The art style is very good and references some of the darker-themes pixel art from old school games. Portraits show a lot of characterization, and level backdrops are immersive and stylistic. I could not call these graphics "vibrant," but they convey the gritty themes well. The synth score in this game is just fine and, of course, closely fits its theme with marching rythms, grandiose swells, and foreboding riffs. Gameplay references many old school games and mashes them up in pleasant and surprising ways. I would describe it as Double Dragon meets Cannon Fodder, with some progression and light platforming thrown in. The world map references Super Mario World, which I found delightful. Other callouts are peppered through the game waiting to be run into. I am not a fan of how small the actual gameplay area and characters are. I realize having a small scale allows more enemies and allies to be present at once, but it feels like I am using a third of the screen and have more limited movement options. It can be hard to track the action during large battles, of which there are many. Luckily, the backdrops are so good I can see past it most of the time. Throw in coop and you are getting ::in capitalist:: a great value at this price point. I would give the game itself 4 stars, only because the small gameplay area feels needlessly constricting to the fantastic gameplay. But I am adding a star because they took a brave stand that guarantees to alienate the worst elements of the gaming "community." In a time where gamers go nuts when they can't have rape sims, harass female gamers who stand up for themselves, and consider games about murdering people to take the fruits of their labor politically neutral, this game is a breath of fresh air. There was a time when the themes in this game were considered mainstream, now they make you a "Social Justice Warrior" - which is now an insult. Crazy times. Thankfully, Tonight We Riot is also a solid game.
