This is Niche Spotlight. In this column, we regularly introduce new games to our fans, so please leave feedback and let us know if there’s a game you want us to cover!
In today’s spotlight I’d like to talk about Way of the Passive Fist, a unique little 2D brawler from Household Games Inc. The pun-tastic name isn’t just for show; it also accurately describes the core gameplay.
Way of the Passive Fist‘s gimmick is that it’s a brawler that isn’t about beating your enemies into submission with a flurry of punches, kicks, and fireballs. Instead, it’s actually more of a rhythm game where you overcome your adversaries by wearing them down with perfectly-timed blocks, disarms, parries, and dodges until they run out of steam.
Way of the Passive Fist originally came out in March, but it recently received a gigantic free content update called New Dawn. In addition to the usual balance changes and bug smashing you’d expect from a patch, New Dawn added a challenge mode, a roguelite difficulty setting that drastically alters the progression system, and a complete rework of the standard campaign.
You can find Way of the Passive Fist on Steam, PS4, and Xbox One for $14.99. If you’d like to know more about the game, here’s the features list from the Steam page:
A mysterious figure known only as the Wanderer travels across the distant planet of Zircon V, a once prosperous mining colony that is now on the brink of destruction in the face of its dying star. By using the Passive Fist technique, the Wanderer can outlast any foe by deflecting their attacks and draining their stamina. With colonists disappearing and maniacs running wild, the Wanderer must stand firm, stay calm and fight for answers in this unique modern brawler!
Key Features:
- Timing & Rhythm Based Combat
Classic brawler action flipped on its head! Study your enemies’ patterns and nullify their attacks with perfectly timed parries and dodges and let your enemies defeat themselves - Build Combos & Unleash Super Attacks
Fill your super meter with consecutive parries and dodges and spend it to destroy all who stand in your way - Create Your Own Difficulty Setting
Adjust gameplay settings to customize your own challenge level with its own unique name - Fully Remappable Controls
Set any action to any button! With fully remappable controls you can use a controller one-handed (left hand or right hand), you can play on controller with just the use of sticks (no buttons) or play on keyboard. You have the freedom to play your way! - Level Up!
Earn medals and XP from fights to earn upgrades and unlock new abilities - Story & Arcade Modes
Play through the Story Mode and take a stance against tyranny on Zircon V. Then, challenge yourself with the Arcade Mode and play through the whole game with limited lives to prove your mastery of the Passive Fist!
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