Overview – developed by Statera Studio and published by PQube in collaboration with Pixel Heart, Pocket Bravery is a traditional 2D fighter with a look inspired by Neo Geo Pocket games. Take the battle across the world and online with cast of vibrant characters, flashy special moves and a bunch of extra content to unlock. This title is available on Steam, with console versions that are coming in the future, a link to the game will be at the bottom of this review.
Disclaimer: before I get into the review, I would like to thank PQube for providing the copy of Pocket Bravery that was used for this piece, via the Keymailer service. The provision of this software has not influenced the contents of this review, all thoughts and opinions contained within are my own.
Now with the introductions out of the way, let’s get into the review, starting with the outline of the plot. I will also be covering the core aspects of the game, as there are secrets and content unlocks that players should experience for themselves. Please be aware, there is DLC for this game that is available, with new characters, stages and music available now and in the future, but this coverage will be talking specifically about the base game experience.
Story – across the world, people are manifesting strange and mysterious powers, trying to find the cause of this phenomenon. While this is happening, a terrorist group called “The Pack” have been stealing artifacts and relics across the globe. Nuno Alves, a former member of The Pack is thrown in captivity, where he meets Lobo, who helps Nuno awaken his power. Working together, they escape and put a plan in place to get revenge against Hector, the leader of The Pack.
Gameplay – This title is a retro styled 2D fighting game, using a sprite style inspired by games like The King of Fighters and Fatal Fury for the Neo Geo Pocket. There is a simple to pick up game system, using a four button system for punches and kicks, using a light and heavy variation of each. Regular matches for the game have a 2 out of 3 round format, pitting two players in a head to head battle. At the start of the game, there are 10 playable characters, with 3 to be unlocked.
Each of the playable characters has command inputs, allowing for power moves to be used during fights. Then there are the super moves, which are the most powerful attacks in a characters arsenal. To use these moves, players must use one of two meters that are on screen. These are the super meter, which will allow players to use a super special attack when the meter is filled during battle. Then we have the Element meter, which is the unique mechanic for this title.
During battles, when the player deals and takes damage, the Element meter will fill up on screen. When it reaches half full, then players can deploy two special moves. The first is the Element strike, where standard power moves can be enhanced for more damage. Then there is the breaker, which can push an opponent away while blocking attacks. If it is full, the breaker can interrupt combo attacks, or the player can use their ultimate attack, a cinematic FINAL MOVE.
All of the combat mechanics are balanced for the most part, but there are some minor issues during the moment to moment combat. It is possible for characters to be pinned in the corner, stuck in a block state by the opponent throwing out repeated strikes. The reach of strikes is shorter than one may expect, which may take players a moment to get used to the flow of battle. For newer players, there is the option for simplified inputs, allowing moves to be used with single buttons.
Moving onto the game modes, there is a lot of content in this release for players to really sink their teeth into. First is the Story Mode, which lets the players go on an adventure as the protagonist Nuno, on a journey to battle Hector in a quest for revenge. This plays out through multiple chapters, playing out in a fairly linear style. In each chapter players will encounter and often battle characters from the roster, alongside special multi-opponent fights and challenge stages.
This mode also acts as an in depth tutorial, teaching players all of the ins and outs of the game mechanics. These little tutorials are masked as the challenge stages, where actions need to be performed and repeated in order to progress. The main storyline for this title is called Nuno’s Path, but there are optional diverging paths, which can be fun. But story mode has one major bug, the game can freeze during challenge stages, which is extremely frustrating as it requires a full restart.
After story mode, there are the traditional game modes for players to test their skills in. First is the arcade mode, where players will challenge 8 opponents with the final being a battle against the final boss. All of the characters having a unique ending for defeating the final boss, which is added to the gallery, alongside other images and sound. Then there is multiplayer, where battles with another person or a CPU can be fought on the same system locally.
There is also an online mode, where players can battle others in their region and across the world. The options for this mode are casual, ranked and lobby matches. Casual fights just throw two players together for a quick battle, with ranked matches that reward or deduct points based on performance. Players can increase their rank by winning enough matches. Last are the lobby matches, where players can create custom groups or join others.
All of the online modes have rollback netcode, allowing players to get as smooth an experience as possible when fighting players in different parts of the world. For those who don’t want to just sit around and wait, it is possible to enter training mode while matchmaking. This allows players to practice their moves, making sure they are prepared for the fight. But this has to be activated from the network menu, as there is another training mode option.
This is on the main menu, where players can join and spend all the time they want practicing. There is a suite of options, modifiers and settings that players can use to polish their skills in battle. for those who are newer to fighting games, there is a tutorial mode, that allows playuers to learn all of the mechanics and terms of the game. To round out the learning features is the combo maker, where custom combos can be tested, with the option for combo trails for each character.
In this release, players can enjoy bonus single player challenges. These are survival, where players can fight sets of opponents with a single health bar. At the end of each set, the difficulty increases and a new set is generated. At the end of each fight, players are granted some health regeneration. There is also Time Attack, which is a run of 8 battles, one credit and orbs that will affect the battle. Combo trials can also be found in the extra menu, which are taken from combo maker.
As the player clears story mode, arcade and challenges, battle points are earned and added to the player total. With these points, new content can be unlocked in the Shop, containing a variety of bonus content for players to earn during play. These bonuses include new stages, game modes and even extra colors based on other fighting game characters. This gives the game extra replay value, providing a nice bonus for playing through the game solo.
Now with the gameplay covered, it is time to cover the other aspects of this release starting with the controls.
Controls – Pocket Bravery uses the tried and true control system used by many classic fighters, with the four attack buttons and dual presses for special mechanics. There are also built in hotkeys and a simplified control scheme, perfect for newer players. They work very well and are responsive throughout, however, it is recommended to use a controller or arcade stick for the best experience. It is possible to play the game with a keyboard, but it is not advised.
Difficulty – this can be a pretty tough fighting game, as it has that classic difficulty that is often attributed to SNK fighters like Fatal Fury. There are multiple difficulty settings, but I would advise starting on a lower setting when getting used to the fighting. This is because the range of the characters can feel a little stubby. The Story mode is a tough challenge, but it can be done in less than 6 hours which is a fair amount of time.
Presentation – from a visual standpoint, this is a pretty good looking game with many of the inspirations on full show. The colors pop wonderfully, with the vibrant sprites, stages and visual effects, with the game looking really smooth in motion. The cutscene images are equally pleasing, but sadly lack voice over which does dull the impact a little. The sound is pretty good in general, with a solid soundtrack and voices used for the characters which work very well.
Final Thoughts – I was aware of Pocket Bravery while it was being developed, but never really dove into it. But the opportunity to get hands-on arose and I took it with gusto. My first feelings were a little mixed though, as the stubby nature of the Pocket style sprites was a little jarring. My first few attempts to get to grips with the game didn’t work out too. This was due in part to having played the games that it is based on, and the expectations that came with it.
However, after a while everything fell into place and just clicked, with the way that characters moved and attacks worked. This changed my whole outlook on it, leading to a rather enjoyable experience. It does have its flaws, like the bug that kept forcing a hard restart and some slight issues with balance. But overall, it is something fighting fans can easily enjoy, especially with references to Capcom, SNK and much more hidden within (keep an eye out for Terry, Mai, Andy and Mary).
In the end, I give Pocket Bravery a final score of 3.75/5. This is a solid and well put together indie fighter, with the passion for the classics that inspired it fully on show, the cast of characters may seem shallow, but the depth and variety of play styles, modes and bonuses more than makes up for it. if you want to check this title out for yourself, a link to the game will be below.
Link to Steam version (HERE)
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