This isn’t the house for me
I say this all the time, but I really do not need to play every single game that drops. I remember when I was younger and I would be at a holiday dinner and id go up for plate #3 and my grandfather would be like “Boy, yo eyes’ bigger than yo stomach”. And he would be right, because I wouldn’t finish that 3rd plate and instead need a nap. That’s pretty much where I think I was when I said I wanted to check out Kusan: House of Wolves. The game isn’t inherently bad, let’s just get that out of the way, I just don’t think ‘Hotline Miami’ type games are my thing.
MSRP: $14.99
Platforms: XBOX (reviewed), PlayStation, Switch, PC
Price I’d Pay: $14.99
Kusan: House of Wolves is in fact a ‘Hotline Miami’ type game, except you aren’t wearing an animal mask this time around but in fact are an animal; the cast is all anthropomorphic animals… yes furries. Created by Korean studio Circle from Dot Kusan will instantly invoke memories of Hotline Miami with its top-down perspective, punishing gameplay and fast-paced usually violent gameplay. Players will take control of Jin, a former soldier who is working as a hired gun and fixer in the city of Kusan. A simple mission proves to be much more when the kidnapped girl Jin is trying to protect is shown to have incredible psychic powers linked to a secret government experiment.
The story is the best thing I have to say about Kusan, navigating the various factions who all think their way is the best way to save the country was genuinely intriguing. As a comic-book fan I loved the beautifully illustrated panels that told the story in Kusan. And the story goes places, as Jin will learn of basically almost every scifi trope there is to learn all culminating in of course political corruption. I really liked the narrative but because I just couldn’t gel with the gameplay and the difficulty, I never got to see it to the conclusion.
Each area is broken up into tight areas that are full of enemies that will all kill you in one hit. Players will need to observe and decide on a plan of action as even the smallest misstep can get you killed. I think I knew the game required that kind of perfection but for some reason I opted to try it anyway. Jin’s main weapon is his mechanical gauntlet that he can charge to knock through doors and objects. For a while this will be the only weapon but as players progress, they will get guns, knives crossbows and more. Using ranged attacks and help but players will have to keep track of projectiles and floor traps which really complicate things as the game goes on.
If you are a fan of Hotline Miami and its sequel; then I feel pretty safe in suggesting Kusan: House of Wolves to you. As I said the game doesn’t do anything inherently wrong but I just could not gel with the combat rhythm and precision that it demanded of me. But I can 100% see the appeal, for those that like to shoot for the highest score, clearing levels with the max rating and really proving their speed skills; then Kusan should be on your radar. But if you are a gamer of a certain age; I don’t think this is the game you’re looking for.
Review copy of game provided by publisher.
