Paunch Game Cover

With 12 lives for two, players must fight to gain points from each kill. The containers of life are boulders freely moved by characters in the arena and used for throwing. In hand-to-hand combat the characters interact using their muscles and initiate targeted hits. When all containers are exhausted the game enters the final stage, where the victorious player takes the points earned.

  • PC
  • Windows

Reviews

91%
Audience ScoreBased on 5,411 reviews
humor228 positive mentions
grinding6 negative mentions
  • humor229 mentions

    The humor in the game is widely praised for its absurdity and slapstick elements, particularly the comedic visuals of overweight characters engaging in chaotic rock-throwing battles. Players find it especially entertaining when played with friends, leading to uncontrollable laughter and memorable moments, despite some noting that the humor can wear thin after repeated play. Overall, the game is described as a hilarious and enjoyable experience, perfect for lighthearted fun.

    • “The world may be chaotic, but at least there’s 'paunch', and with it, the reminder that life is worth living as long as we keep throwing rocks, laughing, and living for the absurd.”
    • “This game is hilarious fun.”
    • “The idea of two bald, funny-faced sumo wrestler types duking it out in the mountains with nothing but their fists and boulders is endlessly amusing to me.”
    • “The jokes fall flat and feel forced.”
    • “I expected more clever humor, but it just didn't land.”
    • “The attempts at comedy are cringeworthy and miss the mark.”
  • gameplay211 mentions

    The gameplay of "Paunch" is a polarizing aspect, with some praising its innovative mechanics, engaging action, and deep lore, while others criticize it for being simplistic, repetitive, and lacking depth. Many players appreciate the humor and chaotic fun it offers, especially in multiplayer settings, but there are significant complaints about technical issues and the overall execution of gameplay mechanics. Overall, opinions vary widely, reflecting a mix of enjoyment and frustration with the game's design.

    • “The gameplay itself is a finely crafted dance of both chaos and strategy.”
    • “The gameplay mechanics contained in Paunch are by far the best I've ever experienced.”
    • “The gameplay is easy to learn, but hard to master.”
    • “While gaming is subjective, and preferences vary, paunch has been widely criticized for its lackluster gameplay, uninspiring narrative, and technical shortcomings.”
    • “The game relies on repetitive and uninspired mechanics that fail to engage players.”
    • “The mechanics are so terrible and there are so many in-game mechanics that are so messed up it is actually unreal at how poorly this game was made and it is a mistake to the Steam community.”
  • story156 mentions

    The story of "Paunch" has received mixed reviews, with some praising its emotionally charged narrative, complex characters, and gripping plot twists that create a deeply immersive experience. Others, however, criticize it for lacking originality and depth, making it difficult for players to connect with the characters or become invested in the storyline. Overall, while many find the storytelling exceptional and moving, there are notable dissenting opinions regarding its execution and creativity.

    • “The story is a heart throb, you will not regret the download.”
    • “This game is truly amazing with its amazing graphics and the story is rich with clever writing and plot twists. Overall, I give this masterpiece an 11/10; it's truly a game that deserves to be in the Sistine Chapel.”
    • “The story is easily one of the greatest I've ever experienced; it left me with tears in my eyes many times. The dynamic characters and how I could tell that some of them were improving struck close to home with me, and I found myself rapt in Paunch's world.”
    • “The game's plot lacks originality and fails to captivate players with its unimaginative and predictable twists.”
    • “Characters lack depth and development, making it challenging for players to form emotional connections or invest in the overarching story.”
    • “In a gaming landscape where narrative-driven experiences are thriving, Paunch's lackluster storytelling stands out as a significant flaw.”
  • graphics102 mentions

    The graphics of the game receive a mixed reception, with many praising its stunning visuals, vibrant colors, and intricate details that enhance the immersive experience. However, some users note technical issues, such as graphical glitches and inconsistent performance, which detract from the overall quality. Overall, while the graphics are often described as breathtaking and innovative, opinions vary on their execution and impact on gameplay.

    • “The graphics are nothing short of breathtaking, with meticulously crafted landscapes, dynamic weather systems, and character animations that approach lifelike realism.”
    • “The visuals of the game are indeed a spectacle.”
    • “The graphics alone bring this game up to one of the greatest.”
    • “A sumo wrestling game, except for the slightly poor visuals, everything else is fine.”
    • “Paunch has been widely criticized for its technical shortcomings, ranging from graphical glitches to inconsistent performance.”
    • “Horrific graphics, clunky controls, lackluster gameplay, useless matchmaking system.”
  • music76 mentions

    The music in "Paunch" has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with players praising its immersive and captivating soundtrack that enhances the overall gaming experience. Many describe it as a standout feature, with some even claiming it to be the best soundtrack they've encountered in a game, featuring a mix of catchy and intense tracks that perfectly complement the gameplay. Overall, the music is seen as a significant contributor to the game's artistic value and emotional impact.

    • “This might be the best game I have played to date; the music alone is enough to play for.”
    • “The setting, the physicality, the beauty in the simplicity of the music... everything in the game has a reason and the reason is to be the best game you ever played.”
    • “The music is addictive to listen to and gives a good vibe while playing.”
    • “The intense, cinematic music to boot, all while beating your friend to death with a pair of boulders.”
    • “Fun but problems overrun the fun. 1 in 10 matches work because you constantly disconnect. You can be beating a guy 9 to 0 and it ends in a draw; the ping is crazy high and the music gets so annoying.”
    • “I touched the mouse and the previously black screen lit up and some strange music began playing.”
  • emotional56 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its gripping storytelling and complex characters, which evoke a wide range of feelings from joy to heartbreak. Players report being deeply invested in the narrative, often experiencing tears of both laughter and sorrow, while the game's emphasis on friendship and camaraderie adds to its emotional depth. Despite some critiques regarding character development, many agree that the game offers a profoundly touching experience that resonates long after playing.

    • “The characters are so real, the story is emotionally charged.”
    • “It's an emotional rollercoaster that leaves you inspired and reminded of the power of human connection.”
    • “Paunch is a heartfelt masterpiece that celebrates the beauty of friendship and diversity.”
  • grinding12 mentions

    Reviews indicate that grinding in the game is excessively time-consuming, often requiring players to invest significant hours to progress or improve. Many users express frustration with the lack of options to expedite this process, suggesting that it feels like a second job rather than an enjoyable gaming experience. Comparisons to other games highlight that some manage grinding more effectively, making the experience more balanced and engaging.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “When a character faces a logistical challenge or even just a tedious one, there is no skipping ahead or hitting fast forward; we live with them every step of the way.”
    • “Many games cost money ($), many games cost hours of grinding to become good enough, many games require reliable friends to help us out in times of strife.”
  • optimization11 mentions

    Overall, optimization feedback is mixed; while some players praise the game's smooth performance and quick startup, others highlight significant technical issues, including graphical glitches and inconsistent performance, particularly in peer-to-peer matches. Despite these criticisms, certain aspects, like character performances, are well-received, indicating that while the gameplay is solid, optimization remains a concern for many users.

    • “The gameplay is ironclad, and the performance is among the best.”
    • “I never expected to get this level of performance out of a mobile game.”
    • “The game starts up pretty quickly and generally runs smoothly.”
    • “Paunch has been widely criticized for its technical shortcomings, ranging from graphical glitches to inconsistent performance.”
    • “The immersion is unbreakable, since the game runs at a whopping 15 frames per second, although this was played on my Voodoo 1 3DFX GPU, so I was assured to reach maximum performance.”
    • “I'm not even complaining about optimization.”
  • character development11 mentions

    Character development in the game is praised for its depth and emotional impact, with players noting that significant events contribute meaningfully to character growth, leading to a rewarding narrative experience. While some reviews highlight the impressive character designs and relatable protagonists, others criticize the overall execution, suggesting it lacks the innovation seen in previous titles. Overall, the game is recognized for its engaging story and dynamic character progression, making it a compelling choice for players seeking a rich narrative experience.

    • “Everything that happens has significant meaning to the character development; if not obvious at first, you will slowly find out that every scene happens for a reason.”
    • “Honestly, I cried at the end; it has so much character development and dynamic sets of places to explore. The amount of gameplay is grand and deep, with a very high skill ceiling, and on top of that, it's so replayable and fun.”
    • “Amazing game! I would definitely recommend it if you want a superb story with deep character design and progression, along with other elements that make a good game.”
    • “From its generic character designs to its uninspired level design, the game fails to offer anything new or groundbreaking.”
    • “Nintendo’s latest ARPG really makes you feel like a half-naked Fat Albert; the high-end graphics perfectly reflect the serene beauty of Western Nigeria, but the story and character development still can’t hold a candle to some of their previous games such as Bubsy 3D or Cooking Mama Party Pack.”
    • “The character designs catch your attention immediately the moment you load into the game.”
  • stability9 mentions

    Paunch has received significant criticism for its stability, with users reporting numerous technical issues such as graphical glitches, inconsistent performance, and gameplay bugs that can hinder the experience. While some players appreciate the game's emotional depth, the pervasive bugs and unclear mechanics detract from its overall enjoyment.

    • “Paunch has been widely criticized for its technical shortcomings, ranging from graphical glitches to inconsistent performance.”
    • “[i]Paunch[/i] is also far from bug-free, and I encountered glitches that spawned me underneath the map.”
    • “The rules are unclear and the game has many glitches including not being able to pick up rocks sometimes.”
  • replayability5 mentions

    The game is praised for its exceptional replayability, attributed to its simple yet engaging design that allows for endless enjoyment without overwhelming complexity. Players appreciate the depth of character development and diverse environments, contributing to a high skill ceiling and making each playthrough feel fresh and rewarding.

    • “It’s one of those games where the simplicity is its genius, giving you endless replayability without ever getting bogged down in complexity.”
    • “Honestly, I cried at the end. It has so much character development and dynamic sets of places to explore. The amount of gameplay is so grand and deep; it's got a very high skill ceiling, and on top of that, it's so replayable and fun.”
    • “✅ Infinitely replayable”
  • monetization4 mentions

    Reviewers express a desire for a balanced monetization approach, suggesting that small, non-intrusive advertisements could be more acceptable than intrusive microtransactions or season passes. They emphasize the importance of avoiding "cash grab" tactics to preserve the game's integrity and player experience.

    • “I understand the developers' capitalistic desires (we all have those desires, whether you want to admit it or not), but I think it would be more beneficial (to both the developers and the players) if small, non-intrusive advertisements were implemented, much like a mobile game.”
    • “Microtransactions...?”
    • “Please dev(s), don't ruin this masterpiece by including season passes or other shameful cash grab techniques, thanks.”
  • atmosphere3 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is characterized by ultra-realistic graphics and an amazing soundtrack that enhance its intense, skill-based gameplay. Additionally, a catchy minimalist vibe contributes to a competitive yet mellow ambiance, creating a unique and engaging experience for players.

    • “Gameplay, atmosphere, graphics.”
    • “Ultra realistic graphics, amazing soundtrack, and pixel-perfect hit boxes create a highly skill-based and intense atmosphere.”
    • “It's got a catchy minimalist vibe that fits perfectly with the competitive-but-mellow atmosphere of the game.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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Play time

5hMedian play time
860hAverage play time
4-1000hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 7 analyzed playthroughs

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