Way of the Passive Fist

76%
Game Brain Score Based on 119 reviews
  • gameplay
  • graphics
  • music
Way of the Passive Fist Game Cover
Way of the Passive Fist is a game that continually left me wanting more and I highly recommend it.
Starting at $3.79Buy now
Get on Steam Get on Xbox Games Store

"Way of the Passive Fist" is a rhythm-based brawler game set on a dying planet. Use the Passive Fist technique to outlast enemies by deflecting attacks and draining their stamina. Customize your own challenge level and unleash super attacks with a filled super meter.

  • Mac OS
  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Linux
  • Play​Station
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

76%
Audience ScoreBased on 119 reviews
gameplay15 positive mentions
story3 negative mentions
  • Unique gameplay mechanics that focus on parrying and dodging, providing a fresh take on the beat 'em up genre.
  • Visually appealing with vibrant pixel art and a catchy soundtrack that enhances the overall experience.
  • Adjustable difficulty settings allow players to tailor their experience, making it accessible for both casual and hardcore gamers.
  • Repetitive gameplay can lead to boredom, as the core mechanics may feel tedious over time.
  • Boss fights can be frustrating and poorly designed, often requiring specific strategies that may not be intuitive.
  • Some technical issues, such as inconsistent hit detection and problems with controller support, can detract from the overall enjoyment.
  • gameplay57 mentions

    The gameplay of "Way of the Passive Fist" is characterized by its unique focus on parrying and dodging mechanics, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience that requires players to learn enemy patterns. While the game features solid controls and a nostalgic art style reminiscent of classic beat 'em ups, some players find it can become repetitive and lacks variety in enemy types and mechanics. Overall, it appeals to those who enjoy technical gameplay and offers customizable difficulty options, though it may not satisfy everyone due to its steep learning curve and limited content.

    • “Parrying and dodging different attack patterns depending on the enemy is an enjoyable challenge, with a good tempo that brings you into the gameplay loop and rarely breaks your focus.”
    • “The gameplay is more than just unique; it's easy to learn and hard to master, and the more you memorize the enemy patterns, the better you get at the game.”
    • “Way of the Passive Fist is the rare kind of game that leverages nostalgia but still delivers on an interesting concept with engaging gameplay.”
    • “If the style and gameplay looks unfamiliar or you're looking for a comfy ride, this may not be your title.”
    • “Multiple mechanics aren't explained at all, and some hitboxes are simply bullshit.”
    • “Overall, the main mechanic of the game shines when it's doing its thing (parrying or dodging tons of attacks) but adding other gimmicks like stage hazards, boss gimmicks wherein they can't be damaged unless you do that 1 specific move, can be a bummer.”
  • graphics20 mentions

    The graphics of the game are generally praised for their vibrant pixel art style and smooth animations, evoking a nostalgic 90s arcade aesthetic. While some players appreciate the colorful visuals and creative design, others find the repetitive nature of the graphics and gameplay frustrating. Overall, the art style is considered a strong point, contributing to the game's unique charm within the beat-em-up genre.

    • “I am absolutely shocked at some of the negative reviews for this game; this is one of the best-designed and most creative beat-em-ups I've ever played, with a fantastic, Mad Max desertpunk aesthetic and an absolute bop of a soundtrack.”
    • “The graphics are colorful, detailed, and well animated, and the sound is indeed catchy.”
    • “The visuals are fantastic, the animations are smooth, and the sound design is amazing as well.”
    • “Really wanted to like this game because of the pixel art style, but there are just so many frustrating design decisions that I can't recommend it to anyone who values their time.”
    • “It's not an unreasonable position either, because outside of the art style and the gameplay, there isn't much else to really comment on.”
    • “The graphics are colorful, detailed, and well animated, but the overall experience feels lacking.”
  • music19 mentions

    The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising its energetic and unique soundtrack that enhances the gameplay experience, while others criticize it for being generic and repetitive. Some players feel that the music could have been better integrated into the rhythm of the game, suggesting that a more diverse and memorable soundtrack would elevate the overall experience. Overall, the soundtrack is seen as a strong point by many, but there are calls for improvement in its variety and engagement.

    • “I am absolutely shocked at some of the negative reviews for this game; this is one of the best-designed and most creative beat-em-ups I've ever played, with a fantastic, Mad Max desertpunk aesthetic and an absolute bop of a soundtrack.”
    • “Every level comes with amazing music that gets the player hyped up.”
    • “Amazing soundtrack and visual style coupled with unique and well-designed gameplay.”
    • “If 'Way of the Passive Fist' wanted to keep its parry-only combat, then it would have been a better game if it was designed as a rhythm game where actions line up with the music similar to 'Hi-Fi Rush', but 'Way of the Passive Fist' needs much, much better background music.”
    • “The background music is generic and boring, and you will notice the looping.”
    • “I relaxed for 5 minutes listening to this music, long enough to realize that I would be okay.”
  • story10 mentions

    The story is a light, B-movie-style narrative centered around a mysterious wanderer navigating an apocalyptic world on the colony planet Zircon V, seeking answers amidst chaos. While the plot serves primarily as a backdrop for gameplay, it is complemented by strong aesthetics and a compelling soundtrack. Players may find the story engaging initially, but it can feel repetitive and lacks depth after completing the main mode.

    • “The story is pretty light throughout (with just short still-image cutscenes before each level plus some dialogue from bosses) but the aesthetic and setting are both very strong, both bolstered by great sprite art and a bumping soundtrack.”
    • “The in-game story could easily pass for a matinee B-movie plot: you'll find yourself playing as the wanderer, a mysterious figure traversing the wastes of the colony planet Zircon V, looking for answers as the population begins to disappear, and maniacs roam wild and unchallenged.”
    • “The story tells of a strange apocalyptic future and a mysterious wandering martial artist that must fight hordes of odd-looking enemies.”
    • “I would talk about the story and the environments, but the only real thing I can say about them is that they fit the game.”
  • grinding4 mentions

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game tedious, as the combat system relies heavily on blocking and countering single enemy attacks, leading to slow-paced and repetitive encounters. The presence of an XP system raises concerns about potential grinding, which could detract from the overall experience and make the gameplay feel prolonged and less engaging.

    • “It just makes the fights even more tedious than they already are.”
    • “Seeing 'xp' in the save file makes me wary; XP systems in beat-em-ups usually hold the game back by introducing grinding or act as a virtual difficulty selector.”
    • “Way of the Passive Fist has got an interesting hook (or would it be parry?), but its tedious nature drags things on for far too long.”
  • replayability3 mentions

    The game offers high replayability, especially after a recent update that added a new campaign, though some players feel it can be completed too quickly in one sitting. While it may appeal to those seeking perfectionist achievements and challenging playthroughs, others find its price point a bit steep for its length.

    • “If I had any issue with the game, it would have been how the later stages would go on a bit too long, but that issue was remedied in a previous update, which also added a new campaign to extend the game's replay value.”
    • “Doesn't take too long to beat and has high replayability.”
    • “I personally find it a bit too expensive for a game you can beat in one sitting, but maybe you're the kind of person who gets replay value out of perfectionist achievements and limited death playthroughs.”
    • “If I had any issue with the game, it would be how the later stages go on a bit too long, but that issue was remedied in a previous update, which also added a new campaign to extend the game's replay value.”
    • “Once you complete the main story, there isn't much incentive to play again. The side quests feel repetitive and don't add much to the overall experience.”
    • “The game lacks meaningful choices that would encourage multiple playthroughs. After finishing it once, I felt no desire to return.”
  • optimization2 mentions

    The optimization of the game has been criticized for its inconsistent performance, which disrupts the flow of gameplay and creates a frustrating experience. Players report a stuttering progression system that hinders organic exploration and momentum, leading to frequent interruptions.

    • “There is seemingly no rhyme or reason to how performance reflects on trophies.”
    • “A stuttering method of level progression that constantly kills any feeling of momentum by forcing you to stop and start repeatedly instead of letting you travel organically through the level.”
  • character development1 mentions

    While the pixel art is appreciated, the character design and music are considered too bland, resulting in a lack of engaging character development.

  • emotional1 mentions

    Players express that the game evokes strong emotions through its engaging mechanics, particularly highlighting the thrill and satisfaction of parrying, which enhances their overall enjoyment and connection to the gameplay experience.

  • humor1 mentions

    The humor in the game is highlighted by its cleverly designed levels and comical bosses reminiscent of "Fist of the North Star" and "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure," providing a satisfying contrast to the initial frustration players may feel. As players master the mechanics, the humor becomes more enjoyable, enhancing the overall experience.

    • “You'll rage a lot in the beginning as you learn the game's unusual mechanics, but as you improve, the rewards for succeeding are very satisfying and every victory will feel earned. The button layout on the controls is very well thought-out, and the levels are designed with hilarious bosses reminiscent of 'Fist of the North Star' or 'JoJo's Bizarre Adventure.'”
    • “The humor in this game is top-notch, with witty dialogue and absurd situations that keep you laughing even during the toughest challenges.”
    • “I love how the game doesn't take itself too seriously; the quirky characters and their ridiculous antics make every moment enjoyable.”
  • monetization1 mentions

    The game features no microtransactions, providing a straightforward experience without additional costs.

    • “There are no microtransactions, which makes the experience feel fair and enjoyable.”
    • “I appreciate that the game doesn't pressure players into spending money; it's refreshing!”
    • “The absence of monetization tactics allows for a more immersive and authentic gameplay experience.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

71% average critic score

Buy Way of the Passive Fist

Videos

Similar Games