Counterclocking
Drawing heavy inspiration from titles like Devil May Cry, Bayonetta, and Metal Gear Rising, Counterclocking is a third-person hack-and-slash action game from developer Brain Hack Magic where fast-paced button-mashing and strategic timing can result in some fast and stylish combos, against cyborgs, mutants, and culminating in cinematic boss fights in a cyberpunk world. While the game is still in Early Access, it shows promise for fans of action-packed gameplay.
Disclosure: I received a free review copy of this product from https://www.keymailer.co
Set in a near-future cyberpunk world, Counterclocking leans on themes of genetic mutation, bionic implants, and robotics. Enhancements to the body and mind are common, and you play as a heavily armored fighter wielding a glowing katana and other weapons while cutting through cyborgs, mutants, and machines.
Leaving behind the glitzy grime of other cyberpunk settings, such as Cyberpunk 2077, the world of Counterclocking is darker, more morose, though it is contrasted by the more anime-inspired character designs behind all the armour.
The core gameplay revolves around real-time combat, allowing players to control their character with fluid movements and satisfying combos. The combat system is reminiscent of Devil May Cry, offering a mix of light and heavy attacks, dodges, and weapon switches. Players can equip multiple weapons, each with unique moves and abilities, adding depth and variety to the combat experience. Swapping weapons on the fly can help extend combos or freshen up the combat where most other games fall short. Defeating bosses unlocks new moves, similar to the Mega Man series, encouraging players to experiment with different playstyles.
Counterclocking features a range of levels set in diverse environments, each presenting unique challenges and enemies. The game's level design emphasizes verticality and exploration, with hidden paths and secrets rewarding curious players. Boss encounters are a highlight, offering intense battles that test the player's mastery of the combat system. Each boss has distinct attack patterns and weaknesses, requiring players to adapt their strategies and make use of the new moves they've acquired.
As mentioned previously, the game's art style is heavily influenced by cyberpunk aesthetics, featuring neon-lit cityscapes, futuristic architecture, and a mix of organic and mechanical enemies. The character design is sleek, with the protagonist donning heavy robotic armor and wielding a glowing katana. The environments are detailed, with atmospheric lighting and dynamic effects that enhance the immersion.
As an Early Access title, Counterclocking is still in development. While the core gameplay is functional and enjoyable, some areas, such as AI behavior, UI elements, and certain animations, are still being refined. The developer is actively seeking community feedback to improve and expand the game, with plans for additional content and polish in future updates.
Counterclocking offers a promising blend of stylish combat, engaging level design, and a compelling cyberpunk setting. While it's still a work in progress, the foundation is solid, and with continued development, it has the potential to become a standout title in the hack-and-slash genre. Fans of fast-paced action games will find much to enjoy, and those interested in supporting an indie project with potential should consider giving it a try.
I've played on Steam Deck for my entire run so far and I've encountered no bugs. Battery life is surprisingly consistent, and the fans don't kick up too much, even when gameplay does. The downside I've noticed with games on Steam Deck is the playtime doesn't correctly line up if I've been playing offline and connect online, but that appears to be a connectivity thing. Counterclocking launched into Early Access on Steam in April 2023, retailing for €9.75, and the devs are constantly adding in fixes and new features.
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