Platform(s): PC (version reviewed)
Genre: First-person shooting/kicking speedrunning game

In the realm of indie gaming, where creativity often trumps glossy visuals, Anger Foot emerges as a bold contender. Developed by Free Lives who is known for its offbeat titles, this first-person shooter(?) blends stylised graphics with adrenaline-pumping gameplay. Having delved into the full release, here’s a deep dive into what makes Anger Foot tick and where it occasionally stumbles.

Aesthetic Ambiguity

Visually, Anger Foot makes a deliberate statement with its stylised, almost retro-inspired graphics. While the aesthetic feels intentional, there are moments where the lack of modern polish may give pause to those accustomed to photorealistic landscapes. However, the game compensates with a riot of quirky enemy designs and environments that ooze personality, injecting humour into every pixelated punch.

Sonic Mayhem & Monotony

The soundtrack, initially a beacon of thematic rage and intensity, unfortunately, falls victim to repetition. From start to finish, the same track throbs relentlessly through all stages, threatening to wear out its welcome faster than an overplayed radio hit. Though the option to mute exists, it’s a shame such a vibrant world lacks a more dynamic auditory landscape to match its kinetic visuals.

Kicks, Chaos, & Creative Combat

Where Anger Foot truly shines is in its gameplay mechanics. Centred around a robust kick mechanic that’s both your primary weapon and tool for environmental mayhem, the game revels in its own brand of controlled chaos. Each level demands swift movement, precise timing, and the strategic application of brute force to dispatch foes and navigate treacherous terrain. It’s a gameplay loop that rewards mastery and perseverance, offering ample replayability through timed challenges that beckon you to shave off those precious seconds.

Seasoned FPS aficionados will find themselves in familiar territory, where split-second decisions can mean the difference between victory and a swift respawn. Newcomers, however, might find the learning curve steep as they grapple with the game’s unforgiving pace and relentless onslaught.

Controller Conundrums

For those who prefer the ergonomic embrace of a controller, Anger Foot boasts solid support. Yet, this accessibility comes with a caveat: an aim assist feature that’s a bit too eager to guide your crosshairs. While it’s a boon for newcomers or those less adept with the dual analogue sticks, seasoned marksmen may find it detracts from the challenge they seek. Thankfully, options exist to tweak this balance, ensuring everyone finds their stride in this pixelated ballet of destruction.

Performance Prowess

In the realm of technical performance, it should be noted that I’m playing on my Lenovo Legion 5i, which runs with an NVIDIA RTX 3060 Laptop GPU, 12th Gen Intel Core i5 CPU and 16GB of RAM, which is more than enough to run most games. However, due to my SSD being full, I had to review Anger Foot with it being installed on my HDD. Now this significantly impacted its performance, especially while running OBS to record the first 15 levels.

With that said, I have since gone and tested Anger Foot on my SSD, without running OBS and it holds its ground admirably. Throughout my playthrough, not a single glitch disrupted the flow. It’s a testament to the developers’ dedication to delivering a smooth, glitch-free experience that keeps you focused on the action-packed escapades unfolding on screen

Just For Kicks

In summation, Anger Foot remains a paradox of sorts: a game that dazzles with its creativity and gameplay innovation while occasionally stumbling over its own quirky charm. Despite its repetitive soundtrack and the occasional rough visual edge, the game’s heart beats strong with engaging mechanics and a sense of humour that permeates every frame.

For those seeking a break from the glossy realism of AAA titles and a plunge into the irreverent waters of indie gaming, Anger Foot offers a refreshing dip. It’s not flawless, but its flaws are forgivable in the face of its infectious energy and commitment to delivering a visceral if occasionally vexing, experience.

Pros:

• Engaging and unique gameplay mechanics.
• Stylised visuals with quirky enemy designs.
• Fast-paced action that emphasises movement and precision.
• Full controller support with accessibility options.
• Smooth performance and optimisation.

Cons:

• Limited and repetitive soundtrack that may become tiresome.
• Graphics could benefit from additional polish.
• Overly strong aim assist reduces challenge.

Final Score: 70/100

Review copy provided by publisher.