There are a lot of beat-em-ups on the market right now. Whether you’re playing the legendary Streets of Rage 4, either of Tribute Games’ killer brawlers, or any other indie smackarounds, there’s a lot to choose from. So it helps when you have something that stands out from the other. With Abylight Studios’ Underling Uprising, it’s all about the 90s attitude.
The game features four kids each affected by an experiment in a lab, which they then spend the entire game fighting back against. You’ve got a cool wrestling-loving kid in a mech, a monkey that knows how to breakdance, and a few weird others. They’re probably the highlight of the game, as they add the most innovation. But don’t worry, that doesn’t mean it’s fun.
The action is handled rather nicely in Underling, even with the slight delay in input. It just takes getting used to. And the game is entertaining in local co-op, with up to four people taking part. The presentation has its charm as well, though the music could use a little tweaking. It’s just way too repetitive.
I do wish Underling Uprising had a slight bit more creativity and humor to go along with its approach. But the fighters are the thing, and they do offer a good time. So, yeah, get some friends together and enjoy this rad 90s throwback, if that’s your thing, dude.
Behold the Underling Uprising!
In the game, you choose from Rose, Angel, Deckster (nice name!) and Boogie, four people who find themselves manipulated by experiments in a science lab. My particular favorite is Angel, a brave-talking kid who’s delivering all kinds of hits in a mech suit. But the others are cool, too, and it’s not every day you see a monkey that can break out dance moves.
After being affected by the science lab, their forces end up fighting back, forcing you to unleash some hard-hitting combos on them. The gameplay here is actually pretty nice, if not entirely innovative. You’ve got weak and strong combos to chain togethers, along with cool super techniques to clear the room. Just a word of warning, though – there is slight input lag. But nothing that’ll throw off your game once you get used to it.
The game doesn’t offer online co-op, sadly. But this is an adventure that’s more worth it for its local co-op. It’s a lot of fun with friends, especially as you team up a “booger” kid with an ethnic mech kid to deliver some hard hits on scientists. The bosses are a creative touch, too, right about on the same level as the heroes.
The game features a number of stages, as well as a dedicated Arcade Mode and various difficulty settings. There are also temporary weapons and vehicles to add to the mix. But, again, it just feels like it’s on that creative edge without going over. At least the bonus characters are worth it. I dare not spoil who they are.
I won’t pick on Underling’s general approach too much. There’s a lot to like here, and the 90s inspiration is easy to spot – something I’ll get into with the presentation. It just doesn’t do an incredible amount to innovate over other top-of-the-line brawlers on the market. Still, if you want a different kind of beat-em-up with goofiness, this one should fulfill your need.
How Does the Underling Uprising Fare With Presentation?
I do like the hand-drawn approach to Underling. The character animation is really well done (especially Rose), and the enemy design is pretty fun. And, again, those bosses deliver an interesting approach. I also like the level layouts, along with some of the vehicles you’ll use in the game. There is a mild bit of slowdown when the screen gets too crowded, but it’s easy to clear up.
As for the sound, the voice acting is sweet, with some great voice samples for each character. (Angel comes across as a bad-ass, just like he looks.) However, the music kind of wears out its welcome. It gets too repetitive for its own good. Maybe Abylight can add a few tracks down the road to mix things up.
An Uprising Just In Time For Summer
There are enough modes, stages and bonus goodies to keep Underling Uprising from sinking into averageness. That said, it’s missing that certain spark to push it over the edge alongside Streets of Rage 4 and Marvel Cosmic Invasion. That said, the innovation features here – along with the general goofy fun of smacking around scientists – does make it worth checking out. Especially if you’ve got friends that brawl just as much as you do.
Abylight scores another win here, though it’s not quite as overly victorious as it should’ve been. Still, chalk up a brawler that will make your summer nights more interesting. Even with a “booger” kid in tow. (Sorry, I bet he hates being called that.)
GAMERHUB RATING: 3.5 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
Thanks to Abylight Studios for providing us with a review code! Underling Uprising is available now for Xbox,PlayStation, Nintendo Switch and PC/Steam/Steam Deck!
Need another good beat-em-up for the summer? Check out our review of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Wrath of the Mutants Arcade!
