Your Only Move is Hustle

About

"Your Only Move Is HUSTLE" is a rhythm-based boxing game where you must hit the buttons in time with the music to land punches and defeatt your opponents. With a variety of challenging levels and opponents, as well as a unique art style, this game will keep you on your toes as you fight your way to the top. The game also features a deep story mode, giving you a glimpse into the life of a struggling boxer trying to make it big.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

96%

Audience ScoreBased on 22,159 reviews

gameplay209 positive mentions

story18 negative mentions

gameplay
636 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
65%
3%
The gameplay of Yomi Hustle is characterized by its unique blend of turn-based strategy and fighting game mechanics, making it accessible yet deep, with a high skill ceiling. Players appreciate the innovative mechanics that emphasize prediction and strategy over traditional mechanical skill, although many note a steep learning curve and a lack of in-game tutorials to explain complex systems. The game is praised for its engaging replays and modding community, which enhance the overall experience, but some players find the initial complexity and passive gameplay frustrating.
- “This game is incredibly fleshed out and fun, the mechanics and balancing is great, the gameplay is incredible, it's just a really good game.”
- “The gameplay loop revolves around doing the most damage without being canceled by your opponent.”
- “The turn-based mechanic allows for so much more depth and complicated movesets, and the game can have a high skill ceiling.”
- “The gameplay itself is migraine-inducing and the predictions for characters are choppy and feel like they move too fast.”
- “Getting your ass handed to you because the game gives you zero info on any aspect of the mechanics is a waste of time.”
- “The gameplay is kind of a mess and the whole appeal is watching an epic 15-second anime stickman fight after the game ends which sadly follows 15 minutes of boring, slow, turn-based gameplay where you will be looking at janky, inaccurate predictions and frame data waiting for the other guy's turn the whole time.”
humor
370 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
1%
The humor in this game is a standout feature, with players frequently highlighting its comedic elements, such as funny character interactions, absurd combos, and entertaining mods. Many reviews emphasize the joy of playing with friends, where chaotic and humorous moments abound, making the gameplay experience both engaging and laugh-inducing. Overall, the game's lighthearted approach and clever humor contribute significantly to its appeal, creating a fun atmosphere that resonates with players.
- “It's really funny when I parry my friend's burst and then kill him.”
- “This game isn't just a funny action stick fighter; the competitive scene is actually pretty sick and the gameplay can get very deep.”
- “The game doesn't take itself too seriously, with a tongue-in-cheek approach to its storytelling and gameplay that will leave you chuckling at every turn.”
- “This joke is so overused it's not funny anymore.”
- “The humor feels forced and lacks originality.”
- “I found the attempts at humor to be cringeworthy and unengaging.”
graphics
115 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
30%
67%
3%
The graphics of the game are characterized by a simplistic, pixel-art style that evokes nostalgia for old stickman animations, which some players find charming and fitting for the gameplay. While the visuals may lack high fidelity and can sometimes be confusing, they are intentionally designed to enhance gameplay clarity and focus on mechanics rather than distractions. Overall, the art style is appreciated for its retro aesthetic, with many players enjoying the modding capabilities that further enrich the visual experience.
- “The art style is both distinctive and appealing, blending a retro aesthetic with modern design elements that give the game a timeless feel.”
- “The visuals of the game are as pleasant as possible, one of the best pixel art I've seen in games, especially with such a fast pace.”
- “Absolutely amazing graphics, fun concept and you get to finally make those fight scenes you saw on YouTube as a kid yourself.”
- “The graphics aren't really all that, but for those who used to watch those stickman animations from Newgrounds and Hyun's Dojo, this will be like a blast to the past.”
- “Pretty decent fighting game, but the graphics are a bit confusing and it's hard to understand what's going on.”
- “Visuals are messy, so sometimes it's hard to even recognize what is happening.”
story
69 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
13%
61%
26%
The reviews overwhelmingly indicate that the game lacks a substantial story, with many users expressing disappointment over the absence of a narrative mode or AI battles. A few comments highlight a humorous or tongue-in-cheek approach to storytelling, but overall, the consensus is that the game is primarily focused on gameplay rather than a compelling storyline.
- “John 'Hustle' Yomi is a great main character, and the story mode of this game is impeccable. It's almost like this multiplayer game is better when you're playing by yourself!”
- “Man, this game is just amazing! The story gives me depression and some amazingness in the world. It feels so good—the emotions, the fights, the action, the crying—10/10!”
- “With its unparalleled gameplay mechanics, breathtaking graphics, and a storyline that will leave you on the edge of your seat, this game will transport you to another world where you'll fight like you've never fought before.”
- “I also missed a kind of story mode or battles against the computer itself, and native local multiplayer.”
- “There's also no story and no option to play against AI at all.”
- “I do suggest a few things though, I suggest adding a story mode, or more than 2 players in a battle, I think it would be very fun.”
music
64 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
30%
64%
6%
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with many players enjoying the energetic and engaging soundtrack that complements the gameplay, while others find it repetitive and wish for more variety. Some users appreciate the sound design and how it enhances the gaming experience, but there are frequent requests for additional tracks and better volume control options. Overall, while the music contributes positively to the game's atmosphere, its limited selection can detract from long-term enjoyment.
- “The sound design is equally impressive, with a soundtrack that perfectly complements the action on screen.”
- “The music ramps up the tension during intense moments and cools down during quieter periods, creating a rhythm that keeps you engaged throughout.”
- “The music manages to pull off this perfect middle ground of holding your interest, but not becoming grating when it repeats over and over.”
- “Listening to the music when my burst gets parried makes me want to throw my laptop out the third story window.”
- “For one, bad music, praying right now that there will be more or something other than this mind-numbing 10-second loop.”
- “I don't like the music, which is all of about 10 seconds and loops endlessly.”
stability
40 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
8%
98%
The game's stability is frequently criticized, with users reporting numerous bugs, crashes, and freezing issues that disrupt gameplay. While some players find the game enjoyable despite these problems, many express frustration over the persistent glitches and lag, particularly in online matches and when using custom characters. Overall, the game's stability is seen as a significant drawback, though some users remain hopeful for improvements from the developer.
- “I played this game a bunch on itch, then a really cool person gifted it to me on Steam. The game runs great no matter what you're on; I run it on a sack of potatoes wired in alternating current hooked up to a Game Boy Color. You could run it on a $5000 rig too.”
- “The stability of the game is impressive; it performs consistently well across a wide range of devices.”
- “No matter the hardware, the game maintains a smooth experience, which is a testament to its excellent optimization.”
- “This game is very buggy and I can't pick characters without lagging out.”
- “The game itself crashes far too often, though fortunately rarely mid-game. There are also other bugs and glitches that completely remove any way for you to play the game as long as you don't restart it and try again, and again, and again.”
- “When it works... half the time it freezes up for me, ruining our 20-minute game session!”
grinding
28 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
11%
50%
39%
The reviews overwhelmingly indicate that grinding in this game is excessively time-consuming, with many players feeling it requires an unrealistic commitment, likening it to needing "a second life." While some appreciate the strategic depth and find satisfaction in the gameplay, others criticize the tediousness and repetitive nature of grinding, which can detract from the overall experience.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “Gone are the days of grinding tech skill for hours at a time.”
- “Again, this improvement makes the game worse: SP no longer fulfills the function of forcing an end - anyone can recover half their SP by skipping a turn - and adds an extra layer of annoyance to grinding levels.”
- “While the turn-based gameplay makes it much more accessible and casual, it can make fights against overly cautious passive players mind-numbingly tedious.”
replayability
25 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
44%
44%
12%
The game boasts exceptional replayability, often rated a perfect 10 by users, largely due to its extensive modding community and diverse character options. Players appreciate the endless variety of moves, custom characters, and stages, which ensure that no two matches are the same. The combination of fun multiplayer experiences and creative freedom contributes to its status as one of the most replayable fighting games available.
- “Truly my favorite fighting game, and its modding scene allows for infinite replayability.”
- “This game is incredible in how diverse it is and how many characters there are to play; its replayability is near endless, and the characters have so many moves that you'll never use them all in any one match.”
- “The workshop adds so much depth to the game; I can see the replayability going far beyond most other fighters purely because of the variety and versatility.”
- “The mods increase this game's replayability with new moves and strategies, but most of all you can beat your friends with the sickest combo in the replay.”
- “The amount of custom characters, stages, and other things in the workshop really add to the game's replayability.”
- “It's a seemingly infinite and freeform game that should have thousands of hours of replayability.”
emotional
23 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by players' deep connections to its narrative and characters, often leading to intense feelings of joy, sadness, and nostalgia. Many users express that the game evokes strong emotional responses, from tears during pivotal moments to feelings of empowerment and camaraderie within its wholesome community. Overall, the game successfully creates a rich emotional experience that resonates with players on multiple levels.
- “This game made me feel like I had my own anime!”
- “When they snatched black, I cried for a hundred nights.”
- “I cried when my opponent said 'your only move is hustle' and hustled all over me :(”
optimization
21 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
14%
62%
24%
The game's optimization is widely criticized, with players reporting significant performance issues, especially on lower-spec systems. Many users experience lag, crashes, and unplayable multiplayer sessions, attributing these problems to poor optimization and a lack of customizable performance settings. While the game has a charming concept, its execution suffers greatly from these technical shortcomings, detracting from the overall enjoyment.
- “The game and concept has a charm with amazing execution, but the most terrible optimization that quality of life improvements are required.”
- “With some optimization and polish, this will be a certified banger.”
- “Saving the replays of your fights, even the ones where you lose, are good as you can slowly analyze your performance and identify things you could have done differently.”
- “As for now, this game is poorly and terribly optimized.”
- “The game and concept has a charm with amazing execution but the most terrible optimization that quality of life improvements are required.”
- “Overall good concept, terrible implementation, and terrible optimization.”
monetization
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
17%
50%
The monetization aspect of the game is generally viewed positively, with no microtransactions present, which some players appreciate as a departure from cash-grabbing practices common in other games. However, there are concerns about misleading advertising and the potential for players to feel pressured into spending money on cosmetic items. Overall, the game is praised for its originality and lack of aggressive monetization strategies.
- “No microtransactions”
- “I only play games that have microtransactions”
- “You can do more than hustle, fake advertising.”
- “Very cool, the ads are a little misleading (it's a turn-based game) also probably the most original game of all time.”
- “If you want to play a game that isn't made by absolute cash-grabbing morons, go play Stick Fight.”
character development
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
67%
Character development received mixed reviews, with some praising the design and moves as exceptional, while others criticized the overall character design as flawed and detracting from the game's quality. The disparity in opinions highlights a significant divide among players regarding the effectiveness of character development in enhancing the gaming experience.
- “The character design and moves are a 10/10.”
- “I hold a deep, burning hatred for anyone who attempts to align themselves with this 9th-level sin of character design.”
- “It's like a beautiful supercar where two of the wheels are completely square; such a shame to ruin a game like this with poor character design.”