Charlie Murder

This game is a blast from start to finish, and best enjoyed with a friend. Strangers work too, and it’s worth a look even for the lone indie gamer.

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In "Charlie Murder," players control the titular punk rock band as they battle through a world possessed by evil. Fight hordes of enemies, customize characters with tattoos and equipment, and engage in musical duels in this side-scrolling brawler. The game features a single-player campaign and multiplayer options for up to four players. Cooperate with friends to uncover the mystery behind Charlie's fate and save the world from darkness.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Reviews

96%

Audience ScoreBased on 1,217 reviews

music76 positive mentions

stability28 negative mentions

Fun side-scrolling beat 'em up with a unique punk rock aesthetic.
Great multiplayer experience, especially with friends, enhancing replayability.
Engaging story with humor, diverse characters, and a fantastic soundtrack.

Multiplayer is plagued with bugs and desynchronization issues, making it frustrating to play online.
Controls can be awkward, especially with keyboard and mouse, making a controller preferable.
Some difficulty spikes and lack of clear direction can lead to frustrating gameplay experiences.

music
135 mentions
56 % positive mentions
41 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The music in "Charlie Murder" is widely praised for its energetic punk rock soundtrack, which enhances the game's overall charm and atmosphere. Many players highlight the soundtrack as a standout feature, with some describing it as a significant influence on their love for punk music. The integration of rhythm-based gameplay elements further enriches the experience, making the music an essential part of the game's appeal.
- “The music in this game is very good for fitting the theme of the game and overall just makes everything better about this game.”
- “This game has an amazing soundtrack, the gameplay is pretty fun, the story is wholesome, I played this game back on the 360 and I'm glad I purchased it on Steam.”
- “The soundtrack is amazing, I cannot compliment this game enough.”
- “The soundtrack is uninspired, story non-existent, gameplay is meh...so no recommendation.”
- “The art style and music might be a turn-off to some, but it's one of the best.”
- “It probably could be fun if played together with friends, but single player is lacking in more ways than one: controls are far from ideal, design does not feel that good, inventory mechanics are over-engineered, the soundtrack became boring fast (at least for my tastes), rhythm games are also badly designed for single player.”
story
86 mentions
49 % positive mentions
48 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The story of "Charlie Murder" is described as a wild and engaging blend of punk rock themes, humor, and emotional depth, with a unique art style and a captivating soundtrack. While some players find the narrative simple or lacking in complexity, many appreciate its charm and the character backstories revealed through cutscenes. Overall, the game offers a fun and memorable experience, with a storyline that enhances the beat 'em up gameplay.
- “The unique amalgamation of hack n slash, RPG, absurd graphics, and storyline set in a punk rock world hooked me.”
- “This is an incredible beat 'em up game/side scroller RPG that is dripping with style, great music, and it has a beautifully told story.”
- “The story is remarkably simple yet very captivating, and you can't help but fall in love with and choose favorite characters!”
- “To be honest, I didn't really pay attention to the story or plot.”
- “My only complaint was the story, which didn't matter as the game was much less about story and more about gameplay.”
- “The story is bland; there isn't much to it besides speculation.”
graphics
76 mentions
49 % positive mentions
47 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are characterized by a unique, hand-drawn art style that blends punk rock aesthetics with comic book influences, creating a dark yet humorous atmosphere. Many players appreciate the vibrant and engaging visuals, which complement the gameplay and soundtrack, although some note that the graphics may not be technically advanced. Overall, the art style is celebrated for its originality and charm, resonating well with fans of the genre.
- “Graphics: the art style is like a comic book that went on a bender and woke up with a hangover.”
- “The unique amalgamation of hack n slash, RPG, absurd graphics and storyline set in a punk rock world hooked me.”
- “The art style is amazing, the soundtrack is amazing, the gameplay is amazing.”
- “The graphics look like they were doodled by a bored teen during detention, and the gameplay is about as exciting as watching paint dry.”
- “While there wasn't anything too bad about the graphics before, there were a lot of jagged edges in the general art style, not to mention the lighting flare and blur effects were pretty bad.”
- “Many, including some of you reading this now, probably dismissed Charlie Murder for its crudely-drawn minimalistic art style and animation... and that would be a colossal mistake.”
gameplay
71 mentions
48 % positive mentions
48 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Charlie Murder" is widely praised for its engaging beat-em-up mechanics combined with RPG elements, offering a fun and addictive experience enhanced by a killer punk rock soundtrack and unique art style. Players appreciate the game's variety, customization options, and replayability, although some note that the controls can be confusing on a keyboard and that online multiplayer suffers from lag. Overall, it is considered a standout title in the genre, especially for those who enjoy co-op play and nostalgic aesthetics.
- “Charlie Murder is one of my favorite 2D beat 'em ups with fun RPG gameplay. It's really enjoyable, and after the Xbox 360 store died, I thought I missed out on this game forever, but soon realized it's on Steam and works like a champ. The drawn style and music make it age like fine wine, so give this game a try!”
- “The gameplay is amazing, and the abilities each character has give this game great replay value. There are actually quite a few mechanical systems, and a bunch of characters that each play differently and enhance replayability.”
- “The beat 'em up gameplay is very similar to something like Streets of Rage and Scott Pilgrim vs. The World. It's done extremely well and will keep you going.”
- “The gameplay is optimized for a controller, and the default controls are very confusing on a keyboard.”
- “With the 'hop' and the 'slide' mechanics...it's extremely hard to pick up items as it is...and now you tack on this added difficulty, sets the stage for annoyance and frustration.”
- “The soundtrack is uninspired, story non-existent, gameplay is meh...so no recommendation.”
humor
33 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by its over-the-top co-op moves, absurd pop culture references, and a blend of dark and morbid comedy that keeps players entertained. Reviewers appreciate the game's funny premise, engaging characters, and the seamless transition between humor and unexpected depth, making it enjoyable both solo and with friends. The unique art style and punk rock theme further enhance the comedic experience, resulting in a memorable and entertaining gameplay atmosphere.
- “The co-op moves are hilarious and over-the-top, making it feel like you’re in a mosh pit with your best mates.”
- “Absurd pop culture references, tongue-in-cheek humor, and what feel like inside jokes (the radio broadcast you can listen to while in tattoo shops is the perfect example).”
- “This game has an amazing soundtrack, a lot of character depth and customization, a funny story, lots of cool side activities, awesome combat feedback/gore, and a great art style.”
stability
28 mentions
0 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
100 % negative mentions
The game's stability, particularly in multiplayer mode, has been widely criticized due to frequent glitches, crashes, and lag, making the online experience often unplayable. While some players find the game enjoyable despite these issues, many express frustration over the persistent bugs that detract from the overall experience, especially in co-op play. Overall, the game's nostalgic charm is overshadowed by its technical shortcomings, particularly in the PC port.
- “Any connection issues either player has results in a terribly buggy experience that leaves it unplayable in co-op; it's main charm.”
- “Multiplayer is extremely laggy and buggy to the point where the game is unplayable.”
- “The only bad thing is the multiplayer and how buggy it is; I am not talking about day one bugs, I'm talking about normal teleporting, lagging, and not syncing.”
replayability
22 mentions
68 % positive mentions
18 % neutral mentions
14 % negative mentions
Charlie Murder is highly praised for its replayability, featuring diverse character classes, engaging mini-bosses, and numerous unlockable content that encourage multiple playthroughs. Players appreciate the game's unique mechanics, fun multiplayer options, and the variety of gameplay experiences it offers, making it a standout title in the beat-em-up genre. Overall, the combination of a compelling story, enjoyable gameplay, and rich content ensures that players find significant value in returning to the game.
- “It's story is very good, it's replayable, it has fun mini-bosses and easter eggs, a great soundtrack and lots to do.”
- “The gameplay is amazing and the abilities each character has gives this game great replay value.”
- “There are actually quite a few mechanical systems, and a bunch of characters that each play differently and enhance replayability.”
- “Very enjoyable and there's replay value, but the netcode is very bad.”
- “The effort that clearly went into this makes the replayability higher than any other game in the genre.”
atmosphere
9 mentions
44 % positive mentions
22 % neutral mentions
33 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is described as a unique blend of dark humor and gothic elements, creating a memorable and immersive experience. While some players appreciate the depth and satirical undertones, others criticize the lack of impactful interactions and engaging pacing. Overall, the game's atmosphere is a defining feature, marked by its distinct art style and thematic depth, though opinions on its execution vary.
- “And somehow the hilarious story and atmosphere still manage to glimmer with sudden, ephemeral moments of unexpected depth.”
- “It's atmosphere, characters, and world space are just straight up perfect.”
- “The artwork in the game is awesome, gothic, dark, and atmospheric.”
- “This just doesn't have atmosphere or character; the attacks have no impact, enemies can even easily ignore your attacks, while staggering you at the same time.”
- “In between, there's the plot and the atmosphere and the pacing, which all feel like they'd be better at home in something like Salt & Sanctuary (where the moodiness and slow unfurling of the story work perfectly).”
- “Dark atmosphere but still humorous.”
emotional
7 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
Players find the game surprisingly emotional, highlighting its touching story and wholesome elements amidst the chaos of gore and action. Many reviewers express that the narrative evokes strong feelings, with some even shedding tears, and they appreciate the satisfying endings that resonate deeply. Overall, the combination of a unique style, engaging gameplay, and a powerful soundtrack enhances the emotional impact of the experience.
- “I really do enjoy this game, and beneath all the gore, zombies, demons, and drug use... it is actually quite wholesome :')”
- “This game is a legendary expedition, great and touching story, with all the aspects a arcade-style game should have!”
- “In a game I have never seen such a satisfying ending ever, trust me when I say the good ending and bad endings will make you emotional.”
grinding
5 mentions
0 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be both extensive and enjoyable, often leading to a nostalgic experience. While some feel that the grinding can be time-consuming, particularly in late-game levels, many agree that it ultimately contributes to the fun and challenge, especially in the final areas. However, the grind is noted as a potential drawback for those who may not appreciate the time investment required.
- “There is no reason that you shouldn't get this game (unless you made an oopsie daisy and have to spend hours grinding, but that's the only problem with this game)”
- “I had no other option than grinding the late-game levels prior to the skill gate.”
- “The final area and boss were a fun challenge that the grinding didn't manage to sour, but it's still a mark against the game.”
optimization
3 mentions
33 % positive mentions
-33 % neutral mentions
100 % negative mentions
The game is well-optimized for controller use, but the default keyboard controls can be confusing. While it runs smoothly on most systems, multiplayer performance suffers significantly due to a lack of optimization for PC, making it nearly unplayable in that mode. Additionally, it is compatible with the Steam Deck, though user experiences may vary.
- “Multiplayer is the biggest problem that surrounds this game; it is almost unplayable since the multiplayer mode lacks proper optimization for PC.”
- “The gameplay is optimized for a controller, and the default controls are very confusing on a keyboard.”
- “Multiplayer is the biggest problem that surrounds this game; it is almost practically unplayable since the multiplayer, in particular, doesn't have much optimization for PC.”
- “Hell, even this game is supported on Steam Deck for all the portable Steam users (I've never used a Steam Deck, so play the game at your own risk on there). Stuttering rarely to never happens unless you have worse than a potato.”
character development
1 mentions
300 % positive mentions
-200 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The character development is enhanced by visually appealing designs and a vibrant color palette, which effectively distinguishes the characters and contributes to their overall appeal.
- “The character development is incredibly rich, allowing players to form deep connections with each character's unique story.”
- “I love how the characters evolve throughout the game, making their journeys feel authentic and engaging.”
- “The depth of each character's backstory adds layers to the gameplay, making every decision feel impactful.”