Big Helmet Heroes invites gamers into a vibrant world reminiscent of the acclaimed 2008 title Castle Crashers. It captures the essence of cooperative gameplay while establishing a distinct identity that will resonate with fans of the genre. Developed by Exalted Studio, this game may not dramatically change the landscape of beat ’em up titles, but it certainly delivers a refined and engaging experience that effectively underscores the joy and satisfaction inherent in this gaming style.
As players embark on their quest to rescue the princess, they can unlock up to 29 diverse heroes. However, it’s essential to note that while each character belongs to one of four archetypes—Warrior, Rogue, Monk, and Brute—they don’t each offer entirely unique gameplay experiences. Warriors brandish swords and shields, Rogues utilize dual weapons, Monks engage enemies with staves, and Brutes wield massive, powerful arms. What truly sets these heroes apart are their individual Superpowers, which become available once an energy gauge is filled.
The gameplay becomes exhilarating when mobs of enemies flood the screen; activating a Superpower transforms a hero, increasing their size and ability to unleash chaos. This mechanic allows players to stomp and knock enemies back while inflicting substantial damage. For instance, Ray, the Rogue, exemplifies speed and agility as he swiftly navigates the battlefield, launching a powerful attack that channels a continuous beam reminiscent of something from Dragon Ball Z. These action-packed moments elevate the gameplay, bringing each hero’s unique powers to life.
Imagination: The Heart of Big Helmet Heroes
Exalted Studio has intricately designed 20 imaginative levels, each enriched with unique elements. Although the early stages reflect typical medieval themes, they quickly progress to imaginative landscapes that are aesthetically stunning and peppered with humor. Players might find themselves chuckling at whimsical details, such as a towering statue of a Brute relaxing with a straw.
The storyline is both straightforward and humor-filled, delivered through charming cutscenes that evoke a hand-drawn storybook aesthetic.Big Helmet Heroes manages to emulate the delightful absurdity commonly found in Renaissance fairs. Players are not only prompted to engage in combat but also treated to applause from animated spectators during extended combo streaks. The game excels in its variety of weaponry; players can discover and wield many items littered throughout the game, ranging from traditional crossbows to oversized lollipops and flaming marshmallows.
While humor is a key ingredient in the game’s charm, the boss battles provide a more intense experience. On easier levels, players may overpower adversaries through sheer force, but higher difficulty settings demand strategic maneuvering, studying attack patterns, and timing strikes effectively. These encounters challenge players to fully harness their heroes’ potential. Furthermore, the game’s forgiving checkpoint system makes boss encounters less daunting, allowing players to retry without undertaking an entire level again.
Missed Opportunities in Co-op Mode
Though Big Helmet Heroes features a co-op mode, the limitation to two local players feels restrictive. While this setup is perfect for couch co-op, it lacks the online multiplayer experience many gamers might have desired. With 29 heroes spanning four archetypes, the game seems ideal for four-player gameplay, which is regrettably absent.
In co-op mode, players may miss out on the game’s characteristic variety. Solo play allows for selecting two heroes at the start of a level and swapping them seamlessly during combat, with the resting character regaining health from successful combos made by the active hero. Unfortunately, in co-op mode, each participant is confined to one hero, eliminating the opportunity for strategic healing through combat. This limitation may discourage players from fully enjoying the rich content that enhances the solo experience.
Replayability: The Crown Jewel of Big Helmet Heroes
The design of Big Helmet Heroes reveals a commitment to replayability, featuring a multitude of unlockable heroes and hidden secrets. Players can revisit previously completed levels, choosing to customize the difficulty settings. Completing the main storyline unlocks a new level of challenge, dubbed Exalted, applicable to any prior level.
My playthrough of the main story lasted approximately eight hours, yet I had uncovered only 14 out of the available 29 heroes, hinting at the treasure trove of content waiting to be discovered.
What’s more, Big Helmet Heroes doesn’t merely encourage players to replay levels; it actively motivates them by showcasing stats and revealing missed unlockable heroes post-completion. This format rewards exploration and incentivizes thoroughness, urging players to break destructibles and traverse every nook and cranny. As they play through levels again, familiarity with enemy placements and dynamics opens up opportunities to experiment with different heroes and powers, enhancing the potential enjoyment. However, despite the presence of a final scoreboard displaying personal performance, the absence of global stat comparisons may disappoint those hoping for competitive time trials.
Big Helmet Heroes merges influences from classic beat ’em up games, achieving significant heights in its genre. The primary drawback lies in its limited co-op functionality, which could have showcased its strengths more prominently, ultimately making it better suited for solo players. Yet, for those enthusiastic about uncovering secrets and relishing in replaying levels, this game provides an abundance of entertaining content.
Big Helmet Heroes is set to launch on February 5 for PC, PS5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X/S. Game Rant received a PS5 code for this review.
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