Some games you can’t explain. Like, for instance, QUByte Interactive’s take on Golden Axe with…chipmunks.

But that’s Chipmonk! for you. The game revolves around a trio of heroes who set out to stop the gluttonous gray squirrel, who has robbed the local stores of all their food. With weapons in hand, the trio – Grey, Cheeks and Red (alas, no Bubbles) – set out to carve enemies down to size, eventually preparing for the final face-off.

The game fails to set any new standard with brawlers, as it’s too simple in gameplay compared to, say, Streets of Rage 4. That said, however, it does make for a rather curious homage to the Golden Axe days, sticking by its retro roots. If you’ve got a friend that’s in the mood for a challenging but fun brawler, you could certainly do worse.

Hack and Slash

Chipmonk! works on a formula very similar to Golden Axe. You have hacking combos, as well as a jump move and dashing attacks. But, of course, nothing clears the screen like a special attack, which you can unleash by picking up magic bottles and then waiting for everyone to pile in on you.

This is Golden Axe for the most part. But QUByte has done a good job channeling that style of gameplay into something so wacky and yet so original, with chipmunks coming through with their chaotic style. It doesn’t go over the top, as I mentioned, but it stays true to arcade formula. For some players, that’ll be enough.

That said, the game isn’t overflowing with extras. It’s the main game for one or two players, and, well, that’s about it. There is a survival-based Onslaught mode that’s a good deal of fun, along with a Duel mode, if you feel like watching chipmunks fight to the death. But otherwise, it’s pretty bare-bones.

Regardless, for $10, there’s decent value here. And it’s a must for animal lovers. Or haters, I suppose?

A Chip(munk) Off the Old Block

To go along with its old-school gameplay, QUByte has incorporated Chipmonk! with a similar presentation. The animations aren’t anything magical, but they are solid, and the backdrops have some fantasy-based flair. Not to mention the super attacks play out beautifully, with just the right touch of chipmunk mania.

The music’s okay. Nothing amazing by any means, but it too follows the Golden Axe formula to a fault, and can be worth a listen. I just wish there were better special effects to go along with it. Heck, why not just give the chipmunks dialogue at this point? Add to that fantasy.

They’re Not Rescue Rangers, But They’ll Do!

How much you get into Chipmonk! really depends on your enjoyment of old-school brawlers. Again, it lacks the next-level play of titles like Shredder’s Revenge, reverting back to a classic Sega Genesis-esque style of controls. But if that’s your thing – or you really, really miss the days of Golden Axe – this affordable throwback just might be worth going nuts over.

GAMERHUB RATING: 3.5 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS

(Thanks to QuByte Interactive for the review code!)