Brawlhalla: A Fast-Paced Platform Fighter for Competitive Gamers

If you’re an aficionado of fast-paced, competitive fighting games, Brawlhalla promises a vivid, chaotic, and absolutely thrilling experience. This free-to-play platform fighter, developed by Blue Mammoth Games and published by Ubisoft, has carved a niche in the competitive gaming scene. But does it live up to the hype for hardcore gamers? Let’s dive in.

Engaging Gameplay Mechanics

Brawlhalla’s gameplay is a refined mixture of elements seen in other iconic platform fighters, with an accessible entry point and a steep skill curve. Players can choose from a wide array of characters, each wielding unique weapons and abilities that lend themselves to diverse playstyles. The game features a solid combination of light and heavy attacks, special moves, and knockback mechanics, making matches both strategic and frenetic.

Mastering Aerial Combat

The core of Brawlhalla lies in mastering the intricacies of each character and leveraging the fast-paced aerial combat. Matches take place on floating platforms, with the objective to knock opponents out of the arena. Items randomly spawn during gameplay, adding layers of unpredictability and strategy. For seasoned competitors, the real draw is in its ranked modes, where skill ceilings are pushed to the limit, and every frame counts.

Diverse Roster and Regular Updates

One of Brawlhalla’s strengths is its wide roster of legends, each offering distinct gameplay experiences. The game’s pivot towards online competitive play is also commendable, with robust matchmaking systems ensuring that players face opponents of similar skill levels. Additionally, regular updates and crossover events with popular franchises keep the game fresh and exciting.

Smooth Controls and Varied Modes

The controls are smooth and responsive, essential for a game that demands precision. The variety of modes, from casual free-for-alls to intense 1v1 showdowns, ensures there’s always something for everyone, whether you’re looking to unwind or test your mettle.

Downsides and Frustrations

While Brawlhalla excels in many areas, it does have its downsides. The graphics, though colorful and appealing, don’t break new ground and might come off as simplistic compared to other titles in the genre. Additionally, the initial learning curve can be steep as new players grapple with the depth of mechanics and the fast-paced nature of the combat.

Another frustration for hardcore players is the occasional randomness introduced by item drops, which can sometimes sway the outcome of a match unpredictably. While this aspect adds to the chaotic fun, it might not sit well with those seeking purely skill-based competition.

Conclusion

Brawlhalla stands out as a highly engaging platform fighter that offers depth, excitement, and endless replayability for those who love competitive gaming. Its balanced mix of accessibility and complexity ensures that new players can enjoy the game while veterans still find plenty of challenges.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

While Brawlhalla is an excellent choice for fans of platform fighters and those looking to climb competitive ranks, it has a couple of rough edges that keep it from achieving perfection. For anyone passionate about high-octane battles and mastering intricate combos, Brawlhalla is a must-try. Just prepare for a bit of a learning curve and maybe a few item-induced frustrations along the way.

Useful Gaming Tip for Beginners

Tip: Focus on learning one or two legends and their weapon sets first. Mastering their combos and mechanics will give you a solid foundation before exploring other characters.

View Brawlhalla on Steam