Occasionally, there’s a game that’s just so out there on it’s own, it’s hard to apply a genre to it that already exists. One such game is Guts and Glory, which is by far one of the most ridiculous games I’ve ever played, and will prove to be one of the more frustrating titles that I’ve played. It’s not without its issues, but they make up part of the fun. Commence the insanity.
Mostly comprised of silly ideas to put you to the test, Guts and Glory challenges you to select your participant and ride through a series of checkpoints until you reach the finish line. Sounds easy enough, right? Well that’s where Hak Jak think you need a bit of challenge. Logs attached to wires that swing around maliciously, land mines, cannons, saw blades and more to prevent you from reaching your goal. It’s an assault course that would make Takeshi’s Castle blush with embarrassment at how tame it is by comparison.
With a selection of characters and their respective vehicles, such as a hobo and his rocket powered chair, to an middle aged couple with their push bike and child’s trailer and more, and it’s all ridiculous and rather silly. There’s even a hover board thrown in for good measure.
The physics are a bit on the wonky side of things, which instantly reminded me of the cult classic Goat Simulator, but given the state of the game, it forms a part of the charm that Guts and Glory has. The control sensitivity is through the roof, which makes for a frustrating experience and increases the difficulty for navigating the various levels. Especially when you have a narrow path through a series of land mines.
Each level is generous in its size, but they feel empty at times with little to flesh them out. Some levels are incredibly tricky. Like the final level for the Yang family, which sees you driving their car through an assault course that looks impossible at first. It’s not, it’s just very hard. But there’s one thing I would love to see in Guts and Glory which would no doubt extend the life cycle of the game, and that’s a course editor and the ability to share your horrific creations with other gamers around the world. Maybe in a future update or some form of DLC we will see it, who knows. For now though, we are treated to the delights of the devious minds at Hak Jak.
To say that Guts and Glory is a lot of fun is a massive understatement, and you will enjoy yourself from start to finish. Sure it doesn’t look the best game in the world, and yes there is an issue with the physics and steering being over sensitive, but it’s a game that doesn’t take itself seriously one bit and neither should you. If you fancy having a laugh with friends, this is the game for you. May as well live stream your epic fails and hilarious deaths while you’re at it. People are bound to find humour in this, and there’s plenty of it. Especially when you finish the course on a push bike with one arm and one leg, with a stream of blood spurting from the open wounds.
Verdict
If you don’t mind silly and over the top action along with some gory deaths and bucket loads of blood, and some wonky physics, then Guts and Glory is the game for you. It’s plain bonkers truth be told, and would definitely make for a good game to live stream.
Developer: Hak Jak
Publisher: tinyBuild
Release Date: 19th July 2018
Price: £11.99
File Size: 5.46GB
Xbox One copy provided for review purpose.
Available on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and Steam