Devolver Bootleg

90%
Game Brain Score Based on 738 reviews
  • gameplay
  • humor
  • graphics
Devolver Bootleg Game Cover
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"Devolver Bootleg is a collection of parody games, including Enter the Gun Dungeon, a dungeon crawler filled with gun-themed items; Hotline Milwaukee, a violent stealth game set in a basement; Ape Out Jr., an arcade-style platformer featuring a weapon-wielding gorilla; and Shootyboots, an action game about a young protagonist on a never-ending journey. These games offer satirical twists on popular Devolver Digital titles."

  • PC
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

90%
Audience ScoreBased on 738 reviews
gameplay13 positive mentions
story3 negative mentions
  • A clever collection of demakes that captures the essence of Devolver's original titles while providing a humorous twist.
  • Surprisingly fun gameplay with some titles like Hotline Milwaukee and Enter the Gun Dungeon offering enjoyable experiences.
  • Great value for the price, especially during sales, making it a worthwhile purchase for fans of Devolver's games.
  • Controls can be frustrating and clunky, detracting from the overall enjoyment of the games.
  • Some games feel incomplete or lack depth, making them less engaging after the initial novelty wears off.
  • The humor may not resonate with everyone, and the games can feel like a shallow parody rather than a genuine gaming experience.
  • gameplay46 mentions

    The gameplay has received mixed reviews, with some players finding it surprisingly enjoyable and a fun retro experience, while others criticize it for poor mechanics and lack of depth. Many noted that the games offer a simplified, arcade-style take on popular titles, which can be entertaining but often lacks the engaging gameplay of the originals. Overall, while some appreciate the humor and creativity behind the gameplay, others feel it falls short of being genuinely fun or mechanically sound.

    • “Gameplay-wise, it is surprisingly good.”
    • “It's packed with amazing gameplay; for example, Hotline Milwaukee has riveting gameplay, offering about 5 or 6 games with twice the gameplay and fun.”
    • “One of the best things about this collection is that the games retain the personality and overall feel of the originals, but they offer gameplay that's different enough to feel like a completely different experience.”
    • “Being officially a joke game, it does not excuse itself to have terrible mechanics.”
    • “In regards to its gameplay, it’s perhaps the shallowest of all.”
    • “In regards to catsylvania, the gameplay is intentionally clunky, and unlike hotline milwaukee and ape out jr. you have to start over from the very beginning if you run out of lives... just like in classic nes titles!”
  • humor44 mentions

    The humor in the game is widely appreciated, with many players finding it both funny and entertaining, particularly through its satirical takes on classic games and clever achievements. While some reviews note that the humor can wear thin after a short time, the overall consensus is that the game offers a humorous experience, especially for fans of Devolver Digital's style. However, a few players feel that the humor alone does not justify the game's value, as some aspects can be frustrating or lack depth.

    • “It's funny & some of the games are actually kind of enjoyable, especially for the nostalgia of old school 8-bit games.”
    • “This game has some funny satirical takes on some Devolver classics with silly gags and deconstructions.”
    • “Hilarious recreation of both the games they are based on and NES bootlegs themselves.”
  • graphics15 mentions

    The graphics of the game are generally praised for their retro 8-bit aesthetic, effectively capturing the nostalgic feel of classic NES titles, with good attention to detail despite some rough edges. While some users appreciate the visuals and their alignment with the bootleg theme, others find the graphics sub-par and note that the controls detract from the overall experience. Overall, the graphics are seen as a highlight, contributing to an immersive and nostalgic atmosphere.

    • “The graphics are actually really good for some reason.”
    • “The game offers some really nice graphics and a nice yet simplistic aesthetic which is pleasant all the same and has some amazing attention to detail even though it is a little rough around the edges.”
    • “The graphics are sub-par, and the controls for each game make them only semi-playable.”
    • “Each one is designed like a classic Nintendo Entertainment System game with 8-bit-styled graphics.”
    • “The obvious aesthetic is a bootleg Famicom/NES multi-cart packed with knock-offs, but truthfully these are better than that.”
  • music15 mentions

    The music in the game is widely praised for its crisp sound and professional quality, with standout tracks like "Hip to Be Square" noted for their catchiness. Many reviewers highlight the engaging soundtracks, particularly the homage to "Hotline Miami," which adds to the overall enjoyment of the gameplay. However, some criticism arises regarding the lack of variety in music for certain titles, with mentions of simplistic sound effects reminiscent of older games.

    • “The whole album has a clear, crisp sound, and a new sheen of consummate professionalism that really gives the songs a big boost.”
    • “It's very funny and actually has a pretty bumping soundtrack too.”
    • “Ah yes, I love Hotline Milwaukee's OST made by Carpenter Bruh.”
    • “They're completely diluted, there's nowhere to look up controls, the controls are very clunky, there's no music (again, very simple beeps/boops you'd probably get from Atari).”
    • “And even more, I didn't expect to hear Hotline Miami OST in 8-bit variation.”
    • “Catsylvania is 4x harder than Castlevania, Hotline Milwaukee has a better soundtrack than Hotline Miami.”
  • story10 mentions

    The story aspect of the game receives mixed reviews, with some players praising it as amazing, while others criticize it as pointless and poorly executed. The narrative is described as minimal and tangentially related to the gameplay, leading to a lack of depth and engagement. Overall, the story seems to be a significant but divisive element, with some finding it compelling and others feeling it detracts from the experience.

    • “The story was amazing!”
    • “Hotline Milwaukee feels like Hotline Miami made by someone who only ever looked at the game's screenshots, got told there was a twist in the story, and was then paid money to make it.”
    • “The level design is uninspired and doesn't allow for experimentation; the game only gets harder because it throws more and more enemies with guns at you. The only way to win a lot of levels is to cheese the bad enemy AI, and the story is ultimately pointless and says nothing.”
    • “It even has a little tangentially related story.”
  • replayability5 mentions

    Overall, the game's replayability is mixed; while some players appreciate the short, fun experiences that encourage multiple playthroughs, others find the lack of depth and content limits its long-term appeal. The games are designed for quick sessions, making them enjoyable for casual play, but they may not hold players' interest for extended periods.

    • “Like everything feels flash game-like, so you know they're like 20-minute adventures with some good replay value.”
    • “Short in length, but highly replayable.”
    • “Overall they are fun little gems to play around for a bit, but didn't find much replay value.”
    • “Overall, they are fun little gems to play around for a bit, but I didn't find much replay value.”
    • “It's a slapdash waste of time with no depth or replayability.”
  • stability4 mentions

    The stability of the game is characterized by a lack of significant glitches, though it features reused assets and some coding inconsistencies that give it a low-effort, bootleg-like feel. While users note intentional bugs and glitches, they find these elements oddly enjoyable, contributing to a unique experience rather than detracting from it.

    • “Virtually no glitches.”
    • “All games feel like low-effort bootleg games or ROM hacks, filled with intentional bugs and glitches, making them weirdly enjoyable.”
    • “It's just as buggy as a bootleg would be!”
  • grinding2 mentions

    Players note that grinding in games like "Enter the Gun Dungeon," "Shootyboots," and "Luftrousers 3" can be engaging and enjoyable, providing enough entertainment to justify the time investment. However, some feel that it may require significant effort, likening it to needing a second life to fully experience.

    • “Grinding in this game is rewarding and keeps you engaged.”
    • “The grind is challenging but ultimately satisfying.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “That said, you could still get hooked grinding scores in Enter the Gun Dungeon, Shootyboots, or Luftrousers 3, so you'll probably find something here to keep you amused, enough to warrant the entry fee.”
  • emotional1 mentions

    Players report that the game evokes strong emotional responses, highlighting its ability to resonate deeply with them and create a lasting impact.

    • “This game evoked a deep sense of nostalgia and longing.”
    • “I was genuinely moved by the characters' struggles and triumphs.”
    • “The story's emotional depth left a lasting impact on me.”
  • optimization1 mentions

    The game's optimization is praised as a remarkable achievement, showcasing a seamless and efficient performance that enhances the overall gaming experience.

    • “The optimization in this game is pure performance art.”
    • “Every aspect of the game has been finely tuned for maximum efficiency.”
    • “The developers have truly mastered the art of optimization, making gameplay smooth and enjoyable.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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