BUTCHER Nintendo Switch review - A twin stick shooter to die for

If you're going to make a game and you want it to be good, you only really have two choices. Make something unique and innovative, or produce an incredibly slick version of something we've seen before. BUTCHER sits proudly in the latter camp.

On paper, it's a pretty bog standard twin stick shooter. You run, jump, and blast your way through a variety of levels, collecting health, armour, and ammo pick ups, and scouring for secrets.

But BUTCHER is so damn slick you really won't care that you've seen it all before. Like, at all.

Granted, there are growing pains at first. It's not an easy game by any stretch of the imagination, and you're never really told how anything works. You just have to press buttons and see what happens.

But once it all slots into place you fall into a rhythm of murdering and dodging that looks as beautiful as it feels. The variety of weapons help with that, as they all feel really different, and completely alter your playstyle.

There's the occasional platforming segment as well, which are fun. Particularly when they're combined with murdering. It helps keep things feeling fresh, while adding to the thrill.

Attention to detail

There's some great attention to detail too, which is surprising given that the visuals are so low poly. Enemies explode in a shower of red when shot, then roll around on the floor screaming in agony while you dash over their corpses gathering loot.

It's 16 bit in style, but the developers haven't ignored developments that have been made in the years since. The result is a Shovel Knight-like blast from the past that simultaneously feels as fresh as a spring breeze.

The music and sound are also great, with pulsing electro beats that keep pushing you forward on your murderous rampage. It really helps set the tone.

BUTCHER is an incredibly slick and deliciously violent twin stick shooter that's found a perfect home on the Nintendo Switch. It's mobile friendly, thanks to the minute levels, and it runs like a dream on the hybrid console.

If you're expecting something a little different, BUTCHER isn't it. But there's no way in hell you'll be disappointed with what's on offer here. It's a twin stick shooter to die for.