Square Brawl

Square Brawl is a fast-paced, local multiplayer party game that emphasizes simple mechanics with deep strategic potential. Players control square characters battling with a variety of unique weapons across multiple maps and game modes. The game is praised for its easy-to-learn, hard-to-master gameplay, enjoyable weapon combinations, and entertaining physics-based combat that keeps players engaged and laughing even in defeat. It offers a level editor, decent AI bots, and a charming, minimalist art style that complements the gameplay.

However, the game lacks online multiplayer, which many players see as a significant limitation. Some users report bugs such as controller disconnections, freezing, and spawn issues. The controls and UI can be clunky or confusing, and the game sometimes feels repetitive due to limited content and weapon variety. Despite these flaws, Square Brawl remains a solid and affordable local multiplayer experience that shines brightest when played with friends in person.

Highlights

Players applaud the game's fast, skill-based combat and the variety of weapons that create dynamic and strategic gameplay. The local multiplayer mode and level editor are highly valued features, fostering replayability and creativity. The minimalist, square-based graphics are simple yet visually pleasing, enhanced by satisfying visual effects like screen shake and explosions. Many compare it favorably to classics like Super Smash Bros and Towerfall for its intense, couch-friendly battles. The game’s soundtrack and AI bots also receive positive remarks, contributing to a fun party atmosphere.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include the lack of online multiplayer, limiting play to local sessions only. Several players experience bugs and technical issues such as freezing, controller disconnections, and spawning glitches. The controls, especially keyboard support, are sometimes described as awkward or poorly optimized. The UI is considered unintuitive, making game setup cumbersome. Additionally, the game suffers from limited content and weapon variety, leading to repetitive gameplay over time. Some players also find the game overpriced for its current state and desire more polish and features.