Unruly Heroes is a visually stunning action-platformer that draws inspiration from the classic Chinese novel "Journey to the West". Developed and published by Magic Design Studios, this artistic marvel was released on January 23, 2019, for PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, and Xbox One.
At its core, Unruly Heroes offers a unique blend of platforming, puzzle-solving, and combat. The standout feature is the ability to instantly switch between four distinct characters, each with their own abilities and fighting styles. This mechanic adds depth to both exploration and encounters, encouraging creative problem-solving and strategic thinking. The controls are responsive and fluid, making navigation through the beautifully crafted levels a joy.
Unruly Heroes boasts a breathtaking visual style that can only be described as a living painting. The hand-drawn environments and characters are bursting with color and detail, creating a world that feels both fantastical and tangible. Animation is smooth and expressive, bringing the four heroes and various enemies to life with personality and charm. The audio design complements the visuals perfectly, with a soundtrack that blends traditional Chinese instruments with modern compositions.
While loosely based on "Journey to the West", Unruly Heroes takes creative liberties with its storytelling. The narrative serves mainly as a vehicle to propel the heroes through various imaginative landscapes. Each level introduces new elements and obstacles, keeping the experience fresh throughout. The light-hearted tone and occasional humor provide a nice contrast to the sometimes challenging nature of the platforming and combat.
One of Unruly Heroes' strongest features is its local multiplayer mode. Up to four participants can join in, each controlling one of the heroes. This adds a new dimension to the experience, turning puzzle-solving and combat into cooperative efforts that are as chaotic as they are enjoyable.
Unruly Heroes is a testament to the enduring appeal of 2D platformers when executed with creativity and polish. Its gorgeous aesthetics, varied mechanics, and multiplayer options make it a standout title in the genre. While it may not revolutionize platforming, it offers a thoroughly enjoyable and visually spectacular adventure.
PlatformUK Score: 8.5/10 - A visually stunning and mechanically satisfying experience that shines brightest in multiplayer mode.
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