In 2012, South African video game developer, Free Lives officially established as a small independent company. Their first project is “Broforce.” A throwback to both 2D side scrolling run-and-gun platform games like “Contra” and ‘80s-‘90s action movies starring Sylvester Stallone, Mel Gibson & Arnold Schwarzenegger. The game was given an early access to players on Steam in 2014 updating patches including a free expansion for “The Expendables 3.” Broforce was given a full release in 2015 on PC earning praise from critics and gamers alike. Later ported for the PlayStation 4 in 2016, another port for Xbox One in 2018 and a final one for Nintendo Switch in 2023.
I have one reason why I wanna review this game. “Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse” will be released in October 15, 2026. Although Free Lives has zero connection to Konami, but it does feature the side-scrolling platform element.
Strong & Weak Qualities
Strong: Graphics has that pixelated retro look.
Gameplay/Mechanics
- Presented as a pixelated 2D side-scrolling run-and-gun platform game, you play as a mercenary (called a bro) fighting your way through enemies, rescuing prisoners of war and liberate a base.
- Destructible Environments either shoot or blow up. Helps you form a path. Drop a huge block on enemies crushing them. Beware of falling blocks. Otherwise, you’ll be flat as a pancake. Shooting explosive barrels causes a chain reaction. Keep an eye on ‘em.
- Defeating a red demon, hoisting the American flag and escaping on a helicopter ends the level leaving the area exploding to pieces.
- Rescuing a prisoner of war turns you into another character as well as gaining an additional life.
- Rather than selecting a character, you play as a random one. It’s fine. I like surprises.
- Co-Op gathers a total of four players. You and your three pals can have a good time.
- Combat’s the meat and potatoes. Each character has a unique weapon and special ability. For example, Conan the Barbarian is a melee fighter wielding a sword. His special ability enables him to launch into the air, performs a powerful ground pound. Test out a character’s skills to gain the upper hand.
- Enemy Variety has diverse foes such as humans wielding various weapons, turrets and a mecha. Free Lives had the guts to include Facehuggers and Xenomorphs from the “Alien” franchise.
- Boss Battles are fun, but difficult. Especially the final battle with The Devil.
- Completing a Covert Mission unlocks a power-up. My favorite is slowing down time.
- If you get hit by a gunshot, caught in an explosion or fall to your death, you lose a life and return to the nearest checkpoint. Lose all lives, it’s game over. You’ll be forced to start the entire level.
- Hoisting an American flag serves as a checkpoint system. If you lose a life, you’ll return to your most recent location.
- Arcade Mode is just non-stop gameplay minus Main Campaign.
It took me 12 hours to beat the Main Campaign on Normal difficulty. Which is acceptable to the game’s $14.99 price tag.
Replay Value if you wanna invite your friends over or replay Main Campaign on higher difficulty. Adding additional hours.
Free Lives added a free and final patch under “Broforce Forever” with more new playable characters and missions on PC and all consoles. You can tell they’re generous to the players.
Random Thought: My introduction to Broforce was a YouTube video with Angry Joe playing the game dressed as Rambo. He later ranked it as Number as part of his “Best Games of 2015.”
Weak: Main Campaign lacks a compelling storyline. Just a blatant excuse to shoot your wave through enemies and defeat bosses.
The Final Verdict: A-
Broforce is an awesome love letter to old school run-and gun games and ‘80s-‘90s action movies. If you’re a fan of either of ‘em, this is the game you’re looking for definitely worth the price of $14.99 plus sales tax. Which video game should I play and review next? Please leave a comment.
