Earl vs. the Mutants: Review

This game was reviewed on PC.

Reviewed by:  David Cameron

Earl vs. the Mutants by Falling State Inc. is an action-adventure romp with a quirky sense of humor and a delightful retro aesthetic. With fast-paced combat, colorful characters, and an abundance of mutants to take down, it's a game that wears its B-movie inspiration on its sleeve and revels in it. While not without its flaws, Earl vs. the Mutants offers a fun and chaotic experience that doesn't take itself too seriously.

Gameplay: Classic Action with a Modern Twist

At its core, Earl vs. the Mutants is a throwback to old-school action games. You play as Earl, a grizzled everyman who suddenly finds himself fighting off hordes of mutants in a small town overrun by an alien invasion. Armed with a variety of weapons ranging from shotguns to improvised tools, Earl blasts, hacks, and smashes his way through waves of mutants in fast-paced, frenetic combat.

The controls are responsive, and the gameplay loop is simple but satisfying. Each level is packed with enemies to take down, power-ups to collect, and objectives to complete. There's a nice balance between combat, exploration, and occasional puzzle-solving that keeps things fresh. The difficulty ramps up as you progress, but the game does a good job of doling out upgrades and new weapons to keep you competitive against the increasingly tough mutant hordes.

While the combat is fun, it can also be a bit repetitive. The mutant enemies, while varied in design, often rely on similar attack patterns, and some levels feel like more of the same. The occasional boss battles help break up the monotony, but the core gameplay doesn't evolve much as you progress through the campaign.

Visuals and Sound: Retro Charm with a Sci-Fi Twist

Visually, Earl vs. the Mutants embraces a retro aesthetic with pixel art that looks like it was ripped straight out of the 16-bit era. The game's environments are vibrant and colorful, with a variety of mutant-infested locales ranging from city streets to underground lairs. The character designs, especially the mutants, are packed with personality, giving the game a distinctive B-movie vibe.

The sound design complements the visuals well. The soundtrack features a mix of energetic tunes that keep the action pumping, while the sound effects are appropriately punchy, from the crack of gunfire to the splatter of mutant guts. Earl's voice acting, complete with cheesy one-liners and exaggerated grunts, adds to the game's overall charm.

Story: A Cheesy, Fun Ride

The story of Earl vs. the Mutants isn't going to win any awards, but it doesn't need to. It's a campy, tongue-in-cheek narrative that's more concerned with setting up fun action sequences than delivering a deep, meaningful plot. Earl is just a regular guy who finds himself thrust into the role of unlikely hero, battling waves of mutants after a botched government experiment.

The dialogue is full of self-aware humor, with Earl often breaking the fourth wall or delivering deadpan quips as he fights off mutants. It's the kind of lighthearted, goofy narrative that fits the game's overall tone and doesn't take itself seriously. For players who appreciate a bit of humor in their action games, Earl vs. the Mutants delivers.

Final Thoughts: A Fun but Flawed Throwback

Earl vs. the Mutants is a fun, frantic action-adventure game that offers an enjoyable, if somewhat repetitive, experience. Its retro aesthetic, solid combat mechanics, and quirky sense of humor make it a good time for fans of classic action games. However, the lack of depth in its gameplay and the repetitive nature of the combat prevent it from reaching greater heights.

If you're looking for a game that's easy to pick up and play, with a healthy dose of mutant-blasting action and cheesy charm, Earl vs. the Mutants is worth checking out. Just don't expect it to reinvent the wheel.

Reviewed by: David Cameron