Hitmen Havoc: Perfect for Friends, But Needs More Work
Hitmen Havoc enters the 2D arena shooter genre with a cartoony aesthetic and chaotic, fast-paced action. The game supports up to eight players, each with unique characteristics, delivering a lively multiplayer experience reminiscent of titles like Super Smash Bros, Brawlhalla, and Multiversus.
Diverse Characters and Weapons Elevate Gameplay
Generally, Hitmen Havoc is a vibrant and accessible game. Players can choose from various characters, each capable of accessing a diverse set of weapons and picking up powerups throughout the matches. These powerups include an alien pistol, sniper rifle, LMG, assault rifle, and more, offering a broad range of combat options. This variety keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging, as players can adapt their strategies based on the weapons they acquire.
The influence of Super Smash Bros and Brawlhalla on Hitmen Havoc’s chaotic arena battles and character dynamics is particularly strong. This is inspiration, not imitation, and it translates well into the game’s design, fostering a lively and competitive atmosphere. The game’s cartoony graphics enhance this feel, providing a visually appealing backdrop to the frenetic action.
Hitmen Havoc, A Stream-Friendly Multiplayer
Looking at the game’s streamability, I would describe it as one of its standout features. The game’s multiplayer nature allows streamers to easily include their viewers in matches, promoting interaction and enhancing the enjoyment of the streams by both streamers and audiences. This social aspect significantly boosts the game’s appeal to the streaming community, making it a fun and engaging choice to be part of any stream.
Control Flaws and Character Uniformity
Like every game, though, Hitmen Havoc is not without its flaws. The simple graphics and controls, while accessible, can feel a bit unnatural when aiming and shooting. The controls are, in my experience, particularly cumbersome with a controller, making mouse and keyboard the preferred input method. Even with them, though, the actions can feel delayed to the point where it detracts from the smoothness of the game and distracts from the play itself.
I’m also tempted to suggest that the characters lack distinct personalities. While they have different costumes and skins, there is little to differentiate them beyond their visual appearance and limited differences in abilities as the game goes on. This uniformity in the behavior of characters raises questions about the purpose of character selection, as they all function in essentially the same way. This lack of unique character traits can diminish the sense of variety and depth within the game, though it is alleviated, at least somewhat, by the different abilities the characters can gain.
Hitmen Havoc is a Fun Party Game Lacking Depth
Despite these issues, Hitmen Havoc excels as a party game. It’s the type of game you play with friends and viewers for some lighthearted fun. The simplicity of the game is a strength here, providing an easy pick-up-and-play option for casual gaming and streaming. Moreover, the game performs well on streams, though, as I said, the controls could be a bit smoother. This is particularly impressive for a game that hasn’t been released.
Taking everything together, it’s a fun, engaging party game that shines in multiplayer settings. It’s ideal for short, energetic gaming sessions with friends and viewers, offering plenty of chaos and humor. However, its lack of depth and character individuality may limit its appeal for those seeking a more substantial gaming experience. Overall, it’s a great choice for casual, social gaming but might need a bit more refinement to stand out in the crowded arena shooter genre.
STREAMER SCORE
Hitmen Havoc (PC, macOS, Linux) - 2024
Overall
-
Performance
-
Streamability
-
Audience Engagement
-
Replayability
User Review
( votes)Summary
Taking everything together, it’s a fun, engaging party game that shines in multiplayer settings. It’s ideal for short, energetic gaming sessions with friends and viewers, offering plenty of chaos and humor. However, its lack of depth and character individuality may limit its appeal for those seeking a more substantial gaming experience. Overall, it’s a great choice for casual, social gaming but might need a bit more refinement to stand out in the crowded arena shooter genre.
From the moment I grasped a controller at a young age, the world of gaming has been a constant companion in my life, guiding me through myriad worlds and stories. An avid gamer ever since, I’ve always been drawn to the immersive universes of single-player games, where rich narratives and expansive worlds offer an escape into the depths of imagination and storytelling. My passion for gaming is not just about playing; it’s about experiencing and living through the amazing stories that these games offer, each one a unique adventure that enriches my love for this digital art form.
Beyond the screen, I’m a casual streamer, revelling in the joy of sharing my gaming experiences and connecting with like-minded individuals. This platform allows me to blend my love for technology and gaming, creating a space where conversations flow, friendships form, and the shared passion for gaming thrives.