Context and Overview
Released in 2018, Strange Brigade is a third-person co-op action-adventure shooter that transports players back to the high-flying, pulp-adventure era of the 1930s. Blending cooperative horde shooting with environmental puzzle solving, ancient hazards, and classic monster-movie tropes, the game captures the spirit of retro serials like Indiana Jones and The Mummy.
Developer Background
The game was developed and published by Rebellion Developments, the renowned British studio behind the acclaimed Sniper Elite series and Zombie Army franchise. Leveraging their extensive expertise in third-person combat and wave-survival mechanics, Rebellion crafted Strange Brigade as a lighter, more stylized departure from their darker shooter titles.
Story and Narrative
Set in Egypt during the 1930s, the narrative centers on the reawakening of Seteki the Witch Queen, an ancient evil ruler buried for over 4,000 years. To stop her legion of undead mummies, giant scorpions, minotaurs, and mythological monstrosities, the Department of Antiquities deploys the Strange Brigade—an eccentric team of four playable secret agents.
The narrative stands out due to its charismatic, retro BBC-style narrator. Delivering enthusiastic, tongue-in-cheek commentary throughout missions, the narrator enhances the game's vintage serial feel, celebrating high heroic moments and mocking player missteps with charm.
Graphics and Visual Style
Visually, Strange Brigade features a vibrant, colorful aesthetic. Rather than confining action to dim, grey tombs, Rebellion designed brightly lit Egyptian ruins, sun-drenched oases, glowing subterranean caverns, and intricate ancient temples. The character models are rich in 1930s period detail, while particle effects during magical amulet attacks and trap activations look crisp and dynamic.
Playable Platforms
Strange Brigade is widely accessible across multiple console generations and hardware platforms:
- PC (Microsoft Windows)
- PlayStation 4
- Xbox One
- Nintendo Switch
- Amazon Luna & Google Stadia (Cloud)
Final Recommendation
Is Strange Brigade worth playing today? Yes, particularly for fans of cooperative shooters and classic adventure themes. While single-player action can become repetitive, the game excels in 2-to-4 player co-op mode. The inventive trap mechanics, varied character abilities, and humorous 1930s presentation make it an underrated pick for a squad night.
Verdict: A stylish, cheerful, and entertaining co-op shooter that delivers great fun with friends.
