Forestrike, a newly announced kung fu action game from popular indie publisher Devolver Digital and Olija developer Skeleton Crew, is poised to shake up the beat ’em up genre. Its standout feature is the titular Forestrike ability, which transforms the traditional combat into a strategic puzzle experience.
Players in Forestrike are given a mere three health points, making every encounter a high-stakes affair. Attack animations are deliberate, meaning enemies are likely to land the first blow if players aren’t prepared. This is where the Forestrike ability comes into play. Before engaging in battle, players can enter a meditative state, allowing them to observe enemy behavior patterns and develop the most effective strategy for victory. This mechanic fundamentally alters the game loop, shifting it from the typical beat ’em up’s repetitive combat to a strategic puzzle-solving approach.
The inclusion of elements like guarding, dodging, weapon acquisition, and roguelike run-specific buffs adds further layers of complexity to each encounter, creating a truly exhilarating challenge. Forestrike takes what is often the most frustrating aspect of beat ’em ups – the repetitive combat – and turns it into a core mechanic that empowers players to analyze, strategize, and execute perfect attacks.
For the boldest players, the Forestrike ability isn’t strictly necessary, though it does significantly increase the difficulty. Imagine Forestrike as a 2D Sifu, but instead of an aging system, it offers a mechanic that lets players rehearse every fight before they actually dive in.
Forestrike is set to launch sometime in 2025, promising a unique and engaging kung fu experience that seamlessly blends action and strategy.
