Hugh J. O'Donnell

Broforce
Free Lives/Digital Devolver
Steam & PS4

Broforce is a fun and frantic action game that combines the military run-and-gun platforming of games like Contra and Metal Slug with the try-and-fail puzzle gameplay of Super Meat Boy.  An over the top sendup of 80’s and 90’s action movie cliches, it provides steep challenge but the amount of variety, and the speed with which hte game resets after you lose a life make for an addictive combination.  This is a game that I often started intending to play only a few rounds, only to find that several hours had passed without realizing.
The player controls a small army of ‘bros,’ each of which is a parody of a recognizable 80’s or 90’s action move hero, with part of their name replaced with ‘bro,’ such as “Commandbro’ and “Brogeiver.”  Each has some kind of projectile, a melee attack, and some kind of special ability.  The goal is to navigate levels filled with Terrorists, Satan (yes actual Satan,) and Xenomorph-like aliens.  Players can free caged prisoners to get extra lives, but each time they do their player character changes to a new Bro, who plays slightly differently.  So if you are playing with a character you really like, rescues present a neat little risk/reward.  The goal is to reach the end of the level, which is sometimes difficult because just about every bit of 2D pixelated ground is destructible, meaning you can easily blow up ladders and bridges you need by firing wildly, which the game encourages with the hoard of enemies you’re up against.  You are rewarded with blasting guitar riffs and flashing red white and blue lights on the PS4 controller as your Bro flies to safety hanging from a helicopter, as you do.
Broforce is so commuted to its bro-tastic, jingoistic stance that, much like Paul Verhoevens “Starship Troopers,” I’m only mostly sure it’s a parody.  The general who gives you command briefings says things like “I’m pretty sure this is a country.” and “Explode them with Freedom!”  And there is a dedicated button which makes your little pixelated character flex.  There is also a local and online multiplayer function, so you can play this game solo, or with your own bros.
Broforce is a downloadable video game from Steam and Playstation network.

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