BroForce

Over-the-top action? Check. Over-the-top characters? Check. Freedom?! Check. BroForce is nothing if not completely insane. It combines the weirdest mix of every action film ever made, and a fully self-aware understanding of a parody. It’s also an incredibly fun game that still offers a challenge.

The ‘BroForce’ is a collection of heroes, whose entire job is to bring freedom to countries around the world. Bullets and body parts fly as the likes of Rambro, Bro Hard, and Ellen Ripbro tool up to fight evil. You start with a basic set, unlocking more characters as you progress. Hidden about each level are hostages; freeing those hostages nets you more bros to play as. It also changes your current bro to keep the gameplay fresh. Each are obvious riffs on characters from all manner of action movies, and all with their own unique powers. Time Bro, for example, can slow down time, or Brominator, who becomes a fully invincible T-800.

You won’t be tanking many bullets though - one hit and you’re out. If you have any lives you’ll respawn at the nearest checkpoint as a different bro. Enemies can take a few more hits, but most of the time you won’t even need to shoot them directly. The entire environment is destructible, and littered with so many explosives you’ll be spoiled for choice. There are also a few vehicles if you’re feeling that way inclined.

Chapters are countries around the world under attack, all with their own parody names such as Veetnam. Each stage is complete when you get to the end, kill the devil, and raise the freedom banner. At the end of the chapter, there’s a larger boss, also sporting a cool bro-name. These vary from giant tanks to fully loaded attack helicopters. No fancy tricks, you’re just going to have to blow them up with a hail of bullets.

Of course, if you want more bullets you’re going to need to bring along another bro. The entire campaign can be played couch co-op or online with up to 3 other players. More bullets, more explosions, more liberty. If one bro is struck down, the others can rescue them by freeing a hostage. No bro left behind!

The art style is a mix of 2D and 3D. Levels are side-scrolling pixel affairs, with everything from character design to animations giving off a Metal Slug vibe. The level selection is done via a 3D world map - you pilot a little helicopter around the simplified, blocky globe and land at places in dire need of liberation. The sound design is very satisfying; everything is rock and metal, with big bullet noises and explosions, and as chaotic as the gameplay.

BroForce isn’t particularly complex, but it scratches an itch. When all you want is non-stop action that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and you’ve already burned through your 80s film collection, this is where you go. It’s a game for getting together with your friends and enjoying some good old-fashioned blowing stuff up. Just like John McClane [insert terrible yippee-ki-yay pun here].

Windbound