As part of its ongoing retrospective on standout titles from 2025 that initially flew under the radar, GameCentral has turned its spotlight onto Clawpunk, a bombastic arcade action game celebrated for its heavy metal soundtrack and vibrant world.
A Lived-In World of Feral Cyberpunk
The most captivating video games often transport players to a cohesive, believable universe, rather than a simple sequence of levels. Clawpunk, released on 14th November 2025 and developed by Kittens in Timespace, masterfully achieves this. While presented through exuberant pixel art, outlandish characters, and cartoonish energy, it constructs a marvellous dystopian sprawl you'll want to revisit repeatedly.
Set in a 'feral cyberpunk' aesthetic, the game's world is prowled by gangs of street-hardened animals. These packs roam dilapidated districts awash with spluttering neon and decaying tech, their loyalty expressed through stylistic tributes reminiscent of real-world biker or metalhead subcultures. This grounding in genuine youth movements lends the setting remarkable believability.
Players ally with the cats, controlling a ragtag crew on a mission to reclaim their home from a former ally turned villain, Mr. Fuzz. Imagine a blend of West Side Story and Blade Runner, where an anthropomorphised cast skips the finger-snapping and dives straight into brutal brawls.
Arcade-Inspired Chaos and Dynamic Gameplay
At its core, Clawpunk is a platforming brawler with gunplay elements, unfolding across highly destructible environments. It proudly channels classic arcade traditions: intense pacing, deceptively simple mechanics with impressive depth, and a challenging difficulty curve. Thankfully, the developers have expertly balanced the challenge to remain welcoming to players of varying skill levels.
Levels are typically structured with the start at the top and the exit far below. The journey downward is fraught with obstacles, from armed canine enemies to explosive barrels and tricky platforming sections. You initially control Dash, a lightning-fast punk cat armed with a blade, leaping between platforms and occasionally grabbing limited-ammo ranged weapons.
The game encourages constant, aggressive forward (or downward) momentum. While you can strategically destroy scenery to create new paths, a purely stealthy approach is impossible. Clawpunk thrives on speed, movement, and heart-pounding, dynamic action that results in exhilarating close calls. Failure is frequent, but the urge to jump back in is irresistible, aided by most levels being only a few minutes long.
Customisation, Style, and Minor Quibbles
Progression unlocks a diverse roster of cats, each acting as an extra life during a run. Characters range from Candy, a whip-wielding ranged specialist who looks like a hair metal frontwoman, to an unruly bomb-tossing cat on a pogo stick. Unlockable modifier cards allow for further customisation, letting players boost stats like attack power or movement to suit their playstyle.
Aesthetically, the game is a triumph. The writing and voice performances are distinct and full of personality. The soundtrack—a potent mix of hard synth, punk riffs, and driving metal—perfectly complements the action. The pixel art is vibrant, crunchy, and wonderfully animated, echoing the quality of the Metal Slug series.
However, there is one significant catch. The visual noise from explosions and effects can sometimes completely obscure your character, leading to cheap hits and frustration. While not game-breaking, it's a notable flaw. The absence of a multiplayer mode also feels like a missed opportunity for chaotic fun, though local co-op might have been visually overwhelming.
Some players might also desire a more prominent narrative, but this is, at its heart, an arcade-inspired experience. Despite these quirks, Clawpunk is a brilliant genre entry. Its finely tuned difficulty curve creates a tangible sense of improvement, making previously insurmountable challenges feel conquerable.
Fans of brawlers like Streets of Rage 4, platforming slash-em-ups, or indie run 'n' guns will find much to love here, precisely because Clawpunk carves its own unique niche. Published by Megabit Publishing and priced at £7.99, it's available on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, with a 7 age rating.
In summary, Clawpunk is an energetic, mischievous platforming brawler that successfully merges feral cyberpunk themes with old-school arcade sensibilities. It's extremely fun and lively, with rewarding progression, excellent graphics, and a fantastic soundtrack, even if its visual intensity can occasionally work against it.
