{{short description|2017 multiplayer beat 'em up party game}} {{Use dmy dates|date=July 2022}} {{Infobox video game | title = Gang Beasts | image = Gang Beasts Logo.png | caption = | developer = Boneloaf | publisher = Double Fine Presents (2017–2020)<br/>Boneloaf (2020–present) | engine = Unity | released = '''Linux, macOS, Windows, PlayStation 4'''<br/>12 December 2017<br/>'''Xbox One'''<br/>27 March 2019<br/>'''Nintendo Switch'''<br/>12 October 2021 | genre = Beat 'em up, party | modes = Single-player, multiplayer | director = | producer = | designer = | programmer = | artist = | writer = | composer = {{ubl|Doseone|Bob Larder}} | platforms = {{cslist|Linux|macOS|Windows|PlayStation 4|Xbox One|Nintendo Switch}} }}
'''''Gang Beasts''''' is a beat 'em up party video game developed and published by English game developer Boneloaf Studios. The title was originally published by Double Fine Presents until May 2020 and was self-published afterwards,<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2020-06-01-gang-beasts-will-be-kept-alive-via-new-self-published-updates |title = Gang Beasts will be kept alive via new self-published updates | first = Tom | last= Phillips | date = 1 June 2020 | access-date = 1 June 2020 | work = Eurogamer }}</ref> while it would later be published physically by Skybound Games.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.doublefine.com/news/comments/double_fine_presents_gang_beasts/|title=Double Fine Presents: Gang Beasts|last=Rice|first=Greg|date=18 August 2014|website=Double Fine Productions|access-date=27 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113231907/http://www.doublefine.com/news/comments/double_fine_presents_gang_beasts|archive-date=13 January 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Gera |first1=Emily |title=Party Brawler 'Gang Beasts' Coming to Physical Retail |url=https://variety.com/2019/gaming/news/gang-beasts-physical-retail-skybound-boneloaf-1203155028/ |website=Variety |date=5 March 2019 |access-date=16 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306132247/https://variety.com/2019/gaming/news/gang-beasts-physical-retail-skybound-boneloaf-1203155028/ |archive-date=6 March 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> The game released for Windows, macOS, Linux, and PlayStation 4 on 12 December 2017, following an early access period for the PC platforms that began in August 2014. It was also released on the Xbox One on 27 March 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gangbeasts.game/faq/|title=Gang Beasts FAQ|website=Gang Beasts|access-date=23 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224233126/http://gangbeasts.game/faq/|archive-date=24 December 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://blog.eu.playstation.com/2017/11/28/hilarious-mulitplayer-brawler-gang-beasts-gets-a-confirmed-ps4-release-date/#sf174552940|title=Hilarious multiplayer brawler Gang Beasts gets a confirmed PS4 release date|last=Spafford|first=James|date=28 November 2017|website=PlayStation Blog Europe|access-date=28 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201050216/https://blog.eu.playstation.com/2017/11/28/hilarious-mulitplayer-brawler-gang-beasts-gets-a-confirmed-ps4-release-date/#sf174552940|archive-date=1 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> A version for Nintendo Switch was released on 13 October 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brian |date=2021-10-06 |title=Gang Beasts Switch release delayed a few days |url=https://nintendoeverything.com/gang-beasts-switch-release-delayed-a-few-days/ |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=Nintendo Everything |language=en}}</ref>
== Gameplay == In the game, players fight each other as floppy, wiggly ragdolls in multiple melee fight sequences, and hazardous environments, set in the fictional metropolis of Beef City. Other game modes such as Waves, Gang, and Soccer are also available. At initial release, it contained eight multiplayer stages, and costume customization. The core gameplay involves using various physical attacks such as punching or kicking an opponent until they are knocked out, and then attempting to toss them over one of the stage hazards. Opponents that have been knocked down are not completely defenseless however, as they can fight back after they return to consciousness.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2016/05/03/gang-beasts-online-multiplayer/|title=Gang Beasts Grapples With Online Multiplayer Beta|last=Smith|first=Graham|date=3 May 2016|website=Rock, Paper, Shotgun|publisher=Gamer Network|access-date=1 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170301184656/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2016/05/03/gang-beasts-online-multiplayer/|archive-date=1 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> There are 22 different playable stages that players can choose from.
== Reception == {{Video game reviews | MC = PS4: 68/100<ref name=MCPS4/><br />XONE: 67/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/gang-beasts/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-one |title=Gang Beasts for Xbox One Reviews | website =Metacritic|publisher =CBS Interactive}}</ref><br />NS: 68/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/gang-beasts/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |title=Gang Beasts for Nintendo Switch Reviews | website =Metacritic| publisher=CBS Interactive}}</ref> | Destruct = 6/10<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.destructoid.com/review-gang-beasts-478669.phtml|title=Review: Gang Beasts|last=Moyse|first=Chris|date=20 December 2017|website=Destructoid|publisher=Enthusiast Gaming|access-date=26 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171230223704/https://www.destructoid.com/review-gang-beasts-478669.phtml|archive-date=30 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> | PCGUS = 64/100<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/gang-beasts-review/|title=Gang Beasts review|last=Schilling|first=Chris|date=21 December 2017|magazine=PC Gamer|publisher=Future US|access-date=26 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171226094415/http://www.pcgamer.com/gang-beasts-review/|archive-date=26 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> | rev1 = ''Hardcore Gamer'' | rev1Score = 4/5<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hardcoregamer.com/2017/12/19/review-gang-beasts/283894/|title=Review: Gang Beasts|last=Robertson|first=Tyler|date=19 December 2017|website=Hardcore Gamer|access-date=26 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171226130616/https://www.hardcoregamer.com/2017/12/19/review-gang-beasts/283894/|archive-date=26 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> | rev2 = ''Shacknews'' | rev2Score = 6/10<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.shacknews.com/article/102538/gang-beasts-review-royal-fumble|title=Gang Beasts Review: Royal Fumble|last=Mejia|first=Ozzie|date=18 December 2017|website=Shacknews|publisher=Gamerhub Content Network|access-date=26 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171226131059/http://www.shacknews.com/article/102538/gang-beasts-review-royal-fumble|archive-date=26 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> }}
In its freeware alpha state, as well as upon Steam Early Access release, the game was met with positive response from critics and fans.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-09-09-gang-beasts-early-access-review|title=Gang Beasts Early Access review|last=Bramwell|first=Tom|date=10 September 2014|website=Eurogamer|publisher=Gamer Network|access-date=8 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151226214749/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-09-09-gang-beasts-early-access-review|archive-date=26 December 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2014/04/04/gang-beasts-multiplayer-free-beat-em-up-physics/|title=Hands On: Gang Beasts|last=Smith|first=Adam|date=4 April 2014|website=Rock, Paper, Shotgun|publisher=Gamer Network|access-date=8 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126044019/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2014/04/04/gang-beasts-multiplayer-free-beat-em-up-physics/|archive-date=26 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2015/08/31/pax-prime-2015-gang-beasts-ps4-hands-on-preview-goofy-brawler/|title=PAX Prime 2015: Gang Beasts Hands-On Preview – Goofy Brawler|last=Labbe|first=Mark|date=31 August 2015|website=PlayStation LifeStyle|publisher=CraveOnline|access-date=8 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151229195241/http://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2015/08/31/pax-prime-2015-gang-beasts-ps4-hands-on-preview-goofy-brawler/|archive-date=29 December 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Comments include Keith Stuart of ''The Guardian'' calling it "probably one of the silliest beat-'em-ups ever made,"<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/jul/21/gang-beasts-funniest-fighting-game-ever-made|title=Gang Beasts – probably the funniest fighting game ever made|last=Stuart|first=Keith|date=21 July 2014|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=8 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126065739/http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/jul/21/gang-beasts-funniest-fighting-game-ever-made|archive-date=26 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Jessica Conditt from Engadget calling it "a jolly good time",<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2014/08/19/burn-crush-your-jelly-pals-in-gang-beasts-from-double-fine/|title=Burn, crush your jelly pals in Gang Beasts from Double Fine|last=Conditt|first=Jessica|date=19 August 2014|website=Engadget|publisher=AOL Tech|access-date=8 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125055945/http://www.engadget.com/2014/08/19/burn-crush-your-jelly-pals-in-gang-beasts-from-double-fine/|archive-date=25 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> and Steve Hansen from ''Destructoid'' highlighting how its weirdness plays out well.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.destructoid.com/gang-beasts-out-on-steam-fight-your-friends-like-a-drunk-on-skates-280404.phtml|title=Gang Beasts out on Steam, fight your friends like a drunk on skates|last=Hansen|first=Steve|date=2 September 2014|website=Destructoid|publisher=Enthusiast Gaming|access-date=8 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160203124601/http://www.destructoid.com/gang-beasts-out-on-steam-fight-your-friends-like-a-drunk-on-skates-280404.phtml|archive-date=3 February 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
Outside of early access, ''Gang Beasts'' received mixed reviews from critics on both the PC and PlayStation 4 versions of the game. On Metacritic, the game holds a score of 67/100 for the PlayStation 4 version based on 8 reviews, indicating "mixed or average reviews".<ref name=MCPS4>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/gang-beasts/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4|title=Gang Beasts for PlayStation 4 Reviews|website=Metacritic|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=26 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210202314/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/gang-beasts|archive-date=10 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
The game was nominated for "Excellence in Multiplayer" at the 2018 SXSW Gaming Awards,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gaming.sxsw.com/news/2018/2018-sxsw-gaming-awards-finalists/|title=Here Are Your 2018 SXSW Gaming Awards Finalists!|last=McNeill|first=Andrew|date=31 January 2018|website=SXSW|access-date=1 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201080759/https://gaming.sxsw.com/news/2018/2018-sxsw-gaming-awards-finalists/|archive-date=1 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/03/18/sxsw-gaming-awards-2018-winners-revealed|title=2018 SXSW Gaming Awards Winners Revealed|author=IGN Studios|date=17 March 2018|website=IGN|access-date=18 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180318113052/http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/03/18/sxsw-gaming-awards-2018-winners-revealed|archive-date=18 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> and for "Multiplayer" at the 14th British Academy Games Awards.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mcvuk.com/business/hellblade-senuas-sacrifice-at-forefront-of-bafta-games-awards-nominations|title=Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice at forefront of BAFTA Games Awards nominations|last=deAlessandri|first=Marie|date=15 March 2018|website=MCV|access-date=16 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316161255/https://www.mcvuk.com/business/hellblade-senuas-sacrifice-at-forefront-of-bafta-games-awards-nominations|archive-date=16 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.destructoid.com/bafta-names-what-remains-of-edith-finch-its-best-game-of-2017-498392.phtml|title=BAFTA names What Remains of Edith Finch its best game of 2017|last=Makedonski|first=Brett|date=12 April 2018|website=Destructoid|publisher=Enthusiast Gaming|access-date=13 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425185417/https://www.destructoid.com/bafta-names-what-remains-of-edith-finch-its-best-game-of-2017-498392.phtml|archive-date=25 April 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{Clear}}
== References == {{Reflist}}
== External links == * {{Official website|gangbeasts.game}}
Category:2017 video games Category:3D beat 'em ups Category:Double Fine games Category:Early access video games Category:Indie games Category:Linux games Category:MacOS games Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games Category:Party video games Category:Physics-based video games Category:PlayStation 4 games Category:PlayStation VR games Category:Skybound Games games Category:Video games developed in the United Kingdom Category:Windows games Category:Xbox One games