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Review of Butcher on PS4

by Tanya Krane Tanya Krane photo May 2017
Cover image of Butcher on PS4
Gamefings Score: 7
Platform: PS4 PS4 logo
Released: 09 May 2017
Genre: Run and Gun
Developer: Phobia Game Studio and Transhuman Design
Publisher: Crunching Koalas and Transhuman Design

Introduction

Butcher is like that one kid in middle school whose sole focus was to dominate dodgeball - competitive and slightly unhinged. Back in 2016, this run and gun extravaganza burst onto the scene, giving us all a cyborg with serious commitment issues to life on Earth. Think of it as a cybernetic version of the Terminator, but instead of raising the world's spirits, he's just lowering them while simultaneously raising a body count. If you're down for some 2D apocalyptic mayhem, grab your most intense gaming snacks, and let's dive deep.

Gameplay

In Butcher, players embody a cyborg whose life motto apparently is, 'I'm going to ruin everyone's day.' The whole point is clear: obliterate every living thing in sight. Levels consist of beautifully animated 2D environments where you run and gun your way through enemies like a wild toddler in a candy store. What sets this game apart is its gunplay; reminiscent of classic shooters like Contra, it incorporates twin-stick controls that let you unleash chaos with precise madness. The gameplay, however, is as punishing as your parents reminding you to clean your room - it's unforgiving. The game presents a 'hard' difficulty setting that feels like an Olympic sport, and if you're wondering if there's an 'easy' mode, well, you can unlock one through an optional DLC that says, 'Hey, you can chill if you want.' Butcher evokes a charming nostalgia for the retro gaming days while simultaneously screaming at you for every wrong move you make. So, prepare for some serious finger workouts.

Graphics

Graphically, Butcher leaves Hansel and Gretel in the dust if we're talking about dark, gritty visuals. The pixel art style is like a love letter to 90s shooter games, but let's be real: it's not for the faint of heart. The blood, oh the blood, is everywhere. It's the equivalent of your mom finding ketchup on the ceiling after your last dinner party - while it adds character, it sends a message: there's no way to stay clean in this game. The stunning backgrounds are richly detailed and create an ambiance that screams, 'Welcome to the apocalypse!' Kudos to the developers for creating such a visually arresting experience, even though it may also induce nightmares. At least you'll have cool dreams about blasting some pixels.

Conclusion

Butcher is not just a game; it's a wild rollercoaster ride through a hell bent on obliteration. It's the ultimate catharsis for that simmering tension you've built in your day-to-day life. While the gameplay can be repetitive and hard - hello, numerous enemies blasting your cyborg behind - it holds a nostalgic charm for fans of classic shooters. Butcher may not win all the awards, but it surely finds its place in the hearts of retro gaming enthusiasts - provided they've still got the reflexes of a cat and the patience of a saint. So if you're seeking a challenge cloaked in pixelated gore and mayhem, Butcher *might* just be that chaotic escape you're looking for. Just don't go expecting a heartfelt story arc or any deep philosophical discussions; this game is here for one purpose, and it does that purpose brilliantly.

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