Anyone who played games from the late 80s to the early 2000s most certainly came across a game published by Acclaim.
From Rambo and Airwolf to WWF, The Simpsons, Mortal Kombat, Re-Volt, and hundreds more, Acclaim was a publishing house that created games we all enjoyed. Sadly, in 2004, they had to shut down due to bankruptcy.
However, earlier this year, a group of passionate gamers announced they had purchased the rights to the Acclaim branding (without its massive IP, as that had all been sold off) and were relaunching this powerhouse publisher with a re-ignited flame.
On Wednesday evening, Acclaim held the first of what it promised would be many game showcases, during which nine new games were revealed to the world.
While many were hoping for remasters, bundles, or sequels to the games of old, Acclaim has begun its second journey as an indie game publisher.
For the time being, this is where they will maintain their focus until they can acquire some of the original IP.
So, without further ado, here are Acclaim’s latest games, coming to PC (and hopefully console) soon:
GRIDBeat
GRIDBeat is a rhythm game, where players must manoeuvre through a pre-determined course to the beat of the music, avoiding gunshots, firewalls and other enemies in order to stay alive.
The game allows you to take control of different hackers who can install different power-ups in order to help you progress through each stage.
GRIDBeat is currently available to Wishlist over on Steam.
Basketball Classics
If you’re a fan of 8-bit style games, then Basketball Classics could be the slam dunk you’ve been aiming for. The game features 5-on-5 style basketball, with over 1000 players to choose from across the different eras of the sport.
Build your team up through Season Mode, or complete every challenge the game has to offer in Challenge Mode, the choice is yours.
Basketball Classics is available on Steam now and coming to consoles soon.
Ground Zero Hero
Probably one of the more modern looking titles showcased during the event, Ground Zero Hero is an action roguelite set in a post apocalyptic world where your absorb defeated mutants to mutate yourself for survival and, apparently, eat a lot of candy?
The game seems to have a bit of that Plants vs Zombies humour, with a mutant-like twist.
The game is currently available to wishlist over on Steam.
Pixel Washer
Perhaps riding on the Powerwash Simulator trend, Pixel Washer takes things a little old school by subbing out the “realistic” graphics for something a little more… square.
While the main premise of the game seems to be washing things, the developers have teased a few interesting puzzles that the game could throw at you, making this game a little more intense than other washing simulators we may be used to.
The game is currently available to wishlist over on Steam.
Talaka
Definitely one of the games that piqued my interest is Talaka. A roguelite-platformer that features fast combat and a stunning hand-painted art aesthetic.
The game lore revolves around Afro-Brazilian folklore, which will have players talking to Gods, fighting corrupted creatures in order to keep the world in balance.
Talaka is currently available to wishlist over on Steam.
TossDown
A game trailer that almost had me booting up my emulator to play a game of Crazy Taxi has to be TossDown. A chaotic delivery game where what seems like an infinite amount of rockets are out to destroy you, or maybe your parcel? I’m not sure, the trailer wasn’t very clear on that part.
What is was clear on, however, was the amount of chaos you would have to fight through in order to get through each deliver. It looks fast, it looks fun, it looks chaotic.
The game is available to wishlist over on Steam.
The Prisoning: Fletcher’s Quest
Ever wondered what the inside of a game developer’s mind might look like? Well, The Prisoning: Fletcher’s Quest hopes to show you as you find yourself trapped inside one filled with psychological and emotional burnout.
This metroidvania title might have a cartoony art aetheitc, but it touches on a very true, and sometimes overwhelming story.
The Prisoning: Fletcher’s Quest is currently available to wishlist over on Steam.
Hyper Yuki Snowboard Syndicate
A definite attempt to lure in the good old SSX Tricky fans, Hyper Yuki Snowboard Syndicate takes gamers down the snowy slopes on a board with colourful characters once more.
Pull off insane tricks in competition mode, be the fastest in race mode, or just take it easy in explore mode. With single player, local co-op and multiplayer options available, Hyper Yuki is definitely trying to tickle those old school Tricky vibes.
The game is currently available to wishlist over on Steam.
Katanaut
Then, saving the juiciest bit for those who sat through to the end, waiting for that mid-credit clip, Acclaim dropped Katanaut.
Katanuat is a metroidvania packed with slick, fluid combat, cosmic horrors, and a katana wielding space badass that would have 90s Cody drooling.
Can you fight your way through the twisted depths of the space station and find out what’s turned these once human creatures into the abominations they have now become?
Katanaut is available to purchase on Steam now.
While the #PlayAcclaim showcase might not have revived many old-school classics many of us have fond memories of, it still provided a nice little taste of what the indie publishing house has up its sleeves, and, to be quite honest, I’m excited to see what they can keep delivering.
