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Strange Brigade

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Strange Brigade
Item: Strange Brigade
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2018

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Shooter, Puzzle and Logic, Top-Down Perspective, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableAug 28, 2018

PlatformPC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

DeveloperRebellion

Overview

There are remote corners of the British Empire where the supernatural lurks and the shadows linger, where few dare go and fewer return. In Strange Brigade you'll encounter fantastic and forgotten civilizations shrouded in mystery, uncover treacherous tombs and test your wits against unfathomable foes... You'll explore the ancient world as one of four dashing explorers, each blessed with their own weapons, tactics, and special superhuman powers... You'll fight back-to-back against a terrifying army of mythological menaces, unleashed by no less than a resurrected Egyptian witch queen! With such ungodly evil afoot, the Strange Brigade needs YOU!

Elsewhere

6.7

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Strange Brigade charms with its humorous 1930s pulp vibe and engaging narration, but critics agree its story is shallow and underdeveloped. While the witty dialogue and quirky narrator add flair, the narrative relies too heavily on clichés and cutscenes, falling short of delivering a compelling experience. Ultimately, the fun gameplay can't mask the lack of depth, leaving players wanting a richer story.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

24%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

68%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions surrounding the story of Strange Brigade reveal a shared appreciation for its humorous and lighthearted approach, particularly in its 1930s pulp adventure setting. Critics such as Gaming Nexus and COGconnected highlight the engaging narration and witty dialogue that infuse the game with character, making the narrative enjoyable despite its simplicity. The presence of a quirky narrator, as noted by XboxAddict, adds a unique charm to the experience, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the game. Additionally, the nostalgic elements and adventure film references resonate well with players, providing a backdrop that many find entertaining, as seen in Everyeye.it's assessment of the vintage adventure spirit. However, the consensus among critics indicates that the story is fundamentally flawed due to its lack of depth and complexity. Reviewers such as DarkStation and Riot Pixels emphasize the narrative's weakness, pointing out that it often feels minimal and poorly developed, relying heavily on cutscenes and external material for context. Critics like PlayStation LifeStyle and Hardcore Gamer echo these sentiments, noting that while the premise of battling undead foes and an ancient witch queen is intriguing, the execution falls flat, leading to a forgettable experience. The overarching sentiment is that the story serves primarily as a means to connect gameplay rather than as a compelling narrative in its own right. Overall, while Strange Brigade succeeds in delivering a fun and humorous experience, the critics largely agree that its story lacks the depth and engagement necessary to elevate it beyond a basic backdrop for action. The narrative's simplicity and reliance on tropes from adventure films detract from its potential, as highlighted by GamePro Germany and Switch Player. Despite the enjoyable presentation and comedic elements, the game ultimately leaves players wanting more in terms of character development and plot intricacy, leading to a mixed overall sentiment that acknowledges the fun but critiques the narrative's shortcomings.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Strange Brigade shines in cooperative gameplay with unique character abilities and engaging level design, earning praise for teamwork and dynamic combat. However, critics slam its repetitive gameplay, inconsistent gunplay, and lack of challenging puzzles, leading to a monotonous experience, particularly solo. While fun with friends, the game ultimately lacks the innovation and depth expected from a modern shooter.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

57%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

36%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Strange Brigade has garnered some positive feedback from critics, particularly regarding its cooperative multiplayer experience. Reviewers like IGN and Wccftech highlight the game's emphasis on teamwork, with unique character abilities that enhance the cooperative gameplay. The variety of enemies and the inclusion of traps and environmental hazards, as noted by God is a Geek and AusGamers, contribute to a dynamic combat experience that can be particularly enjoyable when played with friends. Additionally, critics like GameSpace and PlayGround.ru appreciate the engaging level design and the mix of shooting, exploration, and puzzle-solving, which keeps players invested in the action. However, a significant number of critics have pointed out several drawbacks that detract from the overall gameplay experience. Many reviewers, including DarkStation and GamesRadar+, criticize the gameplay for being repetitive and lacking excitement, with a monotonous loop of shooting and simple puzzles. The gunplay is frequently described as inconsistent and clumsy, as mentioned by New Game Network and PlayStation LifeStyle, while the environmental puzzles are often seen as lacking challenge and depth. Critics like Stevivor and PlayStation Universe also note that the gameplay can become tedious, especially when played solo, leading to a sense of monotony that can undermine the fun. The overall consensus among critics suggests that while Strange Brigade offers a solid foundation for cooperative gameplay with enjoyable mechanics and a variety of modes, it ultimately falls short in terms of innovation and depth. Many reviewers, such as Jeuxvideo.com and Twinfinite, express that the gameplay feels flat and familiar, lacking the excitement and engagement expected from a modern shooter. While some critics appreciate the fun aspects of the game, especially in multiplayer settings, the repetitive nature and lack of challenge seem to be a common concern that prevents it from reaching its full potential.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Strange Brigade dazzles with vibrant visuals and a charming 1950s pulp-inspired art style that many critics rave about, especially on Xbox One X. However, it suffers from inconsistent graphics, mediocre lighting, and technical glitches like texture pop-in that hinder gameplay. While the game's immersive environments and creative level design shine, issues such as awkward animations and blending enemy colors detract from the overall experience. In short, it’s a visually appealing game with significant room for improvement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

56%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

41%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Strange Brigade have garnered a mix of praise from various critics, highlighting the game's vibrant environments and stylistic choices. Many reviewers, such as XboxAddict and ZTGD, commend the detailed and lush visuals, particularly on platforms like Xbox One X, where the environments are described as stunning and immersive. Critics like Vandal and GamePro Germany appreciate the game's art style, which draws inspiration from 1950s pulp explorer films, contributing to a unique and charming atmosphere. The level design has also received accolades for its variety and creativity, with critics like GamingTrend and Critical Hit noting the impressive landscapes and architectural styles that enhance the overall experience. However, the visual design of Strange Brigade is not without its flaws. Several reviewers, including Windows Central and PlayStation LifeStyle, point out issues such as inconsistent graphical quality, mediocre lighting, and technical problems like texture pop-in and shadow issues. Critics like CGMagazine and PC Gamer express disappointment in the lack of variety in color palettes and the tendency for enemies to blend into backgrounds, which detracts from gameplay. Additionally, some reviews mention awkward character animations and small text that can hinder the player's experience, as noted by critics like Gamers' Temple and GameSpot. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Strange Brigade offers a visually appealing experience with its vibrant settings and stylistic design, it is marred by technical inconsistencies and design choices that prevent it from reaching its full potential. Many reviewers acknowledge the game's charm and artistic merit, as seen in the praise from outlets like GameCritics and Xbox Tavern, but they also highlight the need for improvement in visual fidelity and polish. Ultimately, Strange Brigade presents a mixed bag of visuals that can captivate players while simultaneously leaving room for enhancement.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Strange Brigade impresses with witty narration and satisfying sound effects, creating a charming and campy atmosphere praised by many critics. However, the repetitive commentary can become annoying, and the music is largely forgettable, detracting from immersion. While the sound design shines, a stronger soundtrack is needed for a truly elevated experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

55%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

39%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Strange Brigade have garnered a generally positive reception among critics, particularly highlighting the contributions of the game's narrator. Reviewers from outlets like COGconnected and Digital Chumps praised the witty and humorous commentary provided by the British-accented narrator, which adds a unique personality and charm to the gameplay experience. Critics noted that the sound effects, especially during combat, are satisfying and enhance the arcade-like gunplay, as emphasized by App Trigger and Push Square. Additionally, the voice acting is frequently mentioned as a standout feature, with many noting that it complements the game’s campy tone, as seen in the reviews from Twinfinite and IGN, who also appreciated the charismatic delivery of the narrator. However, not all feedback is entirely positive. Some critics pointed out significant drawbacks, particularly regarding the repetitiveness of the narrator's commentary. For instance, Multiplayer.it described the narrator's voice as becoming annoying over time, while Hooked Gamers echoed this sentiment by mentioning that the constant presence of the narrator can detract from the overall experience. Additionally, the music has been criticized for being lackluster or forgettable, with some reviews, such as that from New Game Network, stating that the soundtrack does not enhance the gameplay as much as it could have. Hardcore Gamer also highlighted a lack of voice clips from teammates, which detracted from character development and overall immersion. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that while Strange Brigade excels in its sound design through engaging narration and satisfying sound effects, it suffers from some repetitiveness and a lack of memorable music. The humorous commentary is widely appreciated, as noted by critics like Worth Playing and Xbox Achievements, but its potential to become tiresome is a recurring theme. The game successfully captures a charming, campy atmosphere reminiscent of 1930s serials, yet it could benefit from a more robust musical score to elevate the overall audio experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Strange Brigade's voice acting, especially Glen McCready's charming narrator, has garnered strong praise for its humor and personality, enhancing the game's fun. However, criticisms exist regarding the lack of distinctiveness among playable characters and potential repetitiveness of the humor. Overall, while there are notable flaws, the voice acting adds significant charm and contributes to the game's adventurous vibe, making it a highlight for many players.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

57%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

34%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Strange Brigade has received considerable praise from various critics, particularly for the performance of the narrator, Glen McCready. Reviewers such as App Trigger and DualShockers highlighted the narrator's delivery, which is characterized by humor and charm, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the game. Critics like Everyeye.it and IGN Spain appreciated the British accent, noting it fits the game's adventurous and comedic style, while GameSpace and Wccftech commended the strong personality and wit infused in the voice acting, contributing positively to the game's atmosphere. The engaging and humorous quips delivered throughout the gameplay have been recognized as a significant factor that adds to the game's charm, with many critics agreeing that the narrator's performance is a standout aspect. However, not all feedback is positive, as some critics pointed out notable shortcomings in the voice acting. Critical Hit and GamesRadar+ mentioned that while the narrator shines, the playable characters lack distinction and charisma. Similarly, Hardcore Gamer reported a bug that led to a lack of voice acting, severely impacting character interaction and personality. Critics like DarkZero and Hooked Gamers noted that the narrator's constant presence could become tiresome, suggesting that the humor, while initially engaging, might wear thin over time. Additionally, some reviews, such as those from New Game Network and 3DJuegos, criticized the voice acting as being obnoxious or annoying, which detracted from the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a positive reception of the voice acting in Strange Brigade, particularly regarding the narrator's performance. While there are valid criticisms regarding character development and the potential for the humor to become repetitive, the majority of reviewers appreciate the charm and engaging nature of the voice acting. Critics like PlayStation Universe and Gameblog.fr encapsulate this sentiment well, emphasizing that the voice acting contributes significantly to the game's light-hearted tone and overall enjoyment. Despite some mixed reviews, the voice acting remains a highlight for many players, enhancing the game's campy and adventurous atmosphere.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

"Strange Brigade" showcases solid performance across platforms, with the PS4 version praised for its smooth gameplay and optimization, while the Xbox One faces significant technical issues like texture pop-ins. PC users enjoy stable performance but suffer from optimization flaws and crashes. Overall, the game delivers a mixed experience with commendable elements but falls short of higher-tier expectations due to various bugs and graphical limitations.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

33%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

57%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

10%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of "Strange Brigade" across various platforms presents a mixed bag of experiences, with some notable positives. On the PlayStation 4, many reviewers, including GameSpace and Gaming Nexus, praised the game for its smooth performance and lack of framerate issues, even during intense action sequences. Vandal highlighted the game's optimization for larger maps, while Wccftech noted that the PS4 Pro version maintains a locked 30FPS with an uncapped framerate option. On the Xbox One, critics like Press Start Australia and Xbox Tavern reported smooth performance, with the game handling crowded scenes effectively. Similarly, PC reviewers, such as GameGrin and DarkZero, commended the game for its solid optimization, smooth performance, and support for advanced technologies like DirectX 12 and Vulkan, which contributed to an overall stable gaming experience. However, there are several technical shortcomings across all platforms that critics have pointed out. On the PS4, Hardcore Gamer and PlayStation LifeStyle mentioned issues with voice clips and auto-aim, which detracted from the gameplay experience. IGN Spain remarked that the game lacks significant graphical advancements, indicating its mid-tier production values. For the Xbox One, GameSpot highlighted significant technical problems, including texture pop-in and clipping issues, while God is a Geek noted floaty character movement and imprecise shooting. On PC, while many reviewers found the performance stable, PLAY! Zine criticized the game for poor optimization and frequent crashes, which significantly impacted the overall experience. The overall consensus among critics suggests that "Strange Brigade" performs adequately across all platforms, but it is not without its flaws. While the PS4 version is generally well-received for its smooth performance, minor graphical issues and gameplay bugs were noted by multiple reviewers, including Everyeye.it and Multiplayer.it. The Xbox One version faced more significant criticism, particularly regarding technical problems that hindered the gameplay experience, as highlighted by GameSpot and God is a Geek. On PC, despite a generally positive reception, the criticism regarding optimization from PLAY! Zine indicates that not all users may have a seamless experience. Overall, while the game has commendable aspects in terms of performance, the mixed reviews suggest that it may not fully meet the expectations set by higher-tier titles, as noted by IGN Spain and others.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Strange Brigade garners mixed reviews on replay value. While its variety of modes and cooperative gameplay are praised for enhancing replayability, many critics highlight repetitive mechanics and a lack of meaningful incentives that diminish long-term engagement. Overall, the game is fun, especially with friends, but suffers from significant shortcomings that leave players wanting more.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

27%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

63%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

10%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The overall sentiment regarding the replay value of Strange Brigade reflects a mixed bag of opinions, with some critics highlighting the game's strengths. Many reviewers, including XboxAddict and TheXboxHub, commend the game for its variety of modes such as Horde and Score Attack, which contribute to its replayability. The presence of collectibles and hidden treasures, as noted by Press Start Australia and Xbox Tavern, also adds an element of exploration that can entice players to revisit the game. Additionally, the cooperative play aspect is frequently praised, with critics like Digital Chumps and IGN emphasizing that the game is more enjoyable when played with friends, further enhancing its replay value. Conversely, a significant number of critics express concerns about the game's limitations in replayability. Reviewers like PlayStation LifeStyle and Quarter to Three point out the lack of incentives for exploration and the repetitive nature of gameplay, which diminishes the appeal for multiple playthroughs. The absence of a robust progression system and character growth, as highlighted by PC Gamer and Game Revolution, restricts the game's long-term engagement. Additionally, some critics, such as Metro GameCentral and Gameblog.fr, mention that the gameplay can feel shallow and repetitive, which detracts from the overall experience after the initial playthrough. In summary, while Strange Brigade offers various modes and cooperative gameplay that can enhance its replay value, many critics agree that the game suffers from significant shortcomings. The lack of meaningful incentives for replay, coupled with repetitive gameplay mechanics, leaves a considerable portion of the gaming community feeling underwhelmed. The consensus among critics suggests that although there are enjoyable elements to the game, particularly when played with friends, the overall replay value is hampered by its limitations, as noted by multiple reviewers, including GameSpot and New Game Network.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

35%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

64%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment regarding Strange Brigade reveals a mixed reception, with several critics highlighting its positive aspects. Many reviewers praised the game for its engaging cooperative gameplay and charming aesthetic. For instance, IGN described it as a "stylish and fun co-op shooter" with an entertaining narrative, while GameGrin found it to be a pleasant surprise, particularly in its multiplayer mode. Critics such as Hardcore Gamer and Xbox Tavern emphasized the game's enjoyable visuals and humor, noting that it offers a fun experience, especially when played with friends. The game's unique 1930s adventure theme and the humorous narration were frequently mentioned as standout features, contributing to its charm and appeal. Conversely, numerous reviews pointed out significant shortcomings that detracted from the overall experience. Critics like Riot Pixels and DarkStation expressed disappointment with the game's repetitive gameplay and lack of depth, indicating that the combat and narrative felt uninspired. Furthermore, several reviewers, including PC Gamer and App Trigger, noted that while the shooting mechanics were satisfying, the game lacked originality and replay value. The absence of a compelling progression system and technical issues were also highlighted, with critics like PlayStation LifeStyle calling it a "missed opportunity" due to its failure to fully realize its potential. In summary, the consensus among critics is that Strange Brigade is a fun and charming cooperative shooter that excels in multiplayer settings but suffers from notable flaws in depth and innovation. While some reviewers, such as Gaming Nexus and GameSpot, found it to be an enjoyable experience with a humorous tone, others like New Game Network and Jeuxvideo.com cautioned that it may disappoint seasoned players seeking more complexity. Ultimately, the game is seen as a solid, albeit flawed, entry in the genre, appealing primarily to those who appreciate its lighthearted approach and cooperative gameplay.

TL;DR

TLDR: Strange Brigade garners mixed reviews; praised for its charming co-op gameplay and 1930s adventure aesthetic, but criticized for repetitive mechanics and lack of depth. While it shines in multiplayer and offers enjoyable visuals and humor, it falls short on originality and replay value, making it a fun yet flawed experience best suited for casual gamers.

MONSTER

Reviews

124 reviews found

100

XBLA Fans

Xbox One

Aug 31, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Strange Brigade is a thrilling adventure that successfully combines action and humor, making it a must-buy for fans of the genre.

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GameSpew

Xbox One

Aug 27, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Strange Brigade exceeds expectations with its humor, gameplay variety, and visual appeal, establishing itself as one of the best third-person shooters.

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Xbox Tavern

Xbox One

Aug 27, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Strange Brigade is a highly enjoyable game that combines action, charm, and personality, making it one of Rebellion's finest works. It offers a dynamic experience with a mix of combat, puzzles, and collectibles.

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GamingTrend

PlayStation 4

Aug 28, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Strange Brigade is a fantastic third person shooter that is best enjoyed with friends. It offers fun combat, a charming 1930s tone, and a variety of weapons and abilities. The lack of couch co-op is a downside.

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GameGrin

Sep 11, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer found Strange Brigade to be a pleasant surprise and an enjoyable experience both offline and online. They praised the game's co-op gameplay and considered it one of their favorite multiplayer games in a long time. While there were a few areas that could have been improved, they were not significant enough to overshadow the positive aspects of the game.

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GameCritics

PlayStation 4

Aug 29, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Strange Brigade is a satisfying single- and multiplayer experience with fast and brutal combat, stunning levels, and immense replayability.

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PlayGround.ru

Aug 29, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Overall, Strange Brigade is considered an improved version of Sniper Elite Zombies, offering enjoyable gameplay and good design despite its short campaign.

SomosXbox

Xbox One

Aug 27, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Strange Brigade is a fun and entertaining new IP that, while not revolutionary, offers well-executed gameplay, varied enemies, and a solid artistic design, making it worth trying.

GameWatcher

Aug 27, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Strange Brigade is a fun shooter with great value for money, offering enjoyable gameplay in both single-player and co-op modes, despite some minor flaws in story and replayability.

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Digital Chumps

PlayStation 4

Aug 29, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Strange Brigade is a fun co-op experience that shines when played with others, despite being tedious when played solo.

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