There’s nothing wrong with a good beat-em-up – especially if it can tide you over through multiple play-throughs. Some have been a little limited in variety, but the good ones – looking at you, Castle Crashers – stick with you. Welp, I’m happy to report that Exalted Studio’s Big Helmet Heroes joins that party, if only because of its frantic (and fun) brawling.
The game introduces a myriad of characters over the course of your journey, with the option to switch between two at any time. From there, you’ll journey along the countryside, pummeling enemies with your core weapon. You can also pick up others, from brooms to cannons, to clean house. (They’re especially useful against bosses.)
Exalted did a pretty good job with this brawler. There are times the story is a bit inconsistent, and glitches occasionally pop up. However, the game as a whole – with an unlockable army practically at your fingertips – is good fun. Not to mention a blast when you have a friend in tow.
Sometimes you just need something fun to get you by. In that regard, the Big Helmet Heroes deliver.
The Big Helmet Heroes Know How To Impress
Over the course of the game, you’ll visit different areas filled to the brim with foes. Exalted did a good job mixing up the variety of courses, including some inspired by classic games of old. I particularly liked rummaging through the Goblin caves and letting some ne’er-do-wells have it.
It also looks quite impressive in 3D, as the visuals truly bring this universe to life. The animations impress to no end (even the smallest of bad guys, like the “exploders”). And the backdrops really do go almost as far as the eye can see. No stone was unturned here.
That said, there are times glitches can pop up. I did have to restart the game once in the midst of a level by an accidental lock-up. Fortunately, it hasn’t happened again since, though a patch wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world. It can also get a little chaotic with you and a friend once the screen fills with enemies. Try to keep tabs on your hero if you can.
As for the music, it’s good. It’s not an absolute banger of a soundtrack, but the themes provided here fit in with the ridiculous world. The sound effects are nice as well, especially…the sheep? I’m not weird, I swear. There are sheep here. And you can pet them!
One thing I should note – I do wish more in-depth cutscenes were included. There are sequences that kind of tell the story. But considering the wacky characters at hand here, I can’t help but think more effort would’ve made it better. As it stands, though, it’s not bad.
So, yeah, this is a good looking brawler. It’s got some stuff in need of ironing over, but Big Helmet Heroes is still a solid effort.
Fighting With the Big Helmets!
Now let’s get to the gameplay. Over the course of the game, you’ll come across four unique combat styles. This is spread across the full cast of characters, each of which have something to offer. That’s a nice touch and warrants repeat playthroughs of Big Helmet Heroes, which isn’t a bad thing.
The gameplay itself is quite good, with weak and heavy attacks unleashed on foes. The super attacks could use a little refining, as I struggled to pull them off at times. But they are special once they come through, clearing away even the biggest of foes.
Furthermore, the extra weapons – which pop up after collecting flowers – are awesome. I really had a lot of fun mixing up my attacks, especially with long-range guns. It really makes no sense logistically, but you got baddies to bring down. Who cares when it’s all in good fun?
Gameplay does get a mild bit repetitive, but that’s the case with most beat-em-ups anyway. And this one’s a good time, especially as you bring a second player into the mix. I think four players would’ve been the magic number here, but maybe things would’ve gotten too frantic. You know?
Plus there are plenty of extras to unlock, and lots of sheep to pet. So, yeah, Big Helmet Heroes has content galore. Not bad for a $25 price tag. (Though sales do happen if you prefer to wait.)
A Good Head On Its Shoulders
Although Big Helmet Heroes could use minor tweaks here and there, the foundation for a good beat-em-up remains. There’s lots to unlock and indulge in, along with tons of cool weapons. Plus it’s top notch when you bring a friend into the fray to help clean house.
Even with imperfections, Big Helmet Heroes shines through. It definitely knows how to hold its own in a crowded market.
GAMERHUB RATING: 4 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
Thanks to JF Games Press Team and Exalted Studio for the review code! Big Helmet Heroes is available now for Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch and PC/Steam!
Want more fisticuff action? Check out our reviews of Night Slashers Remake and Blazing Strike!
