Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch (reviewed), PS4, Xbox One

Developer: Angry Mob Games

Publisher: Angry Mob Games, Merge Games, Headup Games

Release: 29th June 2018 (Switch physical)

Price: 19.99 (digital)

After Super Smash Bros Ultimate was finally shown at E3, the niche for clones of Nintendo´s popular series seems to become slimer by the day. Nonetheless, the Switch version of Brawlout, originally released a few months ago, got a physical release at just the right time to remind everyone, including me, of this game. So let´s take a look why this one´s actually pretty great.

Naturally, there isn´t a whole lot of single player content in here though. While Brawloutdoesn´t feature a campaign in any way, mainly relying on matches against your local coop-partners or online foes, the CPU is the only thing keeping you busy otherwise. Despite all that, Brawlout is pretty much a shrunk down Super Smash Bros, rocking eight characters each with their own perks and more than a few arenas.

To compensate for this rather tiny roster, every fighter features his very own playstyle. On the one hand we have those centering around throws or force, actively bombarding you with heavy-hitting attacks which can quickly let you fly out of the arena. On the other hand are more interesting to play ones like Hyper Light Drifter (yes just like Guacamelee he´s in here), who´s fast but can only get his foe out of the arena by repeated dodges and backstabs in most cases.

Anyone familiar with the genre may see why Brawloutcan be a ton of fun when everyone involved is one the same level. With every fighter having their own unique traits in some sort, that have to be mastered both to play and counter them, every match can feel different. Add the heavier focus on action and mass battles to the mix and you have a game which builds upon throwing people in a giant pit to unleas hell. Back when I played it at Gamescom I already saw how much fun the people and me had with the short sessions of only a few minutes and how easy the game is to pick up. Since it doesn´t require a whole lot of buttons after all. Given, it´s a much simpler combat system than Smash Bros has to offer for its giant array of characters but precisely because of that, it´s often just the right fit for some casual rounds with friends who never played those games.

Another similarity to Nintendo´s series is how flawless Brawlout runs on Switch. Rocking a smooth 60fps at almost all times (except when the screen is literally cluttered), it presents itself as a surprisingly polished experience. Combined with the appealing artstyle, though seeing rather iconic indie protagonists with it still feels kinda weird. Otherwise, I´m really digging the comic look, designs and arenas, even though they´re nothing super unique or extraordinary.

Conclusion

Brawlout definitely deserves its physical release as pretty much the only Smash Bros clone on the Switch to date. Yet, once its idol finally lands on the console, there´s not a whole lot to it. It´s an imitation that plays a bit faster but is dragged down by a lacking roster and lack of personality in general.

[A Review Copy was provided by Headup Games]