Super Smash Bros. isn't exactly a game developers mimic often. Saying that, Arrowhead Game Studios' new title, The Showdown Effect draws directly from Nintendo's exclusive brawler. The difference is instead of having iconic heroes from different games beat the snot out of each other, they'll be more ambiguous champions from different time periods beating the snot out of each other.

The Showdown Effect is going to be a 2.5D multiplayer action title that's heavily inspired by action movies of the 80's and 90's. That means jumping through windows, firing fully automatic weapons is totally in. Besides fighting to the death because they can, I'm not too sure the emphasis on story is truly needed in a game like this. After all, did anyone really ask why Captain Falcon hit Ganondorf with a baseball bat? That's what I thought.

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The comparison keeps being made, how similar design is for Super Smash Bros. and The Showdown Effect. While The Showdown Effect isn't nearly as floaty and doesn't emphasize popping people off the stage, it still shares Super Smash Bros. diversity of weapons. You'll find all sorts of firearms, rockets, lightsabers, katanas, grenades, etc to demolish your opponents. I guess it goes without saying that this game is much bloodier than Super Smash Bros. too huh?

Arrowhead has made it a point that the controls to The Showdown Effect are spot-on. They want you to be able to pull off any kind of move you desire without falling back on shoddy controls as blame for your demise. You'll also be able to customize your character with a variety of unlockables that have yet to be fully disclosed. Unfortunately I didn't get to see if bots are available for people to play against, but Arrowhead did let me know that up to eight players can partake in the multiplayer mayhem.



The Showdown Effect is an interesting concept. The art style definitely captures that 80's / 90's movie vibe and the combat is definitely a fast and fun experience. Expect the game to drop sometime later this year.

Labels: Andrew Whipple III, Arrowhead Game Studios, Paradox Interactive, PAX East, PC, The Showdown Effect

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