Summary
The release of Free Lives’Anger Foothas been a long time coming, especially for fans of darkly comedic and violent games. Initially conceptualized in 2020,Anger Footwas eventually picked up for release by Devolver Digital, who have a longstanding relationship with developer Free Lives. Though the game is in first-person,Anger Footscratches the same itch that games likeHotline Miamido, and in the absence of a proper third game in theHotline Miamiseries from Dennation Games, Free Lives’Anger Footis carrying the torch for the franchise in its spirit thanks to some viscerally satisfying and fast-paced combat.
Similar toHotline Miami,Anger Footplaces players in the shoes of a one-man army against an entire city’s worth of armed goons hell-bent on standing between them and their goal. Attacks are extremely powerful, but the player is also extremely vulnerable, meaning death comes quickly and often. However, justlikeHotline Miami, players never have to wait more than a millisecond to jump right back into the action, incentivizing multiple runs throughAnger Foot’s murder mazes time and again until players emerge successful. In nearly everything but name,Anger Footis picking up whereHotline Miami2left off. In an interview with Game Rant, Free Lives discussed the game’s influences as well as its sneaker mechanic.
Anger Foot Mixes Equal Parts Hotline Miami and PC Classic SWAT 4
WhileAnger Foot’s most obvious influence isHotline Miami, it also shares a lot in common with a classic franchise from one ofPC gaming’s golden eras. Speaking with Game Rant recently aboutAnger Foot’s development and influences, Luc Wolthers revealed the two games that form the basis ofAnger Foot’s mechanics and gameplay loop.
Hotline Miamidefinitely does form a big part of the inspiration, especially when it comes to the style of the game and kind of a seedy, underground, derelict world replete with crime. But, truth be told, Robbie and I looked a lot atSWAT 4and other “door entry” games when we were initially considering how we were going to handleAnger Foot.
ThePolice Questseries from Sierra Entertainment and its offshootSWATgames were massively popular “breach and clear” games from the 90s, withSWAT 4being developed by none other than Irrational Games (BioShockcreator Ken Levine’s studio). Since much ofAnger Foot’s gameplay revolves around breaking down doors and systematically taking out targets within, the team at Free Lives had to account for the discrepancy between the game’s two biggest inspirations. As Wolthers puts it, “inHotline Miami, you have knowledge of what’s behind the door, but inAnger Footyou don’t and inSWAT 4you don’t.”
Anger Foot’s Sneakers Call to Mind Hotline Miami’s Masks
Aside fromAnger Foot’s core gameplay loop, there are several mechanics at play in the game that bring to mind bothHotline Miamiand its sequel. The general pace of both games is similar, with players in both titles carvingJohn Wick-style paths of destruction through crime-ridden murder mazes.Hotline Miamifamously give players a bit of an edge with the various animal masks players can equip, with each mask changing up gameplay and catering to specific playstyles. In a clear homage toHotline Miami, as well as the game’s emphasis of sneakerhead culture,Anger Footreplaces special ability masks with new pairs of sneakers to unlock.
Determining what abilities to give the shoes would end up proving to be one ofAnger Foot’s greater challenges from a design perspective, with designer Jem Smith noting that “we kind of thought a fair bit about play style and strategy and things, but as Robbie (Fraser, designer and programmer) kind of pointed out at the beginning, it’s a very simple concept, and we didn’t want to expand on it too much and make it too complicated.” So while thesneakers inAnger Footgrant special abilities to the protagonist, they do so within the same kind of parameters asHotline Miamiwhere the game is still challenging. Like its biggest inspirations,Anger Footis a game that revels in both its breakneck pace and its substantial challenge.
Anger Foot
WHERE TO PLAY
Anger Foot is a lightning fast hard bass blast of kicking doors and kicking ass. Crash through the caffeine-fuelled fever dream of Shit City, putting the boot to a menacing menagerie of merciless gangsters.Unleash the world’s deadliest feet on a colourful cast of anthropomorphic enemies. Clearing out slums, sewers, and skyscrapers as you grab new weapons, unlock new sneakers, and upgrade your powers in absurd and wonderful ways. Kick and shoot your way to the exit as you leave behind a smouldering trail of shattered doors, broken bones, and crumpled energy drinks.Fast-Paced Ass Kicking Action: Shit City is a disease and your foot is the cure. Lace up a capricious collection of formidable footwear to fight through a diverse series of deranged city districts.Vibrant Visuals, Relentless Beats: Enjoy a concussive, bass-thumping soundtrack as you stampede through a feverish criminal underworld. An assault on all your senses. Including common sense.Run. Kick. Repeat: Are you the god of style, speed or power? Discover secrets and unlocks that encourage replayability - and learn to tackle levels in new creative, ridiculous and devastating ways.Master The Foot: Become one with the toes and be quick on the trigger. Your skills must surpass human comprehension if you are to prevail and learn the secret of the Anger Foot.
