Goons: Legends & Mayhem Review

Goons: Legends & Mayhem is set in the fictional land of Zambonia; a former quaint and prosperous kingdom where hockey reigns supreme. Players choose from eight characters divided into three classes: the attack-focused Sharpshooter, the defensce-oriented Enforcer, and the Wingman who can either support your teammates or pester the opposition.

Goons: Legends & Mayhem is a unique hybrid of hockey and adventure/JRPG genres. Players will roam around the land either by skating around or driving a zamboni like vehicle to reach your next objective. Completing objectives will require players to settle the score on the ice and this is where it gets interesting.

Combat is, as you’d expect, hockey based. While certain circumstances will have players play a typical hockey game, others will see players battling bosses; battles with unique mechanics such as stunning the big baddy before hitting them with a power shot.

Other types for example such as Possession, where players have to cross the line with the puck before attempting a shot. As you complete hockey games/battles, you’ll also unlock new players/party members that will help you in team based hockey battles or can be selected when going one on one.

Battles will also feature hazards; for example, during a Possession type match, the crowd will throw garbage on the ice that can stun you, your opponent and even the goalie. And as with any other adventure/role-playing games, when not in “battle”, you’ll be called upon to travel across the great land of Zambonia in order to retrieve items, complete quests and help the residents of the unique land.

The game has a nice, cartoony visual offering a nice diversity compared to the slew of realistic games that people clamor. But given its winter-y theme due to the necessity of ice rinks, the overall environments don’t change much. Characters are well designed, albeit very simplistic given their cartoonish features. The soundtrack, while passable, it’s really of a masterpiece. It’s a cutesy selection of tunes appropriate for the theme, but very forgettable.

Given the two genre mash-up, you’d expect a few bumps in the road, but there’s nothing inherently wrong with Goons: Legends & Mayhem. The main nuisance here is that you’ll need a small adjustment period in terms of controls. While nothing majorly problematic, it does feel a bit floaty and takes some time to get used to it.

Surprisingly this works. To be honest, I was expecting a basic hockey game that pitting wizards against other magical creatures, but this Goons: Legends & Mayhem works as a hybrid hockey/adventure game. Easy to pick up and play, hockey based combat; it’s a unique combination that works. While controls do feel a bit floaty, remember this isn’t a sim type game, it’s still wholly enjoyable after a bit of adjustment. If you’re looking for a unique gaming experience, Goons: Legends & Mayhem is highly recommended.