The indie gaming scene has a new rising star in Mullet MadJack, which has captured players’ hearts with its unique blend of retro FPS action and anime aesthetics. After an impressive six-month run boasting a metascore of 88 and an overwhelming 97% positive rating from 6,000 Steam user reviews, developer Hammer95 Studios and publisher Epopeia Games are expanding the game’s content with a free Boss Rush Mode update.
This new mode challenges players to face off against a gauntlet of bosses in a time-based competition, where speed and skill determine their position on global leaderboards. Adding to the excitement, the mode features a surprising crossover with the ULTRAKILL universe, incorporating one of its iconic villains as the final challenge.
At its core, Mullet MadJack is a fast-paced, single-player first-person shooter that combines retro FPS mechanics with roguelite elements in an anime-inspired world. The game transports players to the year 2090, where they take on the role of a unique protagonist – a mullet-sporting police officer facing off against an army of billionaire robots.
The game’s narrative follows an intriguing premise: players must rescue the world’s most famous influencer from a dangerous criminal organization while battling through a towering skyscraper. Adding a modern twist to the classic formula, the protagonist is portrayed as a dopamine-addicted vigilante whose every move is broadcast to an eager audience, creating an additional layer of pressure and spectacle.
What sets Mullet MadJack apart is its distinctive visual identity. The game employs a striking contrast between black and neon colors, deliberately evoking the aesthetic of classic adult anime from the VHS era. This visual approach is complemented by a synthwave soundtrack that perfectly captures the game’s urban, cyberpunk atmosphere.
The gameplay experience is divided into several engaging modes:
- The Campaign mode challenges players to clear floors teeming with robots, featuring intense combat sequences and ultraviolent finishing moves.
- Survival mode tests players’ endurance and skill in an endless challenge format.
- The new Boss Rush mode adds a competitive element, encouraging players to defeat boss encounters as quickly as possible to climb the global rankings.
True to its roguelite nature, the game features a character progression system where players must make strategic upgrade choices that significantly impact their playstyle. These decisions are crucial for reaching the top floor efficiently, though failure means starting over – a classic roguelite mechanic that adds depth and replayability.
Behind this innovative title is Hammer95 Studios, a small but passionate team of three developers who share a deep appreciation for classic anime aesthetics. Their dedication to capturing the essence of 80s and 90s anime culture is evident throughout the game, from its visual design to its storytelling approach.
The game has proven to be a hit with both gaming enthusiasts and anime fans, offering vibrant visuals, memorable character designs, and an engaging narrative that successfully bridges the gap between these two entertainment mediums. With the addition of the Boss Rush mode and its surprising crossover content, Mullet MadJack continues to evolve and provide fresh challenges for its growing community.
