Mug Smashers

Arcade

Review by Matt Paprocki

Electronic Devices

Beat-em-up

Graphics: 3

Sound: 5

Gameplay: 6.5

Overall: 5


Never in my video game life have I played a game like Mug Smashers. No, I don't mean a beat-em-up. I've played plenty of those. I mean a game created with the lowest budget...ever. Maybe it did have a budget, but it never shows in this ones production values. The sad part about is that it really doesn't play that bad, though it's still overshadowed by numerous other games from the same time period.

If you still don't believe me that this one was made cheaply, listen to the soundtrack. It's the same exact soundtrack from Combatribes, another brawler, that one from Technos. Granted it's a good soundtrack and one that will be stuck in your head for some time, but originality is a necessity. The storyline is standard padding; a chick has been kidnapped and it's up to 2 guys to get her back.

Enemies are not only generic, but at times offensive as well. Check out the Mexican guys who take a swig of a 40 before stabbing you with a knife. The only way the developers got away with this one is that they were housed somewhere in Italy according to the title screen. You'll fight sailors, construction workers, business men, and hilarious bosses. Their names include (and I quote): Bigman, Fatman, Strongman, etc. At times you'll begin to think your playing an early Mega Man game.

All could be forgiven if the game looked somewhat respectable, but the only way to describe the visuals are crude and amateurish. Animation is non-existent and each of the 2 characters has a spin move which resembles the Tasmanian Devil of Looney Tunes fame. Your opponents don't fare any better. Boxes of "electronic devices" (as their labeled) contain nothing of the sort and usually produce such strange powerups like Emmy's, radios, and more oddities.

You know the worst part of this game? It doesn't play that bad. In fact, it's almost above average. Hit detection is solid, it moves fast, there's no slowdown, flicker is never an issue, and the difficulty is just right. It's just embarrassing to be caught playing! I almost wish this one had a sequel which improved on the aesthetics, but it seems this will never happen. An obscure company, obscure game, crude looks, copied sound, and solid gameplay. Whether or not you want to play it: Your call.

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Last updated: Wednesday, December 10, 2003 02:29 PM