Squareboy vs Bullies: Arena Edition

Squareboy is a decent beat-em-up, if a little on the short side. The Switch version is definitely the better version of the game but perhaps doesn't quite do enough to justify the cost when a free option is available elsewhere. This isn't a bad game by any means – in fact, we had a rather enjoyable time playing through the story levels – but its flaws and inability to stand out from the crowd stop it from being a sure-fire hit.

Squareboy Vs. Bullies: Arena Edition is a great attempt at a solid beat 'em up – especially one which started life as a mobile game. There is enough gameplay to keep you entertained for a decent amount of time and I would recommend it to trophy hunters, people who like side-scrolling beat 'em ups and even those who have nostalgia for the 16-bit era.

Squareboy vs Bullies: Arena Edition has its origins in the mobile segment, where most games are very simple to play. This does not mean that those traits have to remain the same when the game is converted to a games' console. Squareboy vs Bullies: Arena Edition for the 3DS is too close to its mobile origins for its own sake, featuring generic levels, little originality and a too short lifespan that will not captivate the players for long enough.

Squareboy vs Bullies: Arena Edition stands up to make itself known on Nintendo Switch, but, rather than choosing to pay homage to greats such as Double Dragon and Final Fight, more inventiveness was needed to make it memorable. There’s enough to entertain for a short while, but the repetitive design and lack of any real ambition hold back its potential – resulting in an average experience that’s little more than a pushover.

This is a decent game for the younger audience as I feel they'll get the most benefit out of playing it.

Squareboy vs Bullies: Arena Edition is an entertaining release that offers some mindless beat ‘em up action. It is probably best played with younger players since it's not a challenging release for those who are more experienced in the genre. It's a bit weird that you end up beating up bullies as a way of teaching them to stop bullying others, but it's the thought that counts, right?

When it comes to beat 'em ups, few games are as simple as Squareboy vs. Bullies: Arena Edition.

A cheap, mindless way to spend a few hours on Switch

At the end of the day, Squareboy vs. Bullies: Arena Edition is a serviceable beat-em-up that doesn't go out of its way to stand out. While it does have a distinct Gameboy-inspired feel, its repetitive level design, disappointing enemy variety, and lack of content make for a middling five dollar experience.

Functionally I can’t really fault Squareboy with any major concerns but perhaps that isn’t the most ringing endorsement either. Though it is admirably put together and works perfectly well it is lacking in excitement and even I’d say in some heart. Having finished played it for hours I’m still really indifferent on the overall experience. It isn’t bad but it isn’t memorable. If you’re searching for something simple that is inexpensive and will consume some of your time with a generally moderate challenge, and are just a fan of the genre in its many forms, perhaps it could be worth your time though.