The Fighting Game Hybrid I Never Knew I Needed
There’s something intoxicating about a game that feels like it was tailor-made for your tastes. That’s exactly how I felt when I stumbled upon Combo Devils, a Kickstarter-backed platform fighter from developer Punkzilla. On paper, it’s a mashup of genres that shouldn’t work—Smash Bros. meets 2D fighter meets roguelite. But in practice? It’s a recipe for something genuinely exciting. Let me explain why this game, despite its early-access rough edges, has me more hyped than I’ve been for a fighter in years.
A Genre Mashup That Actually Works
What makes Combo Devils stand out isn’t just its genre fusion—it’s how seamlessly it blends them. At its core, the game feels like a love letter to Smash Bros., with its platform-based combat and accessible controls. But Punkzilla didn’t stop there. They layered in the depth of a traditional 2D fighter, complete with gatling combos, directional shielding, and a super meter.
Personally, I think this is where the game shines brightest. The directional shield mechanic, for instance, is a game-changer. It’s not just about blocking—it’s about strategic positioning. You’re forced to think spatially, anticipating your opponent’s moves and adjusting your shield accordingly. It’s a small tweak, but it adds a layer of complexity that elevates the gameplay.
What many people don’t realize is how this mechanic ties into the broader trend of fighting games demanding more from players. It’s not enough to memorize combos anymore—you need to think like a chess player, predicting and countering your opponent’s every move. Combo Devils leans into this, and it’s refreshing.
Characters That Feel Fresh—Not Familiar
One thing that immediately stands out is the character roster. While there are only four playable characters so far, each one feels distinct and fully realized. Take Shai, for example. He’s a gamer delivery boy who fights with a skateboard, power glove, and beyblade top. On paper, it sounds like a mess. In practice? He’s an absolute joy to play.
What this really suggests is that Punkzilla understands the importance of character identity in fighting games. Too often, we see rosters filled with clones or archetypes. Here, every character feels like they belong in this universe, not borrowed from another.
My personal favorite, though, is Jingo—a ninja dog with teleportation abilities. He’s fast, unpredictable, and his butterfly teleport move is one of the most satisfying mechanics I’ve seen in a fighter. It’s not just flashy—it’s functional, allowing for mind games and combo extensions that keep matches dynamic.
The Roguelite Mode: A Missed Opportunity (For Now)
If you take a step back and think about it, the roguelite mode should be the game’s crown jewel. On paper, it’s a perfect fit—procedural runs, power-ups, and boss fights could add endless replayability. But in its current state, it falls flat.
Every run feels identical, with generic enemies and predictable progression. There’s no sense of discovery or adaptation, which is the whole point of a roguelite. From my perspective, this is where the game’s early-access status shows the most. It’s a great idea that needs more time to cook.
That said, I’m not writing it off. If Punkzilla can inject some variety and depth into this mode, it could become a standout feature. For now, though, it’s more of a curiosity than a selling point.
Online Play: The Real MVP
Here’s where Combo Devils truly excels: its online experience. The rollback netcode is rock-solid, making matches feel as smooth as offline play. This is no small feat, especially for a game in early access.
What makes this particularly fascinating is how it democratizes competitive play. You don’t need to be in the same room to enjoy lag-free matches, which is a game-changer for a genre that’s often criticized for its online shortcomings.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how well the netcode handles precision-based mechanics, like Shai’s active reload. It’s a testament to the developers’ commitment to making the online experience as polished as possible.
The Bigger Picture: What Combo Devils Represents
If you take a step back and think about it, Combo Devils is more than just a game—it’s a statement. It’s proof that fighting games don’t have to play it safe. By blending genres and experimenting with mechanics, Punkzilla has created something that feels both familiar and fresh.
This raises a deeper question: Why aren’t more developers taking risks like this? The fighting game genre is ripe for innovation, yet we often see the same formulas repeated ad nauseam. Combo Devils shows that there’s still room for creativity, even in a crowded space.
Final Thoughts: A Work in Progress Worth Watching
In my opinion, Combo Devils is one of the most exciting fighting games to come along in years. Yes, it’s rough around the edges. Yes, the roguelite mode needs work. But what’s here is a foundation for something truly special.
What this really suggests is that Punkzilla is onto something. If they can polish the existing mechanics, expand the roster, and flesh out the single-player mode, Combo Devils could become a major player in the platform fighter genre.
Personally, I’ll be watching its development closely. This isn’t just a game—it’s a promise of what fighting games could be. And I, for one, am here for it.
