The Bug Butcher

Release Date: January 19, 2016

Action, science fiction, 2D, indie games, shooters, multiplayer, singleplayer

7.9

OpenCritic

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A two-dimensional shooter set in a science fiction world, developed by Australian Awfully Nice studio. In The Bug Butcher, we play as a guy named Harry, who is a space exterminator of all kind of pests, just as he's received a profitable order to get rid of the vermin overrunning a research lab at a far-away planet, and save the scientists working there.

Plot
Mechanics
Game modes
Technical aspects

The Bug Butcher created by Awfully Nice Studios for PC, PS4 etc., is a 2D shooter, modelled on Super Buster Bros. from 1990. The studio was founded by Till Aschwanden and Rainer Zoettel. The latter has previously worked at the famous Blizzard Entertainment, Weta Digital and Scanline VFX, where he contributed to several famous films, including District 9, The Hobbit, Avengers and Cloud Atlas.

Plot

In The Bug Butcher, we play as Harry, who is a cosmic exterminator of all kinds of vermin. He receives a contract in which he has to get rid of pests spreading in a research center on a distant planet and save the scientists working there. Of course, the task won't be easy, because Harry has to face large and very dangerous creatures.

Mechanics

The Bug Butcher on PC, PS4, etc. is a side-scroller shoot'em up, which focuses on killing enemies. Players move in two dimensions, right and left, but shoot only upwards. During the game, we get access to a variety of futuristic weapons, including lasers and rocket launchers which can be modified. In addition, the game also features power-ups temporarily increasing our power. The game offers players 30 levels. The more efficiently and quickly we eliminate the vermin, the better the results - this is thanks to a multiplier, which ends when we receive damage or stay inactive for too long.

Game modes

In addition to the single-player campaign, The Bug Butcher also offers a multiplayer mode in which we fight for points with another player. The game takes place on special platforms, which rise over time, bringing us closer to a deadly energy beam. The better we deal with enemies, the longer we stay alive.

Technical aspects

The Bug Butcher on PC, PS4 etc. is a decent looking 2D game. The developers have prepared a lot of different locations, various space bugs eye-pleasing special effects.

Last updated on December 17, 2019

Videos and Screens

[1:33] The Bug Butcher launch trailer

7.9

OpenCritic Rating

Game is Recomended by 75% of Critics. There are 31 Critic Reviews.

OpenCritic

The Outerhaven Productions: 3.5 / 5 by Keith Mitchell

If this is the first efforts from Awfully Nice Studios, it's a damned good one. While the Bug Butcher won't win any awards for innovation, it definitely will with how much fun you'll have with the same. Simple, frantic, charming and fun are easily the four best words to describe The Bug Butcher. It's also nice to know that Awfully Nice Studios is constantly fixing bugs (No pun intended) that are found in the game, so it's also nice to see that they're committed to making this the best experience it can be.

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Hardcore Gamer: 3.5 / 5 by James Cunningham

All these elements come together to make an arcade-style game that easily lives up to its Pang/Buster Bros.

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TrueAchievements: 3.5 / 5 by Cindy Minguez

The Bug Butcher is a fun arcade title that has the player exterminating bugs at an increasingly frenetic pace until all bugs have been destroyed. The easy-to-operate game mechanic and variety of difficulties that are available make it fun for all skill levels, but the challenging achievement list and buggy saving could squash some players' enthusiasm like...well, like a bug.

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