Game: Kemono Heroes
Genre: Action, Platformer, Fighting
System: Steam (Windows) (Also on Nintendo Switch, PS4&5 and Xbox)
Developer|Publisher: Mad Gear Games
Controller Support: Yes
Steam Deck: Playable
Price: US $ 14.99 | UK £ 13.49 | EU € 14,99
Release Date: March 27th, 2025
A review code was provided, and many thanks to Jandusoft.
Kemono Heroes – Fast, Instant Fun
There are many types of games catering to different tastes and just as many reasons why people pick up a controller. Some seek deep stories, some want a challenge, and others simply want to unwind. For busy gamers like myself, one of the most fundamental joys of gaming is straightforward fun. Kemono Heroes takes us back to the arcade era, where you could pick up a controller and be having a blast within minutes, alone or with up to four players in co-op. This game ticks all the right boxes: appealing graphics, a unique premise, and, most importantly, a great gameplay experience. If you’re looking for a fast-paced 2D action game that delivers instant gratification, I highly recommend giving this one a try.
Straight into the Action
Kemono Heroes wastes no time getting you into the action. After selecting your difficulty, you choose from four warrior heroes, including a fox, monkey, and squirrel. Each character shares the same core move-set, featuring a fast melee attack with a blade and an impressive ability to hurl a ridiculous number of throwing knives or shurikens. Both options are highly effective, allowing flexibility in how you approach combat.
In addition to attacking, every character can dash, jump, and platform through levels, adding variety beyond just combat. A special move, activated at the cost of a mana piece, clears most enemies on screen, making it a powerful tool in tough situations. The game does a great job of mixing up level design, so you never fall into repetitive gameplay. One moment, you’re cutting through enemies in a lush forest, and the next, you’re riding on a cloud with a giant dragon in the background.
A small but welcome feature is that falling into pits doesn’t mean instant death. Instead, you take damage and respawn nearby, preventing unnecessary frustration. This makes the platforming more forgiving while still keeping the action fast-paced.
Collecting Coins & Upgrading Abilities
The goal of Kemono Heroes is straightforward: battle through four stages, each consisting of three levels, fighting enemies, navigating obstacles, and taking down powerful bosses. Along the way, you’ll collect coins from fallen enemies and treasure chests, which can be spent at vendors found at the end of each level. These vendors allow you to upgrade your abilities, giving players the choice to enhance their preferred skills.
To keep things fresh, after each stage, you unlock a new move, such as a hook shot or bomb attack. While some of these are required for platforming sections and breaking obstacles, their use in combat is largely optional. This further adds to the game’s sense of player choice and freedom.
Unique Character Abilities & Replayability
While each hero shares the same basic attacks, they have unique special abilities that encourage replaying Kemono Heroes. The squirrel can glide, the monkey can swing on vines, and the fox has the most unique ability: throwing a scroll at an enemy and transforming into them for a short period. This ability adds a fun twist and allows for some creative gameplay strategies.
One minor issue I had was that the game doesn’t explain these unique abilities very well. While general controls are shown in the options menu and quick tutorials appear for new moves, the individual character skills are left for the player to discover on their own. However, a neat feature I appreciated is that you can switch characters at any time through the options menu, allowing you to adjust your playstyle if you find a different hero more enjoyable.
Slim Story, But Great Presentation
The story in Kemono Heroes is minimal. There are brief cutscenes with no dialogue, just giving you a basic understanding of the plot. You control a group of plucky warriors on a quest to defeat a demonic entity atop a mountain. While the narrative is simple, it provides just enough context to justify the adventure.
Where the game truly shines is in its gorgeous pixel art presentation. It has a 16-bit aesthetic inspired by East Asian folklore, featuring beautifully detailed environments, mythical creatures, and striking backdrops. Enemies range from demons to bizarre spirits, all animated with impressive detail. This is further elevated by an incredible soundtrack, also available for purchase on Steam. Despite the limited storytelling, the music is epic, featuring emotional piano pieces and energetic battle tracks that perfectly complement the action.
Game Length & Difficulty Options
The campaign feels a bit short as you progress through the four main stages fairly quickly. However, without spoiling anything, something happens later in the game that extends the experience. Still, like classic arcade titles, the main adventure doesn’t overstay its welcome.
To add replayability, you can go through the game again with different characters, play in local co-op, or increase the difficulty. There are three difficulty settings, allowing you to tailor the experience to be as brutal or relaxed as you prefer. Whether you want a classic arcade challenge or a casual playthrough, the game gives you the flexibility to choose.
Conclusion: A Heroic Arcade Hit
Kemono Heroes is a fantastic pick-up-and-play arcade action game. It delivers instant, gratifying fun whether playing alone or with friends. The tight combat, engaging platforming, and gorgeous presentation make it an absolute joy to experience. The game does feel a bit short, leaving you wanting more, but all the time spent playing it is undeniably enjoyable.
If you’re a busy gamer or simply looking for a fast, satisfying action game, Kemono Heroes is well worth picking up.
Final Verdict: I Like it a Lot
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