Lugaru: the Rabbit's Foot

5 The Un-Cute Rabbit Game
When I first heard about this game, I thought I knew what it was. Bunny martial arts? It must be one of those cute cartoon games – albeit perhaps a somewhat twisted, violent one (see TAGAP).

I was wrong.

While the characters in this game are rabbits, they are neither cute nor cartoony. Instead, strange as it sounds, this game seems to employ some level of gritty realism. This may seem like a contradiction, but it actually works very well.

The graphics are not particularly technically advanced, but they get the job done, and even employ some nice blur effects from time to time. There is a campaign mode with some kind of a story, but it’s not particularly significant. The goal in every mission is to kill all the enemies. The strategies for this are quite varied, however.

What really stands out in this game is the combat: absolutely fluid. The basic system involves attacks and counterattacks, and a few cool context-sensitive special moves. A particular favorite is a flying, two-footed kick that sends the enemies flying, while the hero rebounds into a backflip. Sending the enemies flying is pretty interesting in and of itself, due to a simple ragdoll physics model.

Also of note, staves, daggers, and swords can be used.

Despite the relatively simplistic graphics, this game is very detail-oriented. Kick a rabbit across the jaw, one or two teeth might fly out. Certain enemies have keen hearing, while others have a finely-tuned sense of smell – if you want to sneak up on that wolf, you’d better be sure there’s not any pungent blood on that dagger you’re carrying.

Well, that about sums it up. Check out the demo, see if you like it. I certainly did. If you do, buy the full version. There is a sequel in development, but I have no idea as to the timeline; I’m sure Wolfire could use your support. But if nothing else, get it for the staff-fights…