In a departure from traditional beat ’em up games, Forestrike, the latest project from indie publisher Devolver Digital and Olija developer Skeleton Crew, injects puzzle elements into the genre. The game’s unique mechanic, titled Forestrike, allows players to enter a meditative state before each battle, granting them the ability to predict enemy behavior and devise the best strategy to take them down. This feature, combined with the game’s roguelike elements and slow attack animations, transforms the fight-to-survive gameplay into a puzzle game that requires careful planning and execution.
In Forestrike, players begin each battle with only three health points, making each encounter a high-stakes affair. The slow attack animations also add an element of realism, as enemies will likely attack the player first if they don’t react quickly enough. However, this also creates an opportunity for players to use the Forestrike ability to scout out enemy movements and find openings to attack. This mechanic effectively turns the traditional beat ’em up gameplay into a puzzle game, where players must carefully weigh their options and choose the right strategy to emerge victorious.
Forestrike Game
As players progress through the game, the complexity of each battle will increase, as they’ll have to factor in various elements such as guarding, dodging, picking up weapons, and rogue-like run-specific buffs. The addition of these mechanics boosts the game from a simple beat ’em up to a more cerebral experience, where players must think critically and strategically to overcome their foes.
One of the most appealing aspects of Forestrike is its suitability for players of all skill levels. While the game’s difficulty can be ramped up by using the Forestrike ability less frequently, players who master the mechanic can find the game to be incredibly challenging. This creates a level of replayability that will keep players coming back for more, as they’ll continually strive to improve their skills and overcome the game’s increasing difficulty.
Forestrike’s launch window has been set for 2025, giving players plenty of time to anticipate the game’s release. With its unique mechanic and challenging gameplay, Forestrike is poised to become a standout title in the beat ’em up genre.
