Bullets & Brains

Even though this feels like a mobile game port, it's really well done for what it is. There are a few bugs at the moment with the current version of Steam as of this review (controller type setting not saving, some achievements bugged, game launching), but at least the game not launching can be remedied with a workaround until it's patched. If you can't launch the game thru Steam, click the .exe file and this should correct the problem permanently for you after one time. The others I listed will require a patch though. Gameplay gets a little stale after a while, since it's very repetitive without there being enough variation as you progress. However, there's a considerable amount of content to unlock. Just keep in mind that a lot of it (like the meta progression and skill upgrades) are very basic. The skills are nearly identical to the demo (if not exactly the same), and there isn't anything unique in the meta progression to get excited about. There are also some cosmetics you can unlock in the form of hats for each character. The main driver for game play variety comes from the characters you unlock. There are approximately 10 of them. Each has their own weapon and special attack, and they can all dash. There's also a large map with a number of graphically different environments - just don't expect much in terms of an impact to the actual game play from them. They're really just how the game extends its content. You'll be doing the same exact thing in each map: completing a basic objective and then surviving for a certain amount of time. There's also a training area for each gun, which provides rewards based on achieving gold, silver or bronze. Anything above bronze unlocks the gun to become available in each round's skill pool. While this may appear to be a positive, it really just artificially inflates the game's content and will ultimately water down your skill pool. Once all of the maps have been completed and all unlocks obtained, there isn't really anything new left to do. You simply repeat the maps again on a higher difficulty. Each map also has an endless mode, which the game refers to as an "end game"....so you simply just survive as long as possible. I did not see any leader boards for this, but they may end up adding that down the road. Overall, if you're content with repeating the same exact objectives across multiple maps, the game play is pretty fun. The visuals are clean, the controls are very responsive with manual aim and the game performed well for me (apart from the issues above). I'm on a higher end rig though (13900k/4090), so this may vary. Also, my demo progress automatically carried over into the full game without any manual intervention, which was nice to see.

Amazing shooter with unique characters that fight off endless hordes, level up with perks, unlock gear, and complete missions. The story centers around a tight-knit group of survivors who’ve managed to carve out a peaceful existence in the forest, far removed from the chaos of the zombie apocalypse that has ravaged the rest of the world. For a while, their woodland refuge remains untouched, but things start to take a turn when the infected begin spilling out from the city and invading the outskirts. You’re sent to investigate these unsettling developments and uncover what’s happening beyond the tree line. You begin the game with one character, but you’re not locked into that choice. As you progress, you’ll unlock a variety of new survivors to play as, each offering their own unique look. Every character is equipped with a distinct weapon and has individual stats that set them apart, but they all play the same. The gameplay is flashy, tight, and thoroughly enjoyable thanks to smooth and intuitive controls. Gamepad support is available and works well, but you may prefer using a keyboard and mouse for more precise aim and control, particularly useful when you need to land accurate shots quickly in tense situations. In addition to standard movement, your character can dash, allowing you to evade enemies or swiftly move through traps and hazards. Though the dash consumes energy, it recharges rapidly, letting you chain several evasive maneuvers in succession. You’ll also gain access to a powerful special move, which can be activated once you fill a dedicated meter. This is done by collecting small bolt-shaped icons that are hidden within breakable crates scattered across each stage. Once the bar is full, activating your special move will temporarily slow time and massively boost your damage output. It’s a short-lived but satisfying power-up, especially useful in difficult situations or tough enemies. Of course, your primary action is shooting, and here the game keeps things simple and fun. Your firearm has unlimited ammunition, so there’s no pressure to conserve bullets. You don’t need to mash the shoot button either; just hold it down to unleash a steady stream of fire until your clip runs dry. Reloading is quick and can be done either manually or automatically when the magazine is empty. The progression system is in line with current trends in arcade-style shooters. Defeated enemies drop experience items, in this case, brains, that you collect to fill a meter displayed at the bottom of the screen. Once full, you level up and get to choose one from a selection of two or three randomized perks. These perks are temporary, only lasting for the duration of the current mission. Perks are divided into several categories. Some provide straightforward boosts, such as faster movement speed or gradual healing when standing still. Others function more like passive power-ups, giving you new skills or improve your main weapon. What makes power-ups especially appealing is that they can stack; choosing the same one multiple times across level-ups enhances its potency. For example, you could increase your ammo capacity, decrease reload time, or add a pulse wave that periodically damages surrounding enemies. Unlike many zombie shooters that simply throw waves at you until you eventually fall, this game adds purpose and structure to each run. Of course, there are still wave-based stages, but missions come with clearly defined objectives, and progression is tied to completing them. You’ll zip across different parts of the map to complete objectives and unlock new mission. Importantly, you get three lives per mission, so one failure doesn’t mean game over. While the maps are on the smaller side, a mission isn’t considered complete until you achieve the main objective and make it to the extraction point. Every mission comes with one primary goal, clearly marked with a waypoint to guide you. In addition, there are two optional objectives, like collecting vials, finishing the level without dying, or collecting points. You’re not required to complete all objectives in a single attempt because stages can be replayed. That said, mission variety isn’t the game’s strongest suit. Many levels feature similar objectives, with destroying zombie nests being the most common task. Still, the relentless enemy spawns help keep things tight. Zombies are everywhere, and they’ll often charge at you from off-screen before you even know they’re there. Some come from designated spawn points, which can’t be destroyed, so you’ll need to stay alert and mobile to avoid being overwhelmed. Missions slowly introduce new enemy types, which come with new look but also more health and attacks. Even though this constant flow of enemies ensures a steady supply of brains for leveling, those perks reset after every mission. Thankfully, there are also permanent upgrades that persist beyond each stage. Completing missions fills a separate meter that earns you skill points and unlocks new gear. Skill points can be invested in a simple progression tree that boosts five core stats, such as damage or the range at which you collect drops. Each stat has five levels, and unlocking them requires more points the further you progress. Gear adds another layer of customization. Unlike perks, gear needs to be purchased with money, which are found by destroying money crates and collecting coins during missions. Once bought, these items become part of the randomized pool of upgrades available during level-ups. Cosmetic items, like hats, can also be unlocked, though they don’t provide any gameplay benefits. Between missions, you return to your home base, which evolves over time as you unlock new features. For example, you’ll gain access to a medic bay where you can trade collected vials for rewards, and a proving ground that challenges you to hit targets quickly to earn medals and bonus items. In the end, this is an exceptional top-down zombie shooter that delivers everything fans of the genre could want. It’s fast-paced, visually exciting, and packed with action. With a satisfying mix of temporary and permanent upgrades, mission progression, and a base that expands over time, the game offers everything to fans of old-school shooters.

“Bullets & Brains is an absolute blast! This fast-paced top-down shooter delivers fluid, responsive controls, stylish visuals, and pulse-pounding zombie mayhem. Whether you’re charging solo or teaming up in co-op, the gameplay feels sharp and endlessly satisfying. The art style pops, the weapons feel impactful, and the addictive upgrade system keeps you pushing forward.

It's a great couch coop and single player experience. I love arcade style shooters and the design of the game really vibes with me. Great game, highly recommend.

Pre malo ajvara

I don’t usually play this genre, but this game is just fun. Gunplay feels great, tons of content, and it kept me playing. Small team pulled off something really solid here. Graphics are beautiful, and some of the NPC dialogue actually made me laugh. Easy recommend.

Really enjoying the simplicity and adrenaline-packed character of this game. Snappy movement and controls provide instant gratification and loads of fun. Different settings, game modes, many weapons and upgrades make sure it doesn't get repetitive. Looking forward to trying the co-op mode. Pure fun!

Awesome adrenaline 3D arcade! If you're into something similar, take into consideration buying this one.

A wonderful action-packed game, the gameplay feels fluid and is rewarding. Great game to sit back and blow out some zombie brains. The Art is great, the nice color palette brings a brighter tone to the setting.

High action packed game, banger music, makes me happy to collect brains since it's not morally acceptable to do so in pre-apocalypse times.