Plunder Panic is an arcade-style free-for-all pirate fighting game. It features two pirate gangs competing in a flag-capturing style game to come out on top. The layout is reminiscent of the multiplayer version of the original Mario Bros. arcade game. There’s always a lot going on on screen, but there are some fun ways to win.
First, choose your team from a mix of different looking pirates and monkeys. Appoint yourself as captain as you battle other pirate gangs and compete to see who can kill another captain first, steal the most gold, and blow up ships with cannons. These are usually resolved fairly quickly. I was happy to confirm that the CPU is savvy. Your goal is to make him perform one of these three objectives before your opponent does.
Graphics reminiscent of games from the 90’s. There is not much variety when it comes to level design. But I find a fun way to keep things fresh by including interesting backgrounds. For example, a volcano spewing lava, a Neptune castle with mermaids jumping out of the water, or a haunted castle background with ghosts and gargoyles.
Creating levels is unique and fun. However, the gameplay leaves a lot to be desired. There are so many moves you can do in this strictly 2D format and not so many moves you can do on screen that it quickly becomes repetitive. I wish fighting games had more possibilities to attack enemies besides jumping and attacking them head-on. After a few levels, continuing the game felt pretty redundant.
Plunder Panic seems better suited to the 90’s pizzeria arcade than the Nintendo Switch. The lack of movement, basic attacks, and simplistic level design don’t translate well into this system. This is just a game of mashing the same button over and over again, hopefully to hit your opponent faster. I could do it with a Pro controller, but I definitely don’t want to do it if I’m playing handheld and risk damaging my system.
All things considered, this is a nostalgic game and a good way to kill a few hours with friends and family locally or online. However, playing against someone else in the same room makes it more fun and competitive.
