Beat ‘Em Ups are Back

On its face, the Toxic Avenger franchise doesn’t sound like it will lend itself nicely to family-friendly cartoons. That modified in 1991, nonetheless, because the animated sequence Toxic Crusaders debuted and provided up a free connection to the movies, packaged within a present geared toward youngsters.

The sequence solely lasted one season, sadly, however quick ahead over 30 years, and Retroware is trying to take gamers again, within the type of Toxic Crusaders. The upcoming arcade beat ’em up places gamers within the sneakers of a number of characters — together with the beloved “Toxie” — and makes an attempt to proceed the cult traditional within the type of an extremely addictive and devoted recreation.

At this month’s PAX East 2025, I acquired the possibility to take a look at a few of the Toxic Crusaders recreation, which had been within the works for a while however is lastly able to make its debut later this yr. While different studios that attempt to seize the retro really feel can come up brief, Retroware has an excellent monitor document of succeeding, and from only a brief hands-on time with Toxic Crusaders, they’ve acquired one other success on their fingers right here.

At its core, Toxic Crusaders will not be all too dissimilar from different beat ’em up video games. Players management one in all seven characters from the Nineties cartoon — Toxie, No-Zone, Junkyard, Major Disaster, Headbanger, Yvonne, and Mrs. Junko — and journey from degree to degree, all whereas combating enemies. Each character has their very own distinctive movesets and powers, and visually, all look unbelievable. The recreation’s pixel artwork graphics all have their very own trendy look, and background environments all pop regardless of the chaotic motion on display.

Something that Toxic Crusaders does do to distinguish itself from different beat ’em ups, although, is in its story. The cartoon the sport relies solely ever noticed 13 episodes air on tv, with no Season 2 ever launched. Retroware appears to offer followers of the sequence some closure on this regard.

The recreation, which options its personal unique storyline, is supposed to proceed the plot of the cartoon sequence. Not solely that, however Retroware additionally says that it’s filled with Easter eggs and cameos from different films produced and distributed by Troma, the legendary firm behind a lot of cult traditional horror-comedy films.

Continuing the cult traditional cartoon sequence is not any tall process. With that in thoughts, Retroware appears to have gone all out in producing a recreation that options old-school gameplay, however trendy facilities. Toxic Crusaders options absolutely voice-acted cutscenes within the type of comedian book-style display wipes. Better but for followers of Troma, Crusaders options voice performing, partly, from precise Troma movie actors.

My time with the sport was restricted, but it surely’s clear that Retroware has a definite love and appreciation for the arcade video games of previous. Toxic Crusaders could have taken a while to return collectively, however the recreation seems like a labor of affection for a style lengthy gone, and a must-buy for followers of each the world of The Toxic Avenger and people on the lookout for a brand new beat ’em as much as dive into.

Toxic Crusaders is ready to reach someday in 2025 on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.