This Attack of the Karens review is played and tested on the Nintendo Switch. Attack of the Karens is available for $4.99/4.99 Euro on the Nintendo Switch and is also available for PC on Steam.
“Attack of the Karens” offers an interesting spin on shooters, one that I didn’t expect much from when I first learned about the game. My initial skepticism was largely due to the inclusion of the term “Karen.” The term “Karen” has become associated with traits like entitlement, snobbery, and being stuck up. It gained prominence around 2020 due to several embarrassing incidents, mostly in the United States during the pandemic. In short, this game revolves around women who believe they are entitled and are then transformed into nearly unbeatable mutants. With each of them commanding their own armies, they attempt to shape the world according to their entitled worldview, resulting in quite a bit of hilarity.
Studio Primitive
Studio Primitive is an independent developer that has previously released a couple of small games published on Itch.io. “Attack of the Karens” marks their first major release outside of the limited Itch.io scope. Joel Potter, the developer behind the studio, has worked on this game since 2020 in his free time, balancing it with family and a full-time job. Releasing “Attack of the Karens” to the public is, like many solo projects, a significant achievement.
What is Attack of the Karens about?
What is “Attack of the Karens” about? It’s a game centered around four “Karens,” each with their own story arc. Ultimately, they all undergo transformation into larger-than-life mutant versions of themselves, hell-bent on destroying you and your wingmate, Amanda. Armed with various weapons like coffee cups, expired coupons, rockets, bombs, and bullets, they pose a formidable challenge. The first Karen, Cassie, is a suburbanite who has a meltdown in a clothing store. Marva, living on a farm, becomes insufferably know-it-all. Jordan, a social media sensation, weaponizes her subscribers’ brainless thoughts to attack anyone in her path. And finally, Tiffany, who could be the main character in the next “Horrible Bosses” movie, fires a third of her staff just because nobody bought her a present for an office party she threw. To progress in the game, you must defeat all four Karens in a row to reach a fifth and final boss with multiple forms. ultimately you will uncover unfold the secret behind the original four Karens’ attack.
Power ups and curses
The core shmup gameplay is pretty potent, albeit a bit challenging, requiring some time to master. You’d better have the patience of a saint and the finger speed that would make Meijin Takahashi blush. The game will kick your butt up and down, left and right, and initially, it kind of upset me, until after the third attempt. After that, a mode unlocks that offers power ups but also curses. Powerups make the game easier, but it remains challenging. If you’re one in a million who can beat it with weak weapons and such, you can use the curses, which make the game even more difficult by doubling the damage you take with every hit or starting you off with half health, among other things.
Currency
The currency in the game is represented by disk-type chips. By collecting a certain amount, you can upgrade your weapons, add additional weapons, and expand your ship known as the “Harbinger.” In theory, it’s a unique spin on the shmup genre, and in practice, it works really well. You can feel that the game has benefited from being in development for four years. Joel involved the indie game community, seeking opinions on seemingly minor details like color palettes, weapon designs, and other aspects. The same goes for the game’s color palette. Originally, Joel wanted to use just four colors, Game Boy-style, but after consulting with groups on Reddit and other sites, the decision was made to change it to eight, with excellent results.
Slow burner
Attack of the Karens grew on me over time. I finally beat it after numerous trial and error runs and I came out of it very satisfied. I wish there was a bit more accessibility features. It would have helped if there was an optional level select to help you hone your skills. I know it’s one of the charms of the shmup genre to build your skill by replaying the the same part over and over again, but many do offer features to ease you in.
Another aspect that impressed me was the ability to have the bosses use different stage layouts. This means they don’t have their own permanent theme, although the four backgrounds are related to one of the Karens. The final boss battle is a multi-phased fight reminiscent of Ninja Gaiden on the Nintendo Entertainment System.
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Although at times over-challenging, success ultimately relies on memorization and skill. It's a very solid game; however, its extremely difficult gameplay from the start until you offset it with weapons puts most gamers into immediate frustration on their first playthrough. Additionally, once the game is beaten, there isn't much replayability. What you see is what you get. Nonetheless, for $5, this game offers good value for its price.
Pros:
- Snarky satire
- Fun Shmup gameplay
- The 8-tone visuals works out really well
- Lots of value for money
Cons:
- Not much replayabilty after completion
- Lack of features
