Maiden Cops

Maiden Cops, developed and published by Pippin Games, is a side-scrolling beat 'em up that pays homage to the classic arcade action games of the 1990s. Released in 2024, the game immerses players in the vibrant and chaotic Maiden City, a metropolis facing a grave threat from a clandestine criminal organization known as "The Liberators". This group seeks to impose its will on the city through fear, violence, and chaos. Standing in their way is the Maiden Cops, a trio of justice-seeking monster girls dedicated to protecting the innocent and upholding the law. The narrative of Maiden Cops unfolds as The Liberators escalate their reign of terror, prompting the Maiden Cops to take decisive action. The story is presented with a lighthearted and humorous tone, featuring banter between the characters as they battle through various locations in Maiden City. These settings include Central Maiden City, the Maiden Night District, Maiden Beach, and the Liberators' Lair, each offering unique visual themes and enemy types. The game's aesthetic is heavily influenced by anime, featuring colorful and detailed pixel art that brings the characters and environments to life. Players can choose to control one of three distinct heroines, each with her own unique fighting style and attributes. Priscilla Salamander, a recent graduate of the Maiden Cops academy, is an energetic and well-rounded fighter. Nina Usagi, the oldest and most experienced of the trio, is a nimble and speedy rabbit girl. Rounding out the team is Meiga Holstaur, a kind and gentle cow-girl with immense strength. Each character possesses five key traits: Technique, Speed, Jump, Strength, and Endurance, allowing for different gameplay approaches. The gameplay in Maiden Cops is a modern take on classic beat 'em up mechanics. Players navigate through scrolling levels, engaging in combat with a variety of enemies. The combat system is surprisingly deep, featuring a range of attacks including neutral and special moves, jumping and running attacks, and grapples. A notable addition to the genre is the inclusion of a dedicated block button, which can also be used to parry attacks if timed correctly, adding a strategic layer to the combat. Special attacks are governed by a meter that fills as players fight, rather than depleting their health, a common trope in older beat 'em ups. The game also features a two-player local cooperative mode, allowing friends to team up and fight crime together. As players progress through the game, they can unlock a variety of content, including new costumes for the heroines, concept art, and music. This adds replay value and rewards players for their dedication. The game has been praised for its solid gameplay, engaging story, and charming pixel art. Critics have drawn favorable comparisons to beloved titles like *Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game* and *TMNT: Shredder's Revenge*. While some have noted the game's short length and the lack of online multiplayer, the overall reception has been positive, with many considering it a fun and well-crafted addition to the beat 'em up genre.