Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Brutal: Above the Claw builds upon the solid foundation laid by its predecessor, Brutal: Paws of Fury, delivering a refined and dynamic beat ’em up experience. Players choose from 12 anthropomorphic fighters, each boasting a unique martial arts discipline and signature move set. The core combat feels tight and responsive, with combo chains, counters, and special attacks that reward timing and precision. A robust practice mode allows newcomers to master each character’s nuances before stepping into the arena.

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Beyond the basic versus matches, the game introduces an engaging Conquest Mode. Here, you embark on a campaign to dominate Brutal Island, facing off against computer-controlled opponents in increasingly challenging battles. Victories unlock new arenas, bonus challenges, and hidden characters, ensuring that each playthrough feels fresh. The branching map structure of Conquest Mode also adds strategic depth—you must choose which territories to conquer first, balancing risk and reward.

Character progression is another highlight. As you advance, you unlock additional moves and combos for your chosen fighter. This steady stream of new abilities encourages you to revisit earlier opponents and experiment with different playstyles. Whether you prefer the lightning-fast strikes of the Red Fox or the hulking grapples of the Stone Gorilla, learning to chain moves fluidly is rewarding and keeps the gameplay loop compelling.

Graphics

Visually, Brutal: Above the Claw embraces a vibrant, cartoon-inspired aesthetic. The character designs are both whimsical and distinctive, capturing the playful spirit of an anthropomorphic martial arts tournament. Each fighter is rendered with expressive animations that bring personality to every kick, punch, and special move. The exaggerated poses and dynamic camera zooms amplify the theatricality of the combat.

The stages follow suit with colorful, varied backdrops—from serene mountaintop temples to neon-lit underground fight clubs. Background details, such as cheering spectators, flickering torches, and interactive set pieces, give each arena a sense of life. Animations are smooth even during the most frenetic multi-hit combos, and special effects like shockwaves and energy blasts pop off the screen without obscuring the action.

Performance-wise, the game runs at a steady frame rate on modern hardware, ensuring input responsiveness remains crisp. Load times between matches are minimal, and the user interface is clean and intuitive. Menus and character-selection screens feature animated portraits and descriptive tooltips that help you strategize before each fight. Overall, the graphical presentation complements the high-octane gameplay perfectly.

Story

While Brutal: Above the Claw is primarily focused on action, it weaves a lighthearted narrative around the tournament hosted by the Dalai Llama. Each of the 12 fighters comes with a short but sweet backstory, complete with motivations and personal rivalries. These vignettes play out in brief cutscenes before and after key matches, offering just enough context to make you care about your chosen champion’s journey.

The overarching plot—centered on seizing control of Brutal Island—provides a cohesive thread through Conquest Mode. As you topple rival factions and claim new territories, the Dalai Llama’s mysterious machinations gradually unfold. Though the storytelling never overshadows the combat, it injects charm and humor into the proceedings. Players who enjoy unlockable lore entries will appreciate the bonus dialogues and unlockable art that flesh out the world.

Voice acting is sparse but effective, with each character delivering memorable one-liners in their own style. From the stoic Tiger Monk’s meditative pronouncements to the brash Punk Rabbit’s taunts, the dialogue enhances each fighter’s identity. If you prefer action over narrative depth, you can skip the cutscenes, but the story elements reward those who stick around with a few laughs and lighthearted drama.

Overall Experience

Brutal: Above the Claw is a standout beat ’em up that balances accessibility for newcomers with enough depth for veteran fighters. The combination of tight controls, diverse character roster, and multifaceted Conquest Mode provides hours of replay value. Whether you’re aiming to master every move on the training mat or wage war across the island, the progression systems keep you invested.

Local versus play adds a social dimension that’s perfect for couch co-op nights or friendly rivalries. The fast matchmaking in online lobbies ensures you can test your skills against human opponents at a moment’s notice. Leaderboards and daily challenges further extend the longevity, encouraging you to refine your strategies and top the global rankings.

In sum, Brutal: Above the Claw delivers a fun, polished martial arts brawler that stands on its own merits while honoring the legacy of its predecessor. With its charming visuals, tight combat mechanics, and engaging progression, it’s a must-have for fans of arcade-style fighting games and anyone looking for a fresh twist on the beat ’em up genre. Potential buyers can expect a robust package that offers both immediate thrills and long-term depth.

Retro Replay Score

6.2/10