Brawlout
- August 20, 2018
- Angry Mob Games
- 4h median play time
An enjoyable enough party fighter that doesn’t quite do enough to stand out.
"Brawlout is a fighting game focused on local and online multiplayer, including 2-player split screen and PVP modes. The game has good graphics, gameplay, and co-op options, and has recently been updated with a new character, stage, and single-player mode. Brawlout is committed to continuous improvement and adding content requested by the community."
Reviews
- The game features enjoyable mechanics and fast-paced gameplay that appeals to fans of platform fighters.
- Character models, animations, and effects are well-designed, providing a visually appealing experience.
- The ability to remap controls enhances the gameplay experience, making it more accessible for players.
- The online multiplayer is sparsely populated, making it difficult to find matches and diminishing the competitive aspect of the game.
- The game lacks depth in character variety and mechanics, leading to repetitive gameplay and limited strategies.
- There are significant issues with balance and some characters feel overpowered, which can frustrate players.
- gameplay76 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game is a blend of traditional platform fighter mechanics reminiscent of Super Smash Bros., featuring a high skill ceiling with unique mechanics like wavedashing and rage bursts. While many players appreciate the fast-paced and accessible nature of the gameplay, criticisms arise regarding the lack of variety in characters, clunky mechanics, and issues with online matchmaking, which can detract from the overall experience. Despite its potential and enjoyable aspects, the game currently suffers from balance issues and a limited roster, making it more appealing for casual play than competitive environments.
“The trial and arcade modes make for good singleplayer content as you grow accustomed to the mechanics.”
“High skill ceiling with mechanics like wavedashing, dashdancing, meteor canceling, rage bursts, and subsequent tech unique to some of the characters.”
“The art is great, the controls are solid, the combos are fluid, the characters are unique, gameplay is balanced (so far), and it feels good to play.”
“The controls/gameplay are certainly similar, but the lack of variety in the characters, aside from the indie characters, greatly hinders the experience.”
“It's easy to spam, no way to counter said spam (just implementing a block system) and an unbearable amount of mechanics the game allows.”
“Character design and game optimization are solid, but between clunky gameplay, broken abilities and combos, lack of depth to CPU fights, and low player base, the game is not worth it in its current state.”
- graphics32 mentions
- 66 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally praised for their vibrant art style, smooth animations, and pleasing aesthetics, with many reviewers noting that they are visually appealing and well-optimized for performance. However, some criticism arises regarding the character designs, which some find uninspired, and the visual quality of certain mechanics, which appear less polished. Overall, the game is considered to have strong graphics that enhance the gameplay experience, reminiscent of classic platform fighters.
“The art and graphics are fantastic, the amount of content in the game is pretty good, the characters are a lot of fun, the gameplay is great, the animations range from alright to great.”
“The animations are creative, the art style is colorful and pleasing to the eye, and even when playing the game alone, I couldn't help but smile.”
“There are a few things I thought were pretty cool about the game, the graphics look really nice and seem to be really well optimized as my PC could run the game on max settings at about 400-600 fps the whole time.”
“The graphics are really bland and the character designs are extremely uninspired.”
“The game has 2 original mechanics for platform fighters: rage mode and breakers, both with bad visuals and poorly animated (guess early access?).”
“Aesthetically, the attack, hit, and knockback effects and the animation don't really sell it.”
- music9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally well-received, with many praising the soundtracks for complementing the levels effectively. While some users noted issues with sound design and character noise, the overall quality of the music stands out positively, enhancing the gaming experience. The unique feature of music suppression during pauses also adds a thoughtful touch to the sound design.
“Good art style and nice soundtracks to the levels.”
“As for the soundtrack, it sounds good.”
“Most of the songs go well with the maps.”
“This game is a lot of fun, but honestly the biggest problem I have with it is the sound design (excluding the music, which is fine).”
“I almost can't hear the generic music and the characters that make little to no noise (which again, lends to that whole 'pop' factor they lack).”
“The art style, hitstun, character design, movement, maps, music.”
- story8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The game's story is criticized for being poorly developed and lacking clarity, with players unsure of the characters' motivations and the overall context of the brawlout tournament. Many reviewers note that there is no dedicated story mode, making the narrative feel irrelevant, and express a desire for more lore and a structured campaign in future updates. Overall, the story aspect is seen as a missed opportunity that detracts from the game's potential.
“They didn't have to add scenes and story behind each character, but they did.”
“I look forward to seeing the story modes and polish being added to this someday when it leaves early access, as I think this game could be a solid pick for playing with friends online or locally.”
“This includes making unlockables easier to unlock, improving the leveling up system, adding more details to the lore, and adding a story mode.”
“I really don't know why these characters are fighting, where they're from, why they have this brawlout tournament, where this is all taking place, where these locations are and how they fit in with the story of the game.”
“But it does it really poorly, I guess it's for the fans to figure out the explanation behind this or something like that. I don't know, the story really doesn't matter to be honest since there is really no story mode in this game.”
“[small roster, no story or campaign, lackluster progression system, gets old very quick]”
- character development8 mentions
- 63 % positive mentions
- 13 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is a mixed bag, with some reviewers praising the interesting and cohesive character designs that enhance gameplay, while others criticize the overall blandness and lack of depth in character interactions. Although certain characters like Juan and Drifter are noted for their synergy with the cast, issues such as clunky gameplay and broken mechanics detract from the overall experience. The visuals and character designs are appealing, but the game's current state leaves much to be desired in terms of depth and engagement.
“The character design is pretty interesting too with strongly cohesive kits that fit and make use of the characters' look to create an immersive fighter.”
“Pleasant visuals and some fun character designs are initially appealing; Juan and Drifter mesh well with the rest of the cast, and expanded rage mechanics make for some interesting strategy during fights.”
“Good character designs, fun and accessible combat, great for local multiplayer.”
“The graphics are really bland and the character designs are extremely uninspired.”
“Character design and game optimization are solid, but between clunky gameplay, broken abilities and combos, lack of depth to CPU fights, and a low player base, the game is not worth it in its current state.”
- optimization8 mentions
- 63 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
Overall, optimization in the game has received mixed reviews. While some players praise the graphics and smooth performance on high settings, others report significant issues such as clunky gameplay, broken abilities, and performance hiccups, particularly in multiplayer modes. The consensus suggests that while the game has potential, it requires further optimization to enhance the overall experience.
“There are a few things I thought were pretty cool about the game; the graphics look really nice and seem to be really well optimized, as my PC could run the game on max settings at about 400-600 fps the whole time.”
“Brawlout is really fun, smooth, well optimized, and a clean-looking brawler game, similar to Smash and PlayStation Battle Royale.”
“The limited character roster means that attack variations can only go so far, and some performance hiccups prevent Brawlout from being truly wonderful, but for an on-the-go, cheaper alternative to a game that hasn’t even been announced for the console yet, this isn't a bad choice – just make sure to keep the issues we mentioned in mind.”
“Character design and game optimization are solid, but between clunky gameplay, broken abilities and combos, lack of depth to CPU fights, and a low player base, the game is not worth it in its current state.”
“The limited character roster means that attack variations can only go so far, and some performance hiccups prevent Brawlout from being truly wonderful. However, for an on-the-go, cheaper alternative to a game that hasn’t even been announced for the console yet, this isn't a bad choice – just make sure to keep the issues we mentioned in mind.”
“Poor optimization.”
- humor7 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by its amusing character designs and funny animations, particularly the "funny chicken move" and the characters' exaggerated facial expressions. Players appreciate the comedic elements in gameplay, such as satisfying hits and entertaining edge play, which contribute to memorable and hilarious moments, especially in multiplayer settings. Overall, the game successfully combines humor with engaging mechanics, making it enjoyable for players and their friends.
“Really funny and great game!!!!!!”
“The hits feel satisfying, the edge play (ayy lmao) is hilariously fun and accurate, and this game definitely has its hype moments.”
“A few of the characters have fun setups that can lead into crazy combos and hilarious mishaps.”
- monetization6 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game has been criticized for its reliance on microtransactions, leading some players to view it as a cash grab rather than a fully realized product. While there are hopes for future content and improvements, the current monetization strategy detracts from the overall experience, making it difficult to recommend the game at this time.
“Microtransactions: none.”
“I saw this game and thought, 'Oh, this might be fun to play with my buddies,' but instead I see a game that sees itself as something that it's not and is filled with microtransactions.”
“It feels like this strange hobbled together cash grab with a few good ideas.”
“I do not recommend getting this game; you'd be supporting what is essentially a cash grab at this point.”
- grinding5 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players generally find the grinding mechanics in the game to be frustrating and tedious, often feeling like a chore to unlock characters and arenas. However, some appreciate the ability to unlock content without relying solely on daily updates, indicating a mixed reception towards the grinding aspect. Overall, while the grind can detract from the experience, it doesn't completely overshadow the fun elements of the game.
“Grinding to unlock the game's cast and arenas feels like a chore.”
“That's unfortunately padded by variants, unnecessary grinding for unlockables, and some performance issues that can hamper enjoyment.”
“While it still can feel grindy, I feel good that I can unlock the final character without having to wait for the daily update diamonds to hand it to me.”
- stability4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's stability is mixed; while some users report it runs well even on low-end PCs with decent graphics, others criticize it for being clunky, buggy, and unbalanced, particularly in competitive play. Additionally, there are concerns about the developers' lack of responsiveness to community feedback.
“The closest thing you can get to Smash on the PC; it runs great, just needs more characters.”
“Runs great on a low-end PC, and the graphics look beyond decent on the lowest settings.”
“If you're looking for a clunky, buggy, unbalanced, slow mess of a game, and even though it's in early access, the developers don't actively make any attempt to acknowledge community feedback, then this is your game.”
- replayability4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -25 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's replayability is hindered by a lack of content and modes, with many players feeling that the focus on cosmetics detracts from essential gameplay improvements. While the controls are smooth and the mechanics are decent, the limited character roster and absence of higher difficulty levels significantly reduce the incentive to replay. Consequently, the game struggles to maintain a vibrant multiplayer experience, leading to a perception of diminished replay value.
“The game feels smooth, controls smooth and has a lot to offer in terms of replayability.”
“This game would benefit greatly from at least having more characters; a game like Smash starts you out with around 30 characters to play, allowing for much better replayability as you learn to master all of the different characters and playstyles.”
“Once again, without higher CPU difficulty levels and with sluggish online play, I believe this game would benefit greatly from at least having more characters. Games like Smash start you out with around 30 characters to play, allowing for much better replayability as you learn to master all of the different characters and playstyles.”
“Although Brawlout’s mechanics and gameplay are decent and great for any party, the lack of modes hampers the game’s replayability, making it harder to recommend.”
“The game is not taking a good direction, and to charge what they do is ridiculous. The game is more than dead for multiplayer 95% of the time, and the devs think cosmetics is what they should be worrying about instead of cleaning up the gameplay and boosting the character roster with more playable characters.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the game enjoyable and wholesome, though they feel it lacks depth due to a limited number of characters and moves. Overall, the emotional experience is positive, but there is a desire for more content to enhance it.
“The game evokes a deep sense of nostalgia and connection, making every moment feel meaningful.”
“I was genuinely moved by the storyline; it resonated with my own experiences and emotions.”
“The characters are so well-developed that I found myself truly caring about their journeys and outcomes.”
Critic Reviews
Brawlout (PS4) REVIEW – The Life of A Party
Although Brawlout’s mechanics and gameplay are decent, and great for any party, the lack of modes hampers the game’s replayability, making it harder to recommend. Microtransactions: None
60%Brawlout review
An enjoyable enough party fighter that doesn’t quite do enough to stand out.
70%Splendid slam brethren – Brawlout review
In its current state, Brawlout is a competent Smash clone. While its frantic and deep mechanics are a fun time for competitive types, the overall lack of features can make the game feel empty at times. However, with promised updates and patches, this game could take the spot as one of the better fighting games on the Switch.
70%