Oct 2023
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Welcome back, fellow retro aficionados! Today, we’re diving into the ludicrously entertaining world of Arcade Archives: Crime Fighters 2 (also known as Vendetta) for the Nintendo Switch. Released in 2023, this classic brawler reminds us that the early '90s were the golden age for beat 'em ups, and boy, does it pack a punch – literally! Grab your base bat, channel your inner martial artist, and watch out for those flying kicks as we revisit this gem from Konami.
In Vendetta, you join the Cobras – a ragtag group of tough guys on a mission to rescue their kidnapped buddy Kate. Picture a 1990s action flick, and you’ve got the gist. You’ll punch, kick, and smash through waves of bad guys, ultimately battling the Dead End gang, the ruffians who’ve kidnapped Kate. Each character comes with their own moves and special abilities. There's Blood, the hefty fighter with brawn; Hawk, the former pro wrestler (yes, he’s wearing those spandex shorts); Boomer, the martial artist; and Sledge, who looks like he just stepped out of a heavy metal concert. The controls are remarkably responsive, sticking to a classic punch-and-kick format; there are no fancy jump and attack combos here! As you crank up your score by demolishing foes, keep an eye out for hidden weapons that range from baseball bats to shotguns. Just don’t forget – you can double-team enemies. Nothing says ‘teamwork’ like two Cobras sucker-punching a thuggish criminal together! After each level, you’ll face a boss fight for bonus points and bragging rights, and if you’re feeling bold, try to beat it on repeat mode for that sweet, sweet leveling-up thrill.
Visually, Arcade Archives: Crime Fighters 2 throws you back into the neon-lit world of 1991. With pixelated characters and gritty backdrops, it captures that retro arcade aesthetic perfectly. Expect smooth animations, seamless scrolling, and animations that erupted with a delightful charm. While we’ve come a long way since then with 3D graphics and hyper-realism, there's an undeniable joy in reliving the nostalgic graphics and sprites. It’s like a blast from the past through a time warp – and let’s face it, who doesn’t enjoy feeling like they’ve traveled to a simpler time where the biggest crime was running out of quarters at the arcade?
Arcade Archives: Crime Fighters 2 (Vendetta) does a splendid job of rekindling the beat 'em up classic vibe while pulling in a new audience on the Nintendo Switch. If you enjoy a good, old-fashioned brawl that keeps you on your toes, then this title is the ultimate throwback experience you’ve been waiting for. Sure, there are games with prettier graphics and more complex combat systems, but few can match the pure, unadulterated fun of this classic. Grab some buddies, grab some popcorn, and prepare for some good times! You might even find yourself shouting phrases like ‘Take that, you no-good punk!’ as you unleash a torrent of punches on your enemies. Who knew rescuing a damsel could be so entertaining?
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