BUTCHER
- October 5, 2016
- Transhuman Design
- 13h median play time
Butcher is a triumphant ode to id Software’s classic shooters, but still forges its own path. Just be careful not to slip on all the blood it spills.
"Butcher is a single-player Science Fiction Shooter game that offers a fast-paced, gory experience, reminiscent of classics like Doom and Quake. With good mechanics, beautiful graphics, and a sensational soundtrack, the game provides a spectacular atmosphere as you annihilate enemies in various creative ways. From chainsaws to grenade launchers, and even hooks or lava pits, get ready for an uncompromising, ultra-violent adventure."
Reviews
- Fast-paced, gory gameplay reminiscent of classic shooters like Doom and Quake.
- Tight controls and responsive mechanics that reward skill and practice.
- Unique pixel art style and a fitting industrial soundtrack enhance the overall atmosphere.
- The game can be excessively difficult, leading to frustration for some players.
- Lack of checkpoints means players must restart entire levels upon death, which can be tedious.
- Enemies can blend into the environment, making it hard to spot them during chaotic moments.
- graphics132 mentions
- 35 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are characterized by a low-fidelity pixel art style reminiscent of 90s shooters like Doom and Quake, which some players appreciate for its nostalgic aesthetic, while others find it challenging to navigate due to the small character models and murky visuals. While many praise the attention to detail and the gritty, industrial atmosphere, there are complaints about the difficulty in identifying enemies and the repetitive level design. Overall, the visuals evoke a strong retro vibe, appealing to fans of pixel art, but may frustrate those seeking clearer graphics.
“The graphics are really top notch in my opinion.”
“The pixel art is as low-fidelity as it can be while still being visually legible, with some options for classic CRT visuals for that nostalgic kick.”
“Graphically, however, it does not look like the games I mentioned; rather, it resembles 8-bit games such as Super Mario Bros.”
“I understand that it was easier for the developers to make a game with these graphics, but considering the games it might have been inspired by, it would be better to go with 16/32-bit graphics.”
“The graphics aim to achieve a lo-fi retro indie aesthetic, mimicking something you might have seen on the Amiga or perhaps a very early MS-DOS game.”
- music113 mentions
- 46 % positive mentions
- 51 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim for its fitting industrial and dark ambiance, enhancing the overall atmosphere and gameplay experience. Many players describe the soundtrack as a powerful blend of industrial metal and chiptune, perfectly complementing the fast-paced, gory action. While some players found it enjoyable, a few suggested it may not keep them "in the zone" as effectively as other titles like Hotline Miami, indicating a mixed reception for its intensity during gameplay.
“The music is as industrial as the imagery, its grinding hammering beats the perfect companion to the gut-shaking weapons fire, explosions, and desperate screams of the horrified humans who aren't shy about letting everyone know how getting turned into salsa by a vicious murder-machine is as real a bad time as it looks.”
“The soundtrack is fantastic with a variety of dark synth, ambient, and industrial-style tracks that are reminiscent of something between Quake and Crusader: No Remorse, and it complements the gameplay pretty damn well.”
“The atmosphere is perfect, the soundtrack is pretty good too, and the unique graphical style is pleasant to watch, with the soundtrack complementing the atmosphere excellently.”
“I would recommend this to people who enjoyed Hotline Miami, but I recommend turning off the in-game music and listening to your own house music instead; the music in this game sets the tone well enough but wasn't as good as the music in Hotline Miami at keeping me 'in the zone' instead of rage-quitting.”
“The music is done well and is a worthy contribution to this short, dark scene of rampage.”
“The soundtrack is engineered to invoke maximum rage and this only helps the game in every aspect possible.”
- gameplay97 mentions
- 37 % positive mentions
- 58 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Butcher is characterized by its fast-paced, brutal action reminiscent of classic shooters like Doom and Quake, offering a satisfying and adrenaline-fueled experience. While the levels are short and challenging, some players find the lack of weapon variety and repetitive mechanics detract from overall enjoyment. The game's tight controls, impressive sound design, and engaging visual style contribute to a rewarding yet punishing gameplay experience that encourages mastery and adaptation.
“The gameplay is fast-paced and satisfying, thanks in part to the great visual and auditory feedback when shooting enemies, with blood, guts, and gibs splattering every which way and painting the walls, floors, and ceilings red, all the while hearing their pain grunts and screams layering over the loud gunfire and the thumping beat of the soundtrack.”
“The gameplay itself is adrenaline-soaked hair-trigger fun, as you run around and try to shoot anything that moves before it takes away a third of your health.”
“The gameplay is smooth; shooting and moving are practically like walking in real life after a bit, and they aren't clunky and slow.”
“Gameplay is barebones, weapons aren't creative, levels are uninspired, and the art style, my god, I get that they were going for a unique low-res look, but it doesn't work at all in a fast-paced shooter.”
“But be warned, the game is very short and the gameplay could be way more diversified.”
“The gameplay is difficult, but in the 'I'll just do this over and over until I learn where everything is/comes from' kind of way.”
- story28 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 71 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The story in "Butcher" is minimal and serves primarily as a backdrop for its fast-paced, violent gameplay, where players take on the role of a futuristic killer tasked with exterminating humanity in a dystopian setting. While some players appreciate the dark themes and nostalgic aesthetics reminiscent of classic shooters, many criticize the lack of a substantial plot, noting that the focus is more on mechanical slaughter than narrative depth. Overall, the game's simplicity in storytelling aligns with its brutal gameplay, appealing to those who prioritize action over plot.
“The story is driven by visuals around the player and completely fits a Doom aesthetic.”
“Great game, with very interesting gameplay, design, and story.”
“Everything from the gritty and dim aesthetics and aggressive sound effects, to the screen-wipe transitions, secrets, and intentionally-dated style of storytelling, Butcher offers a very warm and nostalgic, yet totally refreshing take on the shooters of yore.”
“The story's non-existent and there's definitely an element of trial and error to beating the levels, but with a successful run often being measured in a few minutes it's hard to get too upset.”
“There's hardly a plot in the game.”
“The game is a fast-paced shooter with a story intended to instill mindless, mechanical slaughter of the human race.”
- atmosphere26 mentions
- 46 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is consistently praised for its dark, oppressive, and immersive qualities, enhanced by a heavy industrial soundtrack that complements the visceral visuals and sound design. Players note the effective combination of gritty environments, nostalgic elements, and a sense of foreboding that creates a compelling and satisfying experience. Overall, the atmosphere is described as rich and engaging, contributing significantly to the game's impact.
“The sound design, and beautiful visceral soundtrack, combined with the visuals make for a very convincing and horrific atmosphere.”
“The atmosphere is as industrial and oppressive as its soundtrack, bringing to mind the music of acts like Nine Inch Nails or Hocico as it thumps away to your own orchestra of pounding gunfire and the wailing screams of your victims.”
“Death after death I slog on, coating the walls, floors, ceilings, machinery, uhm, elevators, chainsaw, and self with gore just to marvel at how I can see the dank, greasy, nasty atmosphere lingering in a room that's still 'settling' after some twisted unfair fight that rolled all around crusted chugging machinery.”
“The atmosphere itself is heavy with ill omens, the very air is pregnant with the threat of violence, and open rooms lie still, silently waiting to be interrupted by screaming.”
- replayability18 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's replayability is a mixed bag; while some players find it repetitive and lacking in variety, others appreciate the challenge of higher difficulties and the inclusion of achievements and an in-game level editor that enhances replay value. The game is relatively short, with initial playthroughs lasting around 4-6 hours, but offers enough content for those seeking additional challenges. However, the community support for user-generated content is limited, which may hinder long-term replayability for some players.
“Though it is a short game, it makes up for its replay value.”
“In addition, the game comes with many achievements and challenges to overcome which adds a ton of replayability.”
“Thankfully, an in-game level editor allows the ability to construct your own levels, and play other player-created levels at your leisure, which gives the game a hearty boost to its replayability.”
“It quickly feels repetitive and doesn't offer enough variety to replay, and I doubt I'll continue playing after completion due to the low replayability, but this doesn't stand in the way of making it a fun experience.”
“The only cloud on the horizon is potential lack of replay value.”
“It's not a long game and the replayability isn't too large either, though it's there for those who just want a challenge.”
- humor7 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its strong sense of humor, blending dark and crude elements with a lighthearted tone that elicits laughter. Players appreciate the funny achievements and engaging gameplay that encourages a playful experience, enhanced by a supportive development team. Overall, the humor is a standout feature that contributes significantly to the game's appeal.
“Also, great sense of humor, theme, and sound effects.”
“Now this is a funny, fun giggle game.”
“To step it a notch further, it also goes for a ballsy attitude and crude humor.”
- grinding6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be a double-edged sword; while mastering challenging encounters can be rewarding, the repetitive nature of dying and restarting entire levels often leads to frustration and tedium. The industrial soundtrack complements the intense gameplay, but many feel that the lack of control and punishing mechanics detract from the overall enjoyment, making the experience more tedious than fun.
“Fun, but anything past 'hard' stops being fun and starts being tedious.”
“It makes the game tedious to play and I no longer enjoy it as I feel my inability to beat certain encounters is due to the lack of control offered by the game rather than my reflexes.”
“This, coupled with the fact that dying means one has to restart the entire level, means that one can spend hours on a particularly difficult section without any progress, or even a fairly easy section locked behind a much more difficult one, and that doesn't reflect well on the game at all.”
- emotional3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players express a strong emotional response to the game, describing it as both exhilarating and liberating, with a unique blend of carefree enjoyment and intense gore. The inclusion of a "wimpy DLC" allows for a more relaxed experience, alleviating frustration and enhancing the overall enjoyment, making it a standout title that evokes deep feelings of ecstasy and freedom.
“This is the first game in years, and even in decades, that has made me feel so carefree. It's just amazing, and it's incredible that they added that wimpy DLC, because I really get frustrated when dying a lot in games. It's not that it frustrates me because I suck; it's just that even the effort of trying not to suck frustrates me.”
“The game is just like ecstasy or something. I mean, I've never had it, but it's just so great that I feel my head light, like I can't get hurt by anything.”
“Unironically, one of the only games that actually made me feel kinda dirty playing it.”
- optimization3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has received mixed feedback, with users noting that the PC version is primarily designed for keyboard and mouse, leaving the Steam Deck experience lacking. Additionally, there are concerns about performance on low-spec systems, which may deter console gamers seeking a seamless experience with controller support.
“This might put off console gamers who expect to just be able to pick up a pad and play with an already optimized control setup.”
“I guess the PC version is really only made for keyboard and mouse, and it's not optimized for the Steam Deck.”
“This might put off console gamers who expect to just be able to pick up a controller and play with an already optimized control setup.”
“Could be better optimized for low-spec systems.”
- stability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Overall, players report a stable experience with minimal glitches, primarily noting occasional snagging issues during jumps on "impossible" mode. There are no significant game-breaking glitches reported, indicating a generally reliable performance.
“The only glitches I have encountered (which have been noticed while playing 'Impossible' mode) are that there are times when the player will get snagged while dropping from or jumping up to a solid ledge.”
“I haven’t encountered a single game-breaking glitch, or any sort of glitches, to be honest.”
Critic Reviews
Butcher Review
Butcher is a triumphant ode to id Software’s classic shooters, but still forges its own path. Just be careful not to slip on all the blood it spills.
80%Butcher PS4 Review
With gleefully chaotic viscera-soaked combat and an arsenal at hand that’d make Rambo weep, Butcher is a bombastic throwback to the games of old that perfectly nails its core objective
76%BUTCHER Review - KeenGamer
80%