We first saw Diesel Legacy: The Brazen Age during Gamescom and noticed it was a bold attempt to reimagine the fighting game formula with its unique emphasis on 2v2 battles and a dieselpunk aesthetic. Published by Maximum Entertainment, the game’s fresh take on competitive combat combines innovative mechanics with a distinctive visual style, though it has a few rough edges as well.
The game’s narrative backdrop provides a glimpse into the city of New Libertis, a gritty dieselpunk metropolis ruled by industrialist tyranny. While the story mode adds some depth to the characters, the plot often takes a backseat to the gameplay – as per the norm in the genre. That said, the blend of gangsters, robots, and assassins in a dystopian world is visually captivating and sets a unique stage for the chaotic brawls.
At its core, Diesel Legacy thrives on its chaotic 2v2 combat system, where four players engage in simultaneous battles across three distinct lanes. The addition of the lane-switching mechanic injects a layer of strategy rarely seen in traditional fighting games. Skilled players will find opportunities for dynamic maneuvers, team-based strategies, and creative counterplays, while newcomers can jump in without being overwhelmed by overly complex controls. However, balancing issues sometimes hinder the experience, with certain characters and strategies feeling overpowered, especially in casual play.
The introduction of ghost mechanics, which allow KO’d players to influence the match even after being defeated, is another innovative touch. This feature ensures that no one feels entirely sidelined during a fight, keeping the tension high until the very end. However, mastering these ghost mechanics requires practice, and they can feel underutilized in less coordinated matches.
Visually, the game’s hand-drawn art style and vibrant animations bring its dieselpunk world to life. Each character’s design reflects their personality and playstyle, from a plague doctor assassin to a gangster. While the art direction for the characters is impressive, the environments lack the same level of detail and variety, occasionally making the arenas feel repetitive. The soundtrack, while energetic, doesn’t leave a lasting impression, though it complements the high-octane action well.
The controls are intuitive, making the game accessible to newcomers, but fighting game veterans will appreciate the depth provided by frame data and advanced techniques available in training mode. The game’s RealMatch rollback netcode ensures smooth online play, but matchmaking times can be inconsistent.
Despite its innovations, Diesel Legacy isn’t without its flaws. The three-lane system, while inventive, can sometimes make matches feel chaotic to the point of being overwhelming, especially for players unfamiliar with multi-layered fighting arenas. Additionally, the game’s reliance on teamwork in 2v2 battles may alienate solo players, even though CPU partners are available in offline modes.
In the end, Diesel Legacy: The Brazen Age offers a fresh take on the genre, blending teamwork, strategy, and chaotic fun into a package that stands apart from its peers. While it may not achieve perfection, its innovative mechanics and unique style make it a worthwhile experience for fans of fighting games looking for something refreshing and new. With further refinements and updates, it could carve out a niche as a go-to title for both casual players and dedicated enthusiasts.
Score: 7.8/10
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