Introduction

Pour a tall glass of nostalgia and mix in some corporate mischief - that's right, folks! We're talking about Shakedown: Hawaii, the 'totally not a cash grab' follow-up to Vblank Entertainment's beloved Retro City Rampage. After a whirlwind adventure in 8-bit mayhem, we now dive into the bright, breezy world of 16-bit chaos on the PS5, where the untouched sun-soaked beaches are waiting to be exploited. But can this game truly shake things up, or is it just another trip down memory lane with an outdated map? Grab a piña colada, and let’s find out!

Gameplay

In Shakedown: Hawaii, players find themselves in the flip-flop adorned and Hawaiian shirt-themed shoes of Feeble Multinational’s out-of-touch CEO. In a world where online shopping has caused brick-and-mortar businesses to wither, this balding executive and his son Scooter embark on a mission to revitalize their failing empire using every unscrupulous tactic in the business playbook. The gameplay is a delightful mix of open-world exploration, high-octane missions, and tons of delightful chaos. Players can roam the beautifully crafted open world, shaking down local businesses for protection money (we're looking at you, corner deli!), engaging in arcade-style mini-games, or just obliterating everything in sight. Remember, the fighting system will remind you of Retro City Rampage, so be prepared for some pixelated brawling goodness!

Graphics

Visually, Shakedown: Hawaii is a retro lover's dream. The game boasts a vibrant, colorful art style that feels like a sweet love letter to the 16-bit era, complete with exaggerated characters and destructible environments. The topsy-turvy landscapes and buildings practically scream for destruction! What more could you want? The soundtrack, filled with catchy tunes that'll get stuck in your head, rounds out the overall aesthetic nicely, making players feel like they've stepped right into an arcade of golden oldies. Plus, the PS5’s enhanced hardware gives it that bit of sheen that you can't help but admire.

Conclusion

Shakedown: Hawaii offers a delightful blend of chaotic fun with a pinch of 90s nostalgia, and for many, it will be a charming trip down memory lane. Sure, it’s not a revolution in gaming, but it pulls off what it's aiming for with enough style to make you want to unleash your inner mob boss and shake down the competition. Whether you’re in it for the gameplay, the humor, or the vibrant settings, there's something here for everyone! So, hoist that digital cocktail and embrace the madness, because Shakedown: Hawaii is one adventure you won't want to miss, even if you might want to put on your business hat and not your beach hat for the corporate shenanigans ahead!

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