Maki: Paw of Fury from RedDeerGames and Bacord delivers a nostalgic punch with its throwback to classic beat ’em ups, featuring a cast of furry characters. Dive into the adrenaline-pumping world of Pangea, reminiscent of arcade hits from the 1990s, where every moment bursts with action. The adventure kicks off when Maki, our main character, leaps into the fray to rescue a kidnapped friend. Armed with the Tsume no Ken’s mystical fighting power, Maki must confront the unexpected betrayal of Mapu, who has taken Kami hostage.
In this quest, Maki, the courageous fox, isn’t going it alone. Players can choose to play as Tincho the capybara or Maka the otter, each bringing unique attacks and special moves to the table. Experiment with all three characters to find one that suits your personal fighting style.
Controlling your chosen character is intuitive: use the left analog stick to navigate, while the Y button unleashes regular attacks and B fires off specials. Consistently pressing these can string together combos. Jump using the A button and mix it up by combining it with Y or B for potent aerial strikes. The simultaneous press of Y and B unleashes an area attack, and a powerful Breaker attack awaits when you press X, consuming part of your Mana reserve.
However, despite its engaging combat and retro appeal, Maki: Paw of Fury presents a few head-scratchers. The game misses an opportunity by not including co-op play, which would have been a perfect fit for the Nintendo Switch. The absence of HD rumble is another curious omission, and restricting movement control to the left analog stick feels like an odd design decision. Still, Maki: Paw of Fury is available now on the Nintendo Switch for $10.99, offering nostalgic fun at an affordable price.
Disclaimer: This review of Maki: Paw of Fury is based on a Nintendo Switch copy provided by RedDeerGames.
