your special ability. This game-changing skill smashes anything in sight and will turn the tide of battle in your favour.
None of the ideas was original, but they are executed well. The fighting is a little clunky, but that was fine. The weapons are overpowered, and the goons are huge, but each element worked perfectly, and the action was just the right side of ridiculous.
Fallen City Brawl is wonderfully dated.
Fallen City Brawl has a distinct 16-bit feel to it. The level design is basic but interesting, and the lack of height was distinctly old-school. Although secrets are few and far between, each of the 7 stages was fun to explore. The action flows nicely, and the animation is clunky but enjoyable. There are various enemies to defeat, and each of the bosses has a unique style. Subsequently, there is plenty to keep you entertained throughout.
The high-energy soundtrack has an 80s/90s vibe that rarely outstays its welcome. It is gritty, dark, aggressive, and perfect for the theme. The daunting tracks add to the drama, while the harsh and often uncomfortable sound effects create a sense of danger to each encounter.
Clunky controls.
My biggest issue with Fallen City Brawl is the control system. Although it is easy to understand and the tutorial is thorough, everything is reasonably clunky. Therefore, it can be difficult to grab weapons, avoid enemies, and build combo streaks. However, if you master it, each fight feels rewarding.
7 stages aren’t a lot, and you can fly through each one with relative ease. However, it is addictive and playing with family or friends is a great way to spend a few hours. Thankfully, the impressive combos, different weapons, and small roster of characters draw you back in to keep playing each level.
Fallen City Brawl is fun but limited.
Fallen City Brawl is a fun addition to the genre. The level design is basic, but it works with the theme. I like the gritty world, the fighting, and the huge bosses. Moreover, the choice of heroes, different combo attacks, and weapons bring this to life. Yet, it is somewhat limited, and 7 levels weren’t enough. Despite this, I like it and recommend buying it here! Can you fight to save your city? Grab a friend, pick your hero, and kick some goon butt!
