Anarcute is a game that involves players in managing a riot. Even though the steam description of this game says this game is a riot simulator. This game isn’t really a riot simulator even though you are rioting. Instead this game is an action based game with some puzzle elements involved.
Whilst this game does look cute and visually appears to look like a children’s cartoon. With the unique art style and effects used in this game it will certainly grab a child’s attention. Despite this I think that it is a game adults can enjoy too. This game is also child friendly in its game design as it is easy to play on and there is only 1 difficulty. A gaming controller can be used with this game as well. Even at the beginning of the game. It is emphasised that a controller is the preferred way to play the game. Although, I played this game with a mouse and keyboard and it worked well.
However, this game isn’t as cute and cuddly as it looks. Mainly because of what the game is based around, as the game centres around starting riots in 4 different cities across the world. The reason you are rioting is because evil companies have taken over major cities of the world. As a result of this, a number of cities are currently run like police states. Your task as the player is to run riot across various parts of 4 different cities across the world.
In this game you aren’t playing as one man on a rampage that is out to wreck everything. But rather you play as a group of people that are rioting. On each level you will go around the level completing a handful of different objectives. Objectives range from clearing the level from police officers through to destroying buildings. In this game each level is your playground to do as you see fit and cause mayhem in. In this game your crowd can go near an item that they could pick up for you to throw. With a plethora of items to choose from such as bins and bicycles. You can even carry heavier items such as vehicles and telephone booths, when your riot has enough participants.
While at the start of the game you are a small group of rioters. However, over time you can get more to join your crowd. Having a bigger crowd will generally improve your rioting skills. Such as having stronger attacks and being able to carry more projectiles. Although, it might be difficult to move crowds sometimes, especially when they become entrapped in small places.
Having a great crowd size does come with great abilities/perks. If you manage to get your crowd to a certain size you will get a new ability/perk. While a lot of abilities in this game are focused on combat. Some abilities involve puzzle like elements into the game. The perk knock down buildings allows building to fall, does provide a puzzle element into the game. As not only can you bring a building down that has a sniper on the roof. If police are patrolling around a building you can pull it down so the building falls on them. This is handy as you have less potential harm coming to your crowd.
To add to the abilities you earn in game there is also unlockable abilities. Which you earn by spending earn coins earned for completing levels. I like that there is the inclusion of unlockable abilities that you can choose and switch between 4 different perks for each level. As I don’t like how in many games once you pick an ability/perk it sticks with you throughout the game. But in this game you pick a perk and can switch between each perk before you play a level. I like this since some of the perks are useful in a variety of different scenarios. For example, on some levels having a perk that will allow you to have stronger and wider stomps which is beneficial, especially on combat based levels. But you can also get perks which allow you to do different things such as being able to run faster.
Overall I can recommend this game as it is clever and has a unique play style and subject matter. I would also particularly recommend this game for older children and those who like action based puzzle games.
