Big Helmet Heroes is an arcade beat-’em-up with a humorous twist. Featuring co-op gameplay, cleverly designed levels, and fun mechanics, this game is sure to be a hit, either solo or with friends. With a uniquely ageless sense of humor, this game might prove to be especially popular with families looking for some game time together.
When I review a title, I like to make comparisons, when applicable, to other games. As I’ve specified in the past, these comparisons are not meant to diminish the work of the developers, call the games knockoffs, or belittle them whatsoever. I think taking inspiration from other games is absolutely fine, and as we’ve seen from the existence of genre-like terms (Soulslike, Roguelike, Survivorslike, Spirelikes, Metroidvanias, etc.), taking a familiar and fun game design and putting your own spin on it is a recipe for an awesome title. When I make these comparisons, I do so to help the consumer (that’s you, reader!) have a better idea of what to expect, as often simply saying “this game is like X but with Y” is enough to make fans check it out.
That being said, Big Helmet Heroes has one big, obvious inspiration, and that is Castle Crashers.
Big Helmet Heroes is a massive Castle Crashers fan, taking inspiration from the timeless original in so many ways that it would seem weird if I didn’t point it out.
Mechanically, Big Helmet Heroes is very Castle Crashers-esque, of course, featuring some significant departures and improvements from many of the game’s original systems. But it’s more than just a game that plays like Castle Crashers. Big Helmet Heroes seems to be such a big fan of the original that they’ve taken inspiration from much of the humor, design elements (specifically, everyone being knights), and even the plot. While Castle Crashers certainly didn’t invent the idea of knights rescuing a princess, seeing a princess get abducted by an evil boss hiding in a mountain gave me a sense of déjà vu.
Like I said, Big Helmet Heroes is mechanically similar to Castle Crashers, though it makes some key changes. You are still playing alone or with a group of friends as unique little knights, fighting your way through side-scrolling beat-’em-up levels and collecting unique weapons along the way.
However, the first and most noticeable change to the formula is the introduction of combos. Where Castle Crashers plays with some basic button mashing, Big Helmet Heroes features some fluid, combo-based combat that sees you mixing up light and heavy attacks in sequence for devastating results. The combat is really fun, aided by some fantastic animations and great hit feedback that makes everything feel bouncy and dangerous. Each character also has their own magical power, but rather than being a light, spammable ability, Big Helmet Heroes portrays these as huge, impactful ultimate powers. The first of which you get is a really fun sheep stampede that will basically clear the map for you.
Another way in which Big Helmet Heroes departs from its inspiration is through weapons. While the game does feature a variety of unique weapons, each one having its own attack patterns and unique strengths, they serve more as in-level pickups rather than a permanent loadout option. These weapons come in both melee and ranged forms, and vary from comical household items like paddles, pool cues, and inflatable mallets to some fantasy-steampunk technology, like acid rifles and dragon cannons.
Instead of allowing players to unlock permanent weapon loadout options, the game gives the many unlockable knights their own playstyles, ranging from fast assassins and balanced fighters to slow heavy hitters. You unlock these knights by playing through the levels, giving you some replayability. The game also allows you to switch between two knights at a time, with the knight you swap out healing on your back bar as you deal damage. This is a really cool little feature and one that adds a bit more survivability to games, especially for single players.
Castle Crashers is a 2D game, and while I personally feel that the look is timeless, Big Helmet Heroes definitely has a much newer look. Its 3D levels and models both look good and are cleverly designed, with a good mix of humorous environments and downright cool enemies. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a goblin portrayed as cool-looking in a game before. Great animations that see you flipping through the air and dashing around also add to the game’s great visuals. The 3D space also allows more room to navigate and fight your foes.
One more big way in which Big Helmet Heroes departs from its inspiration is through the game’s humor.
I’m not one to argue that Castle Crashers is a game you should keep from kids. I certainly played it at a young age, a fact that makes me feel incredibly old in hindsight. However, it can be a bit on the cruder side, relying on a relatively tame take of the infamous Newgrounds humor. Big Helmet Heroes, on the other hand, manages to maintain much of the slapstick and zaniness of its inspiration without the cruder side of things.
Because of this and the game’s multiplayer options, you can easily call Big Helmet Heroes the family-friendly Castle Crashers, a great alternative for younger players, those who simply aren’t a big fan of Castle Crashers’ cruder humor, or simply those looking for a new take on the familiar classic. Either way, it’s hard to say that Big Helmet Heroes is anything but a fun little action arcade game, one that players of all ages can easily enjoy.
The Final Word
While it draws clear inspiration from Castle Crashers, Big Helmet Heroes successfully carves out its own identity with new combat mechanics, modern graphics, and its own unique sense of humor. This is a title that can easily be enjoyed by players of any age range.
Try Hard Guides received a PC review code for this game. Find more detailed looks at popular and upcoming titles on our Game Reviews page! Big Helmet Heroes is available on Steam, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch.
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