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Alcohol has plenty to answer for! It is the root of many bad choices, awful dancing, and numerous fights. However, we all love it nonetheless. By consuming copious amounts, we think we are beautiful, strong, and indestructible. But, in reality, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Drunken Fist 2: Zombie Hangover represents this idea in an amusing and simple way.
Developed by Deklazon and Eastasiasoft Limited, and published by the latter, this is a low-poly physics-based fighting title. What’s more, it is gory, ridiculous, and has a linear plot. Its straightforward approach keeps things pretty low-key, but this wasn’t a problem. The basic ideas allow you to focus on kicking ass and killing enemies.
Drunken Fist 2: Zombie Hangover is mindless but fun.
If you like to be challenged and pushed to your limits, this game isn’t for you. Now, that isn’t to say that it is a walk in the park. Because it isn’t. No, instead, you won’t be challenged logically, and there are no puzzles to overcome. Alternatively, you must string together basic combos, dodge massive blows, and hunt for bottles of alcohol. This is the crux of Drunken Fist 2: Zombie Hangover, but I loved it, regardless.
This whimsical take on the survival genre has a familiar tongue-in-cheek plot. You control a hero who looks similar to Chuck Norris. This ass-kicking man awakens from an evening of drinking to be surrounded by dead bodies. Now, most people would be alarmed. However, this wannabe hero doesn’t care. Instead, he grabs some alcohol, beats to death any zombie he sees, and continues his day.
As I said, it’s bloody stupid and lacks depth. Yet, you won’t want to put it down. Having looked at the original, I hoped for a more polished finish. Fortunately, the developers have delivered a vastly improved game. Therefore, I thoroughly enjoyed every ridiculous and over-the-top moment.
Weapons, peeing, and many, many zombies.
A fighting game would be nothing without weapons and monstrous foes. Luckily, Drunken Fist 2: Zombie Hangover has both. Sadly, though, the weapons are basic and hard to come by. This was disappointing, as each club and hammer enhanced the fighting experience. However, I soldiered on, nevertheless.
Talking of fighting, there are several tactical approaches you can try. “Chuck Norris” can roundhouse kick, throw punches, sweep his opponents, or jump to dodge blows, but he also has a special trick in his trousers. Like every human, the more alcohol he consumes, the more he must pee. By urinating on the floor, you create a slip hazard that amusingly wipes out your foes in an instant. Word of warning though, don’t walk through it, otherwise, you’ll be drenched in pee, as well.
The peeing element never got old. I chuckled repeatedly as “hotdog” zombies hit the deck, or an undead police officer fell to the ground. Yet, some zombies are more agile than others. These leaping pests dodge your traps and cause mayhem. Then there are the weapon-wielding hulks who smash you to pieces. Whichever one you face, you must kill them. Do you charge at them, or do you try to dodge their advances?
Drunken Fist 2: Zombie Hangover is a low-poly affair.
Low-poly gaming reminds me of the 80s and early 90s. Its bright colours, simple level design, and ugly sprites were game-changing. However, now, they simply look ugly while creating a dated retro aesthetic. Consequently, Drunken Fist 2: Zombie Hangover has old-school vibes and is tough to look at. But, I still loved it! Its gory nature and in-your-face ways were charming. I appreciate it won’t appeal to all, but it works perfectly with this genre.
With violence and gore at every corner, the audio has to be dramatic. Luckily, it was! Thanks to its electronic style and loud and obnoxious voice clips, it was brilliantly OTT. Every death is accompanied by a booming voice. Accordingly, the juicier the kill, the louder the commentator becomes. This Americanised approach worked wonders with the brutality of the gameplay.
The camera is terrible.
Because of the great tutorial, you’ll master the controls instantly. Yet, the game is messy to play. Now, this isn’t anything to do with the controller layout or how responsive it is. No, instead, the camera angle and enemy targeting are to blame. The game doesn’t react well to hectic situations, and the camera goes crazy. This makes it extremely nauseating to play and frustrating as well. Disappointingly, matters are made worse as the targeting system is broken. Consequently, you struggle to focus on a specific enemy and that is just annoying.
Another shortcoming is the lack of replay value or longevity. Once you’ve completed this, you are unlikely to return. Furthermore, the action is repetitive. Except for new zombies, the gameplay rarely changes. Subsequently, there is a distinct element of déjà vu.
Drunken Fist 2: Zombie Hangover is amusing and frustrating.
With plenty of potential, Drunken Fist 2: Zombie Hangover could have been amazing. I adored the stupidity of it, the mindless violence, and the roster of zombies. However, it lacks depth, is repetitive, and doesn’t evolve. Yes, it is an improvement on its predecessor, but I’m not sure that’s enough. I’m on the fence, but it amused me, so, I recommend you to buy it here! Waking up surrounded by the dead is not a great end to a heavy session. But, for this hero, it is just another day.
