Castle Crashers is an OG when it comes to gaming. Released in 2008 (Jesus) on the Xbox Live Arcade (Christ), it was instantly loved. It has a wonderful art style that has withstood the test of time. It has a unique charm in which it can change from, cute to funny, to intense in a matter of seconds.
You start off as one of the 4 Knights (excluding DLC), with their own respective powers embarking on a quest to save the 4 princesses from an evil wizard. It should be noted that like a lof of classic and retro games this game doesn't really have a ton of dialoged. The shop keepers, animal nurse, and some guy talking shit in a funny hat are really the only ones to have lines. This keeps the game good for hoping in and out whenever you have the time to play it.
Game play is liken to a classic side scrolling beat 'em up as well. You start with a melee weapon and you're on your way. There are a ton of melee weapons to choose from to fit your style and fighting style. If you don't prefer up close combat you can choose to be a magic build as well, casting spells and healing, depending on your character. You can also choose to take an animal companion with you. They each have their own perks, such as finding health, headbutting enemies, making you run faster, helping you level up faster, ect. There's an animal for everyone.
The levels are brightly colored and straight forward. There's not much hidden in these levels except weapons, which you can get a Cardinal to help you find them. Each level you push forward a little bit, then fight a wave of enemies, then push even more. While this can get stale, the game has enough mini games, secrets, and play style combinations that you'll want to keep going through the levels.
The game has a good challenge to it without it being impossible. You're able to max out your characters stats to be strong, fast, healthy, and a magic user. Making the game much easier if you're going through it with that character. The level cap is 99, so if you fall in love with this game like almost everyone did over a decade ago (god fucking damn I'm old) then you'll have a goal to hit.
It's 2022 and if you haven't ever played this game before you're doing yourself a disservice. It's honestly a wonderful game, tons of fun, lots of humor and charm with cute characters.
It's a must play. I play mostly single player games and even most multiplayer games I play by myself. I'm giving it a 4 because playing with yourself (stop laughing) isn't as fun as playing with other people (seriously stop).
4 out of 5
Must Play
4.0