![charlie murder steam charlie murder steam](https://ska-studios.com/ska-wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/charliemurdergamebanner-768x325.jpg)
It also doesn't help that Charlie Murder came out mere days after Dragon's Crown, a beat-em-up that manages to evolve the genre in many significant ways.
![charlie murder steam charlie murder steam](https://cdn.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/steamcommunity/public/images/items/405290/ad289d811cdf0a9d55220cebb80529dea2c7438b.jpg)
This likely won't be the case when playing with friends, but this brawler went a few levels too long for this solo-player. Thanks to a sharp spike in difficult in the final act and the repetitive gameplay finally taking its toll, I found that Charlie Murder runs out of steam before the credits roll. Some of my favorite songs include a 1980s synth riff during the flashbacks and a well-placed folk ballad in the final act.ĭespite the great music and hand-drawn graphics, I ended up losing focus towards the end. And as great as the punk songs are, the game is quick to show you its range.
![charlie murder steam charlie murder steam](https://cdn.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/steam/apps/405290/ss_9ad2321b76f1b96a682b3f9c8526e9da4c926316.1920x1080.jpg)
Their songs are genuinely catchy, sometimes overshadowing the simple gameplay. The music not only fits the atmosphere perfectly, but it also lends credibility to the band. With such an emphasis on punk rock, it shouldn't come as a surprise that Charlie Murder has one of the best soundtracks of the year. Players can also tag-team with their fellow band mates, leading to an all-out assault of guitars wailing and drums pounding the foes to death. My character, Kelly Skitten, used deadly clothespins for protection. Even your so-called magic spells have the punk vibe. You drink beer and coffee to regain health and add temporary perks. All of your armor and equipment comes in the form of T-shirts, funky hats and tattoos. None of these modes are very deep, but they are a welcome respite from the non-stop punching and kicking. There's also a Rock Band-inspired rhythm game, as well something that can best be described as an on-rails shooter. Just when you're sick of fighting, the entire game will morph into a 2D horizontal shoot-em-up.
#CHARLIE MURDER STEAM SERIES#
The developers did a good job of breaking up the action with a series of simplistic mini-games. Thankfully the rest of the game is so outlandishly crazy that you'll desperately want to know what happens next. These RPG elements help to mask the game's repetitive action, but it can only take you so far. Much like Castle Crashers and many other recent beat-em-ups, Ska Studio has added much-needed role-playing game mechanics, such as leveling up characters and collecting rare loot. Strip away the punk rock clothing and you're left with a traditional 2D brawler. We see Charlie Murder the band in the worst possible light, something that was truly refreshing. That's not to excuse his actions, but you can understand where he's coming from for much of the game. Instead of everything being black and white like in so many other games in this genre, the villain turns out to be sympathetic. It's easy to relate to the emotional story, regardless of which side you come down on. He seethes with jealousy, and ultimately takes his revenge to a very unhealthy level.ĭespite their simplicity, the cut-scenes prove to be surprisingly moving. We learn about one of Charlie's friends, a fellow musician who watches those around him become rich and famous.
![charlie murder steam charlie murder steam](https://i.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/facebook/000/795/208/0b4.jpg)
The backstory is slowly uncovered as the band fights their way through the graveyard, a construction site, the mall, a mysterious castle and even a pirate ship. This sends our punk rock heroes on an epic journey from one side of the city to the other. Charlie Murder knows what needs to happen, and of course it involves the Battle of the Bands. Thankfully an emergency worker was able to resuscitate everyone in the band, but not before the town gets ransacked by demons. The game starts out with the band dying and going to hell. Together they band together to fight off zombies, vampires, mutant spiders, mummies, cult leaders and a giant human/hamburger hybrid. You play one of five musicians, including Lester Deth on guitar, The Rexecutioner on drums, Tommy Homicide on bass, Kelly "Skelekitten" Skitten on back-up and Charlie Murder on vocals. No matter if you're into high fantasy or rebellious music, this has been the best summer ever for fans of the niche genre.Ĭharlie Murder trades dungeons and dragons for tattoos and three chord melodies. After years in hibernation, the retro 2D brawler is suddenly all the rage. Thanks to games like Dungeons & Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara, Dragon's Crown, Minotaur and the just-released Charlie Murder, I think we can officially call 2013 the year of the beat-em-up. Unfortunately, as a side-scrolling 2D brawler, Ska Studios' newest game is merely pretty good. Charlie Murder is the best game I have ever played about a group of resurrected punk rockers on a mission to stop the apocalypse.