We all have games that we love, those hallowed titles that you’ll likely double dip on for another platform because they’re just that good. And some seven years on from its original launch, South African studio Free Lives‘ Broforce has finally made its way to the Xbox. And what we get isn’t just Broforce, it’s Broforce Forever.

Broforce Forever is another indie gem that Xbox owners are finally getting a hold of as the legendary 2015 run-and-gun title comes to the Xbox family of machines, as well as being part of Xbox Game Pass.

1980s Action Movie

Broforce Forever is best explained as an 80s kids dream come true, as it’s a true love letter to all things action cinema that has been merged with classic gameplay vibes from the likes of Contra and Metal Slug.

Your job is simple. Blast everything that moves and get to the ‘choppah’ as you face evermore challenging enemies and levels. From terrorist types to acid-for-blood aliens and more demonic foes. You won’t be taking your finger off the trigger. And this before you even encounter the countless bosses standing in your way.

Mass Destruction

If that wasn’t hard enough the levels are also fully destructible and will start to crumble as the lead starts to fly. Although you can and will often use this feature to your advantage for example if you’re facing a fight over a minefield, just blast a path below it and walk right under it.

If this all sets a hard as nails scene that’s good because it is, but Broforce Forever has an ace up its sleeve in the form of ‘bros’ as you get to play as several different ones all based on iconic movie heroes.

Each with different weapons and abilities, and each sits so close to the copyright line it’s scary. We are talking Rambro, Brommando, Bro Dredd, Snake Broskin, Brobocop and Indiana Brones.

Basically, if you can think of an action movie or TV series from the 80s or 90s odds are high there is a Bro version of the star here. And it’s not even limited to just male heroes as Ellen Ripbro, The Brode and Tank Bro represent iconic heroines.

Rand-bo

Though you don’t get to actually pick what Bro you want to play as, with the game randomly spawning you as a fresh one at the start of a level, or when you save a hostage across the levels. Saving them is also how you unlock more Bros, so it’s worth going out your way to find them all.

This system is interesting as it makes you have to master each Bro. However, there will be times where you’ll need someone with range attacks, but have spawned as a melee focused one. Or worse, MacBrover, who is the very weakest of the bunch. So, it can take a bit trial and error to get the one you want.

You can also play through the campaign with three other mates, as you may expect it’s a tonne of fun and that can be done on the couch or online which is a nice touch.

Silver Screen Look and Feel

Broforce Forever is a pixel feast for the eyes. Despite its retro look, the stages and characters are surprisingly detailed. Each Bro is packed with the character you expect them from their silver screen counterparts.

The audio of Broforce Forever adds much to the fun from the booming explosions to hearing your enemies running away screaming. Similarly, the 80s guitar shredding soundtrack just fits the mood perfectly.

XBros

And for the green side, Free Lives have infused Broforce Forever with a fine selection of fresh content. As you would expect, there are new Bros, new baddies and new challenges to complete. Free Lives said this is the final, definitive of Broforce and it feels like it. The new content adds a lot to the original experience.

Six new bros join the team; with the highlights being Seth Brondle and Broffy the Vampire Slayer. You’ll be blasting new baddies, like Motorbike Maniacs, and taking on the Muscle Temples built for for a true challenge.

Broforce may have been around the block a few times already but, like its core inspiration, it’s still fun. Broforce Forever is well worth playing in solo or with your mates. The game’s over-the-top tongue-in-cheek take on the 80s’ brand of patriotic carnage will put a smile to the face of even the most hardened bad ass.