RedDeerGames and Bacord have teamed up to deliver Maki: Paw of Fury, a charming beat ’em up that harkens back to the golden days of 1990s arcade games. With fast-paced action and vibrant characters, this game takes you to the captivating world of Pangea. The adventure kicks off when Maki, the main character, jumps into the fray after a friend is kidnapped. It’s up to Maki to unleash his fighting prowess and the mystical power of Tsume no Ken to vanquish evil. The twist? The betrayal came from none other than Mapu, who has captured Kami, catching everyone off guard.
What makes this journey more exciting is that Maki the fox doesn’t go it alone. Players can also choose Tincho, the capybara, or Maka, the otter, as companions on this quest. Each character boasts unique attack styles, special moves, and area attacks, giving you plenty of options to match your personal playing style. It’s worth experimenting with all three to see which character best fits your approach.
Controlling your chosen warrior is smooth and intuitive. Use the left analog stick to navigate through the world, while the Y button handles regular attacks, and the B button unleashes special moves. Tap these buttons in succession to pull off impressive combos. The A button enables you to jump, which you can combine with other buttons for air attacks. For an area-clearing assault, press both Y and B. If you’re looking to deliver a powerful Breaker attack, press X, but keep an eye on your Mana as these moves come at a cost.
A minor drawback is the absence of a co-op mode on the Nintendo Switch, which feels like a missed opportunity that could have elevated the game’s fun factor. Also, the lack of HD rumble and the decision to limit character movement solely to the left analog stick are curious choices that might leave some players wanting more. Nonetheless, Maki: Paw of Fury brings its thrilling combat and engaging characters to the Nintendo Switch at an accessible price of $10.99.
Note: This review of Maki: Paw of Fury is based on a Nintendo Switch copy kindly provided by RedDeerGames.