When it comes to classic beat ’em ups with a charming twist, Maki: Paw of Fury by RedDeerGames and Bacord nails it with its nostalgic flavor and an engaging cast of furry characters. This game warmly recalls the golden age of 1990s arcade games with its exhilarating pace, all set in the vibrant world of Pangea. The adventure kicks off when Maki, our fox protagonist, leaps into action to rescue a friend in distress. Harnessing the mighty Tsume no Ken, Maki is determined to squash evil, especially after the shock of betrayal by Mapu, who’s taken Kami hostage.
In this daring rescue, Maki is far from alone. Players can also choose to fight alongside Tincho, a robust capybara, or Maka, a swift otter, each boasting their unique set of moves, special attacks, and area strikes. Trying all three characters to discover which suits your style best adds a layer of depth to the gameplay.
The game’s controls are straightforward yet satisfying. You’ll maneuver your chosen character with the left analog stick, while the Y button handles regular attacks and the B button delivers special punches. Want to string combos? Just keep those buttons firing. A leap into the air is just an A button away, and players can combine it with Y or B for air combos. There’s even an area attack when you simultaneously press Y and B, but if you’re looking to deliver a hefty blow, the X button unleashes a Breaker attack that consumes some Mana.
While Maki: Paw of Fury is a nostalgic trip through beat ’em up history, it’s not without its hiccups. The absence of a co-op mode on the Nintendo Switch is a missed chance, especially for a genre that thrives on teamwork. The lack of HD rumble support is also curious, and limiting movement to just the left analog stick might not be everyone’s cup of tea. Available for $10.99 on the Nintendo Switch, Maki: Paw of Fury still manages to offer a solid slice of arcade action.
This Maki: Paw of Fury review was crafted from a Nintendo Switch review copy provided by RedDeerGames.