Foul Play
In short: Foul Play is an action game released in 2013 by Mediatonic, available on PC and Xbox. Our score: 7.8/10 (worth buying, especially on sale).
A 2D beat 'em up game with a unique theatrical setting where you play as a daemon hunter performing for an audience. The game focuses on maintaining your showmanship and combo counts.
Foul Play is a delightful and distinct 2D beat 'em up that casts players as Baron dash von bash, a daemon hunter who, alongside his loyal apprentice Scampwick, performs his demon-slaying exploits for a live theater audience. The game brilliantly intertwines its theatrical premise with its gameplay mechanics, where maintaining showmanship and impressive combo counts is paramount to success. Every enemy defeated, every perfectly timed block, and every special move executed contributes to the audience's adoration, which in turn fuels your abilities. The game's narrative is presented as a series of acts and scenes within different theatrical productions, each with its own unique environments and cast of demonic foes. From crumbling ancient ruins to bustling circus tents, the backdrops are richly drawn and brimming with character, enhancing the feeling of being part of a grand stage production. The humor is prevalent throughout, with witty dialogue and charming character interactions that keep the tone light-hearted despite the demonic subject matter. Foul Play truly shines in its cooperative multiplayer, allowing two players to team up as Baron and Scampwick. This adds a layer of strategic depth, as coordinated attacks and shared showmanship bonuses become crucial for achieving high scores and impressing the virtual crowd. The combat system, while seemingly simple, offers a surprising amount of depth with unlockable abilities, upgradeable skills, and various enemy types that req…
Game details
- Developer: Mediatonic
- Publisher: Devolver Digital
- Release year: 2013
- Platforms: PC, Xbox
- Category: action
Our review
Foul Play offers a refreshing take on the classic beat 'em up genre, blending satisfying combat with a genuinely charming theatrical presentation. The core mechanic of pleasing the audience by maintaining combos and showmanship is brilliantly integrated, making every encounter feel like a performance. While the combat can occasionally feel a tad repetitive in longer sessions, the unlockable abilities and diverse enemy types keep things engaging. The cooperative multiplayer is a major highlight, elevating the experience significantly. For fans of brawlers looking for something with a unique flavor and a good dose of humor, Foul Play is a solid recommendation.
Pros
- Unique theatrical setting and presentation
- Engaging showmanship mechanic
- Fun and satisfying combat
- Excellent cooperative multiplayer
- Charming art style and humor
Cons
- Combat can become slightly repetitive over long sessions
- Story, while charming, is not particularly deep
FAQ
- Is Foul Play suitable for single-player?
- Yes, Foul Play can be enjoyed solo, with an AI-controlled Scampwick assisting you. However, it truly shines in cooperative multiplayer.
- How long is the game?
- The main story of Foul Play typically takes around 6-8 hours to complete, with additional time for unlocking all abilities and challenges.
- Are there character customization options?
- While there isn't extensive character customization in terms of appearance, you can unlock and upgrade various abilities and special moves for Baron von Bash and Scampwick.
- Does Foul Play have online multiplayer?
- Foul Play supports local co-op and online co-op on platforms where it's available, allowing you to team up with a friend.
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Last updated: 03/04/2026