Chipmonk! | PS4 Review

Move over Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! There's a new team of mutants in town! The medieval martial arts marsupials that are the Chipmonks come armed and ready to face off against the furry fiends of the forest who have stolen away their stockpile of food. As either Grey, Cheeks, or Red you'll put sword and paw to use as you fight brawler style against the mobs who are standing between you and your only food source. Traversing the seasons stage by stage you'll face both mobs and bosses while making use of magic mushrooms, an acorn supply of health, and a stock of three lives. Going solo, co-op, or pvp in a total of three distinctly different modes built around the retro inspired combat. 

Solo or co-op are certainly options in this retro inspired brawler that is 'Chipmonk!'. You can take on your furry foes in adventure mode alone or with a friend as you go through two staged seasons, duel against another player locally in duel mode, or face an endless wave of crazed critters with one life for a record breaking body count. Your chosen heroes in this undertaking are that of the elder Grey, the larger than life Cheeks, and the pint sized Red. Each with their own attacks, and special attacks tied to the magic mushroom mechanic. 

In adventure mode you'll be guiding one or two of the three Chipmonks along in solo or the company of another local player as you make your way through 3D lane based stages set in the four seasons. Each set of two stages being named Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. All while being themed accordingly. Within these stages you'll fight spawning mobs of mutant animals. Clearing them out to move forward along the beaten path. Between the mobs flies will also spawn giving you an opportunity to nab some magic mushrooms, or acorn health to aid you in a full playthrough. The game gives you a limited amount of continues, and lives per continue with which to clear all mobs, and defeat each seasons' set of bosses. That, and a set amount of health per life. 

Utilizing basic spam combos, charging attacks, jump attacks, and throws you can defeat anything in your path. You can even pick up certain items to throw as well as break boxes or strike weaponized mushrooms for an explosive reaction. Between Grey, Cheeks, and Red these combat staples are fairly much universal. The only real difference being the magic mushroom ultimate attacks which trigger an animation that includes everything from falling fish to a dung beetle rolling a ball of poo. Something that deals big damage to bosses or that can clear mobs in a single go.

Beyond the battle that is adventure mode lies the local only duel in which two local players can have a go at each other to see who is the best Chipmonk. Each player gets to select their Chipmonk as well as the stage on which they'll be duking it out. Once selected each player gains access to all the combat mechanics. Leaving the combative contest between dueling duo to decide who is the best of the best.

The onslaught mode, which is another alternative to mainstay gameplay, will test a single player's mettle by pitting them against wave after wave of mobs and bosses in a confined stage arena. Only pausing between waves to give an opportunity at nabbing the fly's magic mushrooms or acorn health. In this mode you have only one try with which to reach a record breaking body count. Giving you local bragging rights via a local initial based leaderboard if you can last long enough.

The Verdict ...

Chipmonk is a somewhat small brawler when compared to some of the older classics, and newer big budget additions to the genre. That being said this pint sized package packs a lot of heart. From the pixel art to the soundtrack, and even the stage designs there's a pristinely polished presentation. Not only do you gain the traditional brawler experience in the game's adventure mode, but you also get replay value in the two player duel mode and the solo onslaught mode. Ultimately giving the player more bang for their buck. 

Combat in the game is also a key selling point, and though it can feel a bit basic, it's varied enough to allow for a more mixed up and strategic approach. No different from games like Golden Axe, or the old Dungeons & Dragons brawlers of yesteryear. With nostalgia in tow, and an aim to impress the modern audience I think this QUByte release earns it's welcome among indies worth owning.