Wulverblade
» System: PS4 (tested), Switch , Xbox One, PC » Buy it from: Online » Buy it for: £14.99
Well this is a pleasant surprise. While
Fully Illustrated’s scrolling fighter pays tribute to the likes of Golden Axe, Final Fight and other brawlers of the Eighties and Nineties, it’s a love of British history which is really the source of Wulverblade’s bloody inspiration.
Set in 120 AD it tells the tale of Caradoc, and his two friends, Brennus and Guinevere as they join forces to defend the north from the occupation of the Roman army. Michael Heald, Wulverblade’s creator, is a history buff and you can witness it in every frame of the game’s sickeningly beautiful animation. He spent a colossal amount of time researching the area where his game is set and has filled his brawler with a staggeringly amount of fascinating information about the period. You’re rewarded with unlockable videos as you progress through the levels and you’ll learn plenty about the people you slaughter and the weapons you eviscerate them with.
And let’s be clear, Wulverblade is one bloody game. Heads can be stomped to mush, warriors can be dismembered or decapitated and then you can throw their
limbs at anyone that’s still left standing for good measure. Caradoc is an all-round fighter, excelling in all areas, while Brennus is Wulverblade’s tank, and Guinevere sacrifices power for agility. All three play significantly differently, and the combat engine that Fully Illustrated has created is full of depth and complexity. Running dashes, grapples, blocks, uppercuts and many more abilities are available and there’s even an old-fashioned powered-up strike that’s pulled off by pressing two buttons at the same time. Weapons are plentiful, too, with some allowing you to execute devastating attacks, and it’s even possible to summon a pack of savage wolves to aid your quest. Bosses are also challenging with a wide range of attacks that will punish those who simply try to button-bash their way to success.
Add in a traditional, three-lives-only arcade mode, a wave-based arena section and a special mode we don’t want to spoil and Wulverblade really is something special. Score 86% »