Gang Beasts

Gang Beasts is a beat 'em up party game developed and published by English indie studio Boneloaf. The title would originally be published by Double Fine Presents until May 2020 and self-published afterwards,^[1] while it would later be published in physical form by Skybound Games.^[2][3] The game released for Windows, macOS, Linux, and PlayStation 4 on 12 December 2017, following an early access period for the PC platforms that began in August 2014. It was also released on the Xbox One on 27 March 2019.^[4][5] A version for Nintendo Switch was released on 12 October 2021.^[6]

Gang Beasts
Logo
Developer(s)	Boneloaf
Publisher(s)	Double Fine Presents (2017–2020) Boneloaf (2020–present)
Composer(s)	doseone Bob Larder
Engine	Unity
Platform(s)	Linux macOS Windows PlayStation 4 Xbox One Nintendo Switch
Release	Linux, macOS, Windows, PlayStation 4 12 December 2017 Xbox One 27 March 2019 Nintendo Switch 12 October 2021
Genre(s)	Beat 'em up, party
Mode(s)	Single-player, multiplayer

Gameplay

In the game, players fight each other as floppy, wiggly ragdolls in multiple melee fight sequences, and hazardous environments, set in the fictional metropolis of Beef City. Other game modes such as Waves, Gang, and Soccer are also available. At initial release, it contained eight multiplayer stages, and costume customization. The core gameplay involves using various physical attacks such as punching or kicking an opponent until they are knocked out, and then attempting to toss them over one of the stage hazards. Opponents that have been knocked down are not completely defenseless however, as they can fight back to be released.^[7] There are 22 different playable stages that players can choose from.

Reception

Reception

Aggregate score

Aggregator	Score
Metacritic	PS4: 68/100[8] XONE: 67/100[9] NS: 68/100[10]

Review scores

Publication	Score
Destructoid	6/10[11]
PC Gamer (US)	64/100[12]
Hardcore Gamer	4/5[13]
Shacknews	6/10[14]

In its freeware alpha state, as well as upon Steam Early Access release, the game was met with positive response from critics and fans.^[15][16][17] Comments include Keith Stuart of The Guardian calling it "probably one of the silliest beat-'em-ups ever made,"^[18] Jessica Conditt from Engadget calling it "a jolly good time",^[19] and Steve Hansen from Destructoid highlighting how its weirdness plays out well.^[20]

Outside of early access, Gang Beasts received mixed reviews from critics on both the PC and PlayStation 4 versions of the game. On Metacritic, the game holds a score of 67/100 for the PlayStation 4 version based on 8 reviews, indicating "mixed or average reviews".^[8]

The game was nominated for "Excellence in Multiplayer" at the 2018 SXSW Gaming Awards,^[21][22] and for "Multiplayer" at the 14th British Academy Games Awards.^[23][24]