Back in 2011, I reviewed a very interesting iOS RPG from developer The Game Bakers called Squids (you can red the review here). In Squids, the developers took inspiration from turn-based RPGs and added their own unique approach to controls, classes and character upgrades that made Squids stand out from most other handheld RPGs.
This week, the latest game from The Game Bakers debuted on iOS and Android. Combo Crew takes its inspiration from late 1980s / early 1990s arcade brawlers, and much like they did with Squids, The Game Bakers took an innovative approach to controls and upgrades that results in a very addictive and entertaining experience.
From its story, soundtrack and level designs, Combo Crew definitely calls back to it’s roots. Even the character animations will have you thinking about Streets of Rage or any number of 2D fighters from back in the day. The game is both a love letter to--and a send up of--all the brawler conventions we grew up with.
Like a lot of mobile games, you earn points and currency based on how well you do each round. You can then use the base currency to purchase more moves for your characters, which can then be swapped in and out of their movesets. The gold medals (which are reminiscent of NES-era controllers) that you earn for really good rounds can be used to unlock new characters as well (including one of the characters from Squids).
I am really enjoying Combo Crew so far, and I haven’t even unlocked everything yet. If you enjoyed arcade brawlers, then you should absolutely check The Game Bakers’ latest offering, as it might be the best implementation of the genre I’ve played on a mobile device.
4.5 out of 5 Air Juggles
You can grab Combo Crew for iOS here and Android here for $1.99.