PQube and Statera Studio bring us a fresh take on the classic 2D fighting genre with Pocket Bravery, now available for the PlayStation 5. This hand-drawn, retro-inspired game evokes nostalgia for those beloved ’90s arcade classics many of us grew up with. The game’s robust fighting system will appeal to seasoned players, yet it’s approachable enough for newcomers to dive into. Featuring a distinctive chibi-style art and character design, it stands out in a crowded field of fighting games.
Within the game, each character boasts unique stats: Power, Speed, Range, and Difficulty. You’ll engage in battles using an elemental-based combat system. Mastering the elements—like fire, ice, and electricity—becomes crucial for gaining an advantage. The game operates with a straightforward four-button mechanic: light and heavy punches and kicks. With traditional fighting game inputs, these commands unleash special moves when performed correctly, offering both complexity and depth. There’s also an option for simplified controls to ease newcomers into the action.
Button mapping is typical, with light and heavy punches assigned to the Square and Triangle buttons, and light and heavy kicks to X and Circle. Simultaneously pressing Square and X allows for grappling moves. As you dive into combat, your elemental bar fills and, once it reaches 50%, you can perform a breaker by pressing Triangle and Circle while blocking, disrupting your opponent’s combo. Using it while taking damage requires the full bar.
Elemental special attacks add an exciting twist by enhancing your character’s existing powerful attacks with added flair. Layering your inputs by pressing two punch buttons as you execute the classic motion grants access to these advanced moves. When your health hits 30% or less, your Final Attack becomes available, delivering a powerful blow that could change the outcome of a match.
Pocket Bravery packs an array of game modes. Engage in Story Mode to uncover each fighter’s personal journey, while Arcade Mode offers a more conventional adversarial experience. Versus Mode pits you against a friend locally or an AI. Online Mode lets you challenge global contenders in ranked or casual matches. If you’re new or seeking to hone your skills, Tutorial Mode guides you through the essentials, making it a valuable asset for all players.
Training Mode is ideal for testing strategies and combos against AI with customizable settings. Combo Factory Mode lets you practice specific sequences. Beyond the basics lie five Extra Modes: Survival, Time Attack, Trials, Rainbow Edition, and Hot Pursuit—each offering unique challenges, like enduring endless matches in Survival or racing the clock in Time Attack.
The Gallery section provides a visual feast of artwork and media, while an in-game shop allows for customization and expansion. Collecting points lets you unlock bonus stages, special modes, and even new character aesthetics, with options like adding Jorge to your fighter roster.
For trophy hunters, Pocket Bravery offers a full list, including a coveted Platinum trophy. As a Cross-Buy title, purchasing it grants access to both PS4 and PS5 versions on your console, each with its trophy list. Completing various game modes and challenges unlocks these achievements, from conquering Arcade Mode with every character to winning 50 matches in Survival.
At $19.99, Pocket Bravery not only delivers high-quality gaming with Cross-Buy benefits but also offers accessibility options to enhance player experience. These include descriptive announcer settings, adjustable subtitle sizes, High Contrast Mode, and a wide range of colorblind settings. Whether you’re a fighting game veteran or a complete novice, Pocket Bravery invites you to explore its vibrant universe and sharpen your skills across both PlayStation 4 and 5 platforms. This review is based on a PS5 copy provided by PQube.
