Brut@l is a strange beast. It is a 2D platformer that looks like a Saturday morning cartoon but plays like a brutal, fast-paced shooter. It launched on PS4 and PC in 2016, and it remains a game that splits opinion down the middle. Some players love its chaos. Others find it exhausting.
Trailer, via Stormcloud Games.
The Look
The game is built around a simple idea: a small robot who can run, jump, and shoot at super-fast speeds through levels packed with enemies. The visuals are bright and cartoonish, with a pixel-art style that recalls classic console games from the 1990s. Levels are packed with obstacles, moving platforms, and hazards that demand constant attention.
The art direction is strong. Character designs are expressive, and the color palette is bold without being overwhelming. The game’s world feels alive, even when the action gets hectic.
The Chaos
The core loop is simple: move forward while shooting everything that moves. Enemies spawn constantly, and the screen fills with bullets, explosions, and projectiles. The pace never lets up, and the game expects players to react quickly to avoid incoming fire.
That speed is both the game’s greatest strength and its biggest problem. Brut@l is relentless. There is little room for hesitation, and dying is frequent. Checkpoints are few, so death means repeating large chunks of levels.
The difficulty curve is steep. Early levels ease players into the controls, but the later stages demand precise timing and quick reflexes. Players who want a relaxed experience will find none here. Those who enjoy chaos will thrive.
The Sound
The soundtrack is energetic, with tracks that match the frenetic pace of the action. Music swells during boss fights and fades during quieter moments, giving the game a sense of rhythm. Sound effects are punchy, with each shot and explosion carrying weight.
The voice acting is minimal, but the robot’s exclamations add personality to the chaos. It is a small touch, but it helps sell the game’s tone.
Where It Falls Short
The game’s length is modest. Most players can finish it in a handful of sessions, which some will see as a drawback. The lack of variety in enemy types means that late-game encounters often feel like earlier ones with harder numbers attached.
The camera can also be a problem. In tight spaces, it struggles to keep up with the action, leading to moments where the player loses sight of the robot. This is frustrating in boss fights, where visibility is already low.
There is also a lack of polish. Some menus are clunky, and the game’s difficulty spikes can feel unfair rather than challenging. These issues keep Brut@l from reaching greatness, even when its best moments are truly great.
Final Word
Brut@l is a game that rewards persistence. Its highs are very high, and its lows are very low. The game’s energy is infectious, and its ambition is clear. It is a game about movement, speed, and pure joy, even when the execution falls short.
For players who enjoy fast, chaotic action, Brut@l delivers. For those who prefer a more measured approach, it will likely frustrate. The game is best enjoyed in short bursts, with breaks between levels to reset the mind.
Key Facts
– Platform: PS4, PC
– Release Year: 2016
– Genre: 2D platformer / shooter
– Critical Score: 7.2/10
Brut@l is a game of contrasts. It is a love letter to fast-paced action and a cautionary tale about overreach. It is a game that asks a lot of its players and gives back a great deal in return. It is not perfect, but it is memorable.
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