Strange Brigade Review

Strange Brigade (Rated Mature) (PS4, Xbox One, PC)

Video Review

Strange Brigade is a game that on the surface looked like it could either be fantastic, or just another tired & boring wave-based shooter. What I got was something totally unexpected, Strange Brigade maybe a cooperative wave-based shooter on the surface, but underneath that, it is the kind of shooter we have not seen in a very long time. This is an arcade style shooter, where you kill waves upon waves of various baddies that want to kill you and your team. Though don't worry if you like myself, prefer to play by your lonesome, the game is fully playable solo and it is exceedingly enjoyable anyway you play.

While we see plenty of shooters with waves of enemies, we rarely see games like that with solid narrative justification or even an enjoyable story. Most games of this kind forgo lavish level design, and easily forget that a narrative can make these affairs so much more enjoyable. Strange Brigade by Rebellion Developments, succeeds in delivering a thoroughly enjoyable story and some of the most fun and gorgeously rendered levels you will ever see in this style of shooter. These are huge levels that are quite easy to get lost in, not only that there are tons of secrets to uncover. You will want to seek out these secrets, as they often are full of either money or upgrades for your weapons. The inclusion of these hidden areas is not only a fun objective to seek out, but it can add a slight competitive angle to cooperative sessions. As each treasure chest is first come first served, while I rarely play games with others, yes I don't like people very much. I did find the cooperative matches to be very enjoyable, due to the fast-paced nature treasure hunting affords. Plus it is always fun to blast mummies to bits with others, even if people suck.

You will have four characters to choose from, though don't worry they can use any of the weapons, and eventually any of the special abilities. The characters in the game are very well written, witty, silly and feel as if they popped out of any great 40's Pulp Novel. The narrator however easily takes the cake, he is without a doubt one of the most enjoyable voices in gaming. He adds such a lovely bit of humor to your creature obliterating fun, as a matter of fact, the entire game has a remarkably fun & delightful atmosphere. Weapons feel very impactful, sound bombastic and the variety is superb. Yet the aiming can feel off, you will miss a lot of shots that seem unmissable still, I never stopped enjoying blasting those buggers to kingdom come. One of the biggest surprises was the games incredibly balanced difficulty. No matter how you play, or on what setting, you will find an experience that is always intense and enthralling, but never frustrating. Finding that equilibrium is no easy feat, to feel overwhelmed by the odds but to never succumb to them is why we play games like this. That tense and fun feeling of the challenge, is the goal, the frustration normally associated with it is not. Fun is key in a game, and frustration breaks that cycle of joy, yet the Brigade laughs in the face of frustration, as these fine lads know a damn good time, as well as your mum does.   

You will need to solve quite a few puzzles through the eight to ten-hour campaign, they are never too challenging but add a great amount of variety and are surprisingly satisfying. The entire design of the campaign reminded me of many great PS2 and Xbox era shooters, which was a real treat for me, and I am sure many of you with fond memories of old-school game design will dig the way this game is laid out. Exploring these intricate locations, will take a bit of time and effort, though the layout is never confusing and always feels natural. The puzzle and enemy setups are not only challenging and thrilling, they are extremely cinematic, some which had me recalling spectacular moments from the Indiana Jones franchise.  

In fact, I found very little to dislike, this is one of the strongest new IP's to appear, Rebellion has crafted a game that surprised me with just how fun and well made it was. They're a very talented team and they've made many great games, still, I just have never really been a fan of wave-based shooters, they just always lacked the narrative hook I crave. Thankfully, Rebellion must've been thinking of gamers like me when they created this insanely enjoyable experience.

When I saw this game I was thinking, wow this looks bonkers! Then I saw the genre and nearly passed on it. The title & themes sounded amazing, but these types of games always bungle them. You get promises of an incredible plot, interesting lore & fun characters yet, most fail to deliver on that. However, I should've had faith in Rebellion, as they've carved a path of quality & original shooting experiences that are unlike anything else. Strange Brigade is one of those games that you can tell was made to be nothing but a blast!