If an alien were to show up with an army and steal your cat, you’d fight like all hell to get your cat back right? Super Crush KO for the Nintendo Switch isn’t like traditional action games, featuring a refreshing look and feel. Coming from Canadian developer Vertex Pop, the makers of We Are Doomed and Graceful Explosion Machine, Super Crush KO is a welcome and incredibly strong action title that shouldn’t be missed.
It’s another day in Japan and another day in the life of our hero, Karen. Nothing much to look forward to other than school, work, the gym, and spending time with her cat. Suddenly, aliens storm in to abduct Karen’s furbaby, named Chubbz. They bring an entire robot army to take over Japan and potentially the world. Armed with fists and a laser rifle, the mission is clear: Rescue Chubbz by any means necessary.
Super Crush KO is a side-scrolling action game where players fight waves of robots across multiple stages. Players begin using basic fighting controls, with the simple ground and aerial combos that involve a flurry of fists. The laser rifle, with its unlimited ammo, can be drawn at any time and is most effective for long-range fighting. However, it runs out of power quickly and automatically recharges when not fired. When fighting tougher foes, it’s best to use special attacks. Special attacks do recharge over time through repeatedly destroying enemies and through collecting purple gems. Finally, a Super attack is a final move for Karen. When the meter is filled, this attack turns the laser cannon into a small death star, clearing any enemies that may be in the way.
Gameplay and combat mechanics seem like a difficult aspect to construct in games, requiring time and patience, but Vertex Pop has created an extraordinarily polished and refined combat experience that makes Super Crush KO an absolute joy to play. Easy to learn, the combat is infinitely exciting, allowing any player of any skill level to embrace the tremendously kinetic and energetic combat. Furthermore, once you start playing, it is extremely hard to put the game down. Super Crush KO invites players into its world and combat, showing the ropes, then rewarding them with a flurry of kicks, punches, and laser explosions. It’s absolutely explosive, spectacular, and filled with unending momentum. It’s clear that the Vertex Pop worked tirelessly to consistently tweak and improve the combat system, and for that, my gratitude goes to the person(s) behind the combat.
If you like action, you are going to love Super Crush KO. With the plethora of levels and the incentive of competing on the leaderboards, there is a large measure of enjoyment to be had.
Visually, the game features a pleasant eye-popping array of pastel colors. It’s bright and vibrant, but calming and smooth. The color for Super Crush KO goes well with the fast-paced action, giving the action and movement a pleasing array of shape and form. The same can be applied to the environments and character designs themselves. The characters are anime-inspired and work well with the other elements. Players go on a journey throughout Japan, and the simple designs of the levels still give off a solid impression of where the players are in the country. From Shibuya to the forest and so on, there is a nice degree of design and atmosphere throughout Super Crush KO.
The only real complaint I can make here is the repetition of the action and combat. The enemy variety changes and the bosses are a good challenge, but the action can become repetitive in long sessions. However, Super Crush KO is great for those shorter sessions when you need an instant dose of action or when you want to beat a challenger on the leaderboards. Additionally, once the game is over, the only reason to go back is to improve ranking and leaderboard positions. I would have liked to see more done in Super Crush KO, perhaps even crossing over into We Are Doomed and Graceful Explosion Machine. However, what is presented in Super Crush KO is very strong.
Vertex Pop does it again with Super Crush KO. The action is lightning fast and addictive. The controls and gameplay are wildly entertaining and the art direction is soft but sharp. This is an excellent action game that is great for any moment, at home or out and about.
Super Crush KO is a knockout!
Super Crush KO is exclusively available on the Nintendo Switch eShop for $14.99 USD. A digital Switch copy of Super Crush KO was provided for the purpose of review.
For another stellar action title, check out my review of Bloodroots.
