If you are looking for a totally bold and wildly satirical take on the classic beat 'em up genre, Pulling No Punches is a raw, energetic brawler you definitely need to check out. I decided to write this quick article to highlight how this unique Brazilian indie gem perfectly channels old-school arcade vibes with a highly stylized twist. When you are digging through your catalog of PC Games looking for something that isn't afraid to make a loud social statement, this title easily stands out. Featuring incredible hand-drawn, frame-by-frame animation, it completely ditches traditional fantasy settings for a hilariously gritty urban brawl that is just as visually impressive as it is unapologetically funny.
Storyline
The narrative drops you into a bizarrely relatable scenario: a fictional global pandemic has completely engulfed the city, but a massive wave of crazed fanatics and stubborn denialists are completely ignoring the danger. You take control of one of four everyday citizens who are properly equipped with masks and gloves, deciding that they have finally had enough of the madness. The plot is wonderfully straightforward but heavily satirical, tasking you with taking to the streets to literally punch some sense into the chaotic anti-maskers. It is a wonderfully bold backdrop that gives you the absolute perfect excuse to just unleash your frustration on hordes of ignorant enemies.
Gaming experience
When it comes down to the actual gameplay, the combat feels like a flawless love letter to the golden era of 2D brawlers. You have four unique characters to choose from, each coming with their own set of unlockable combos, devastating grabs, and flashy special moves. The absolute best part is grabbing a few friends for the frantic four-player local co-op, making the chaotic street fights even more ridiculously fun. It easily holds its own among highly replayable PC Games thanks to its tight controls, gorgeous animations, and a surprisingly deep combat system that makes every single punch feel incredibly satisfying.
