Publisher:
Devolver Digital
Developer: DeadToast Entertainment
Platform: Nintendo Switch, PC
Genre: 2.5D Shoot 'em up
Taking inspirations from blood pumping action films the likes of Matrix
with cinch of John Woo's choreography added into the mix. My Friend
Pedro is a hyper-violent side scroll shoot 'em up that pushes style and efficiency
over anything else.
Based on a flash game of the same title published by Adult Swim Games years ago, the game was announced as a full fledged indie release a year ago in E3 before its release in June 20th this year.
As much as I wanted to think that this game looks great, I had my doubts of this being half-baked after seeing the trailers since they look overblown. After playing, I can concur to a certain extent this game was a bit exaggerated from its presentation. But aside that, let me tell you some stuff about MFP.
Story
You play as Pedro, a highly-trained assassin with lot of parkour skills. You go on a revenge quest against certain people you did you wrong and they also control the internet. Well there's some weird allegories to that mind you, but it's put mostly in funny context while not being too dense itself.
The story brings aspects of family problems, mental issues and what have you, most of them being surface level. The ending has a pretty nifty twist but nothing too special. Overall, there's just a story, it's there and it's more in line with what Devolver Digital offers from their games or as they call it "Gun-Fu masterpiece".
I can't say much more, because there isn't much to uncover. It's gritty, silly and a bit nonsensical but works great as a backdrop than anything else.
Gameplay
MFP is a high-paced side scroller, requires quite a concentration as you're engaging enemies in quick sessions after another. You have the ability to dodge, use double aim by holding the button while aiming the analogue at a second enemy all along with the ability to slow down time. A twin shooter that requires the right timing to pull off all the moves.
Pumping lead into your foes require fast reflexes, but that's not all you got to triumph over. The game has interesting puzzle sections that require little to no time to pass through provided you have the aptitude to solve them fast enough. Some sections are very hard and they come at much later levels of course. But most of it is intriguing and give you a bit of mental exercise while you're busy shooting bad guys. Boss battles are great dosses of fun and antes the adrenaline even higher.
Shooting pots or metallic posters ricochets bullets, shooting enemies without your need for aiming visibility. You can shoot explosive barrels nearby enemies and then some. You even shoot levers to open pathways or climb up by jumping over walls or moving up ropes. Fancy yourself stylizing your shooting gallery in some intrinsic level designs. Sure it looks very arcadish but the design fits in well with the premise of you shooting your enemies as they work for an evil monopoly of the internet.
If you're super into high scores, you're gonna love the challenges. The game always put you to test, changing scenario as the game evolves from enemies of goons to ones with more armor and some medieval dork types with swords that can cut big chunk of your health. Puzzle sections go from just jumping, rolling under tunnels to avoiding/dodging/shooting laser traps. There's even a level where you fly high and maintain your altitude while shooting enemies with your propeller hats. The stakes go high as you progress through the levels.
As much as I loved the game, I wanted more though. It took me 5hrs to finish the game entirely and I felt that 6-7hrs would have been adequate enough to leave me more satisfied. But what I got wasn't half-bad either.
New Sweet Additions
Besides the recent release in April for the Xbox One and PlayStation 4, the game also had the Code Yellow update.
This one presents various new features like turning on like cinematic mode where you get to look at yourself in third person shooting up in style. Then there's stuff like big head, where you drive and shoot with a large head. Increasing the body reticle for taking damage. You can also play this game as a tiny person, but dish out the same kind of damage you normally would.
Then there's the stuff that lets you adjust the speed of playing the game. Basically cool stuff that actually gets added for free. Isn't that nice? Nice addition, it does ramp up the value proposition quite a bit. I also changed my score because of this.
Production Value
The game maintains this looney, blocky look. A lot of range of colors shows in the aesthetics while being minimalist. It works in its favor as an indie title without so much depth to look for. You don't even need much of a beefy system to run this game as it runs smoothly in even the most outdated systems out there. I also barely experienced any bugs or glitches so it's also technically proficient.
The sound design makes gun sound robust, shooting pots which ricochets the bullets has this funny tingy noise highlighting the humor aspect of the game. But there's nothing much unique to any of them if you've say played a similar game elsewhere or watched cartoons that has the sound effects.
Game's score consist of techno, heavy synths, electronica, and some mellow acoustic guitar solos here and there. Adds a nice touch but against nothing much different aside from other games.
Verdict
MFP knows how to present itself with such style, form and rigor. Though I'd say it is somewhat of a quintessential shoot 'em up. Even in its disposition of a Devolver title, it really does nothing much to change the formula rather of course complementing it.
But hey, for heck, why not play it? It's fun, engaging combat will keep you on your toes, if you're into hailing anarchy, you're most certainly hooked after half an hour of play.
For a 20 USD title though, I wish there was a bit more to this. Few additional hours would have made this a lovely entry. But since it felt a little short with a dismissive story, here's my score for My Friend Pedro.
It could also use an arcade mode of sorts, I did hear it'll get additional content in due time. Hopefully that idea comes to fruition.