Games Genie
Brimstone Brawlers cover art

Brimstone Brawlers

Best if you want chaotic local multiplayer with environmental mayhem, where tossing friends into hazards matters more than combos—currently free in Early Access but may switch to paid at full release.

Released
May 19, 2020
Genre
INDIE
0
Available On

Why We Recommend This Game

Brimstone Brawlers thrives on party-game chaos rather than precise fighting mechanics. The top-down perspective and emphasis on environmental hazards—exploding barrels, moving trains, deadly drops—turn every match into a scramble to control space and weaponize the map against your opponents. You'll spend as much time dodging stage dangers as trading blows, and that frantic awareness creates genuine laughs when someone gets launched into a hazard they forgot was there. The learning curve stays gentle because each character's toolkit is compact: a basic attack, a special ability, and the capacity to grab items or opponents. Mastery comes from understanding how abilities interact—igniting arrows mid-flight, deflecting projectiles, timing throws to capitalize on environmental timing. Matches unfold in 3–5 minute bursts, making it easy to rotate characters or maps without commitment fatigue. The pace feels less like traditional fighters and more like brawler-flavored party mayhem, where positioning and opportunism trump memorized combos. The Victorian gothic aesthetic gives stages a moody, industrial flavor that sets it apart from bright, cartoonish alternatives. Arenas like train stations and rooftops aren't just backdrops—they're active participants with moving platforms and destructible elements. This makes replaying the same map feel fresh as you discover new ways to bait opponents into danger zones. Single-player against bots offers a decent warmup, but the game truly shines in local multiplayer, where trash talk and shared-screen chaos amplify every knockback and explosion. Online play exists but suffers from a small playerbase, so expect longer waits or uneven skill matchups. The Early Access label is honest: the roster remains compact, balance tweaks continue, and polish is ongoing. If you're comfortable with a game still finding its footing, the core loop already delivers satisfying mayhem. Just know the free access may end when development wraps, so treat it as a trial period for a game that could eventually ask for your wallet.

Best For

  • Local multiplayer groups who prioritize laughs over competitive balance
  • Fans of environmental hazards and stage interaction over traditional combo systems
  • Players curious about gothic-themed party brawlers willing to embrace Early Access rough edges

Not For

  • Solo players seeking deep single-player content or robust bot AI
  • Competitive fighters wanting frame-perfect mechanics and large character rosters
  • Anyone uncomfortable with Early Access uncertainty or potential future price changes

Multiplayer & Game Modes

4 local

Brimstone Brawlers does not support crossplay, supports up to 4 players locally.

Features

Crossplay(No Crossplay)
Local Multiplayer
LAN Support

Play Modes

Single PlayerMultiplayerPvPLocal Couch Co-opLAN MultiplayerShared Screen

Player Count

Local
1-4
LAN
1-4

Additional Details

Steam lists Local (Shared/Split Screen) PvP and LAN PvP. No online multiplayer features are listed on Steam, and no cross-play is mentioned. Max players shown as up to 4 players for local/LAN PvP.

Edition and Platform Information

Important details about which version to buy and where to play.

Platform Recommendations

Supports LAN and shared-screen multiplayer, ideal for couch co-op setups. Online multiplayer exists but small playerbase makes reliable matchmaking challenging. Controller support recommended for local sessions.

Accessibility Features

Simple two-button combat (attack, special) and straightforward movement keep controls approachable. Local play with bots provides a low-pressure learning environment. Early Access status means accessibility features remain basic—no robust colorblind modes or remapping options confirmed yet. Visual clutter during chaotic moments can make tracking your character difficult.

Screenshots

Click any screenshot to view in full size

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this game answered by our team.

How hard is it to pick up?

Very easy. Two-button attacks and grab mechanics mean you're playing within seconds. The challenge comes from reading hazards and opponents, not execution barriers.

How long are typical sessions?

Matches last 3–5 minutes, perfect for quick bursts. A casual play session of rotating characters and maps runs 20–30 minutes before you've seen most content.

Is it good for solo play?

Serviceable but limited. Bot matches work for practice, but the game is designed around multiplayer chaos. Solo players will exhaust content quickly without friends or online opponents.

Will it stay free?

Unclear. Developers indicated it's free during Early Access but may become paid at full release. Treat the current free period as a trial window.

How's the online community?

Small and inconsistent. You'll find matches, but expect waits and skill gaps. Local multiplayer remains the most reliable way to enjoy the game with consistent opponents.