Grapplers: Relic Rivals

Grapplers: Relic Rivals is a chaotic 2D PvP platformer where players engage in fast-paced local multiplayer matches, using grappling hooks to navigate treacherous environments and uncover ancient relics. Set in a dynamic, trap-filled world, competitors must master mystical runes and relic powers to outmaneuver and defeat their rivals in thrilling, high-energy battles. The game blends nostalgic local multiplayer fun with modern mechanics, making it ideal for group play.

Grapplers: Relic Rivals: A Modern Love Letter to Classic Party Games

Introduction: The Chaos of Competition

In an era where multiplayer games often prioritize sprawling open worlds or battle royale spectacle, Grapplers: Relic Rivals emerges as a refreshing throwback—a tightly designed, locally focused party brawler that distills the essence of competitive fun into a bite-sized, pixel-perfect package. Developed by Paul Kankiewicz, a veteran of AAA titles like Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor and Hogwarts Legacy, this 2D platformer is a labor of love, crafted over eight months with the explicit goal of recapturing the magic of couch co-op classics like TowerFall Ascension, Duck Game, and Super Smash Bros. But does it succeed in carving out its own niche, or does it merely echo the greats that came before it?

This review will dissect Grapplers: Relic Rivals from every angle—its development history, narrative and thematic underpinnings, gameplay mechanics, artistic and auditory design, reception, and legacy. By the end, we’ll determine whether this game is a fleeting diversion or a modern staple of the party game genre.

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Development History & Context: From AAA to Indie Ambition

The Creator’s Journey: Paul Kankiewicz’s Path to Independence

Paul Kankiewicz’s journey into game development is a testament to perseverance and passion. Beginning as a child enamored with Super Mario Bros. 3 and Mega Man X, Kankiewicz’s early fascination with games evolved into a career shaped by both formal education and industry grind. His tenure at DigiPen Institute of Technology honed his programming skills, while stints in QA at WB Games and Monolith Productions—where he contributed to Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War—taught him the rigors of AAA development.

Yet, despite his success, Kankiewicz yearned for creative autonomy. His departure from BioWare during the tumultuous development of Dragon Age: The Veilguard marked a turning point. Inspired by indie developers like Pirate Software and the philosophy of “keep your scope small,” he embarked on Grapplers: Relic Rivals as a deliberate exercise in restraint. The game was conceived as a six-month project (ultimately taking eight, with one month dedicated to business logistics) to test his ability to ship a complete, polished indie title.

Technological and Design Philosophies

Kankiewicz’s decision to use GameMaker instead of Unreal Engine was pivotal. While Unreal’s power is undeniable, its complexity was overkill for a 2D platformer. GameMaker’s streamlined workflow allowed for rapid iteration, a necessity given the game’s tight development cycle. This choice reflects a broader trend in indie development, where tools like GameMaker, Unity, and Godot empower small teams to compete with larger studios.

The game’s design philosophy is rooted in accessibility and depth. Kankiewicz sought to create a game that was “easy to learn, difficult to master”—a mantra echoed by classics like Tetris and Street Fighter II. The grappling hook, the game’s central mechanic, exemplifies this. It serves multiple purposes:
– Traversal: Players can swing across gaps with precision.
– Combat: Hooks can damage opponents or interrupt their movements.
– Utility: They activate traps, steal relics, and even block enemy hooks.

This versatility ensures that while the controls are simple, mastery requires strategic foresight and quick reflexes.

The Gaming Landscape in 2024

Grapplers: Relic Rivals launched in June 2024, a time when the indie scene was flourishing but also saturated. Party games, in particular, faced stiff competition from established franchises (Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Overcooked!) and indie darlings (Fall Guys, Gang Beasts). However, the market for local multiplayer experiences remained underserved, especially on PC, where online play dominates.

Kankiewicz’s focus on local PvP was a calculated risk. While Steam’s Remote Play Together offers a workaround for online play, its limitations (lag, input delay) highlight the game’s core strength: it’s best enjoyed in person. This design choice harkens back to the golden age of couch co-op, where physical proximity amplified the joy (and trash talk) of competition.

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Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive: A Lightweight Story with Heavy Personality

Plot and Setting: Treasure Hunters and Tomb Guardians

Grapplers: Relic Rivals eschews a traditional narrative in favor of a loose, competitive framework. Players assume the roles of treasure hunters—pirates, mages, and mythological figures like Anubis—battling in ancient tombs filled with traps, relics, and coins. The premise is simple: collect the most treasure before time runs out. Death is punitive; players lose most of their coins upon perishing, adding a layer of risk-reward tension.

The game’s setting is a pastiche of adventure tropes:
– Volcanic biomes with crumbling platforms and lava pits.
– Winter wonderlands where ice physics alter movement.
– Temple ruins with swinging blades and hidden chambers.

While the narrative is minimal, the character designs inject personality. Each fighter has unique animations and taunts, reinforcing their identities. The pirate swaggers, the mage casts spells with flair, and Anubis looms ominously. These details, though superficial, enhance immersion.

Themes: Competition, Greed, and Camaraderie

At its core, Grapplers explores themes of competition and greed. The relics—powerful artifacts that grant abilities like double jumps, shields, or projectile attacks—are both tools and temptations. Do you hoard them to dominate, or steal from others to disrupt their strategies? The game’s design encourages emergent storytelling: every match becomes a tale of betrayal, come-from-behind victories, or sheer luck.

The lack of a single-player campaign (at launch) underscores the game’s focus on social interaction. Kankiewicz has hinted at future updates, including challenge modes and roguelike elements, but the current experience is unapologetically multiplayer. This aligns with the game’s inspirations—TowerFall and Duck Game—where the real narrative emerges from player dynamics.

Dialogue and Humor: A Playful Tone

The game’s tone is lighthearted, with witty character quips and exaggerated animations. The mage’s gender-fluid design (praised in reviews) and Anubis’s regal demeanor add charm. While there’s no voice acting, the visual language—coinsplosions, dramatic camera zooms, and victory crowns—conveys excitement and rivalry.

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Gameplay Mechanics & Systems: The Art of Controlled Chaos

Core Gameplay Loop: Grappling, Grabbing, and Gloating

Grapplers: Relic Rivals revolves around three core activities:
1. Traversal: Players navigate hazardous environments using jumps, dashes, and the grappling hook.
2. Combat: Direct attacks (jumping on enemies) and indirect tactics (activating traps, stealing relics).
3. Resource Management: Collecting coins and relics while avoiding death (which resets your coin stash).

Matches are time-limited (5 minutes by default), ensuring a brisk pace. The small, densely packed arenas force constant engagement—there’s no hiding. This design choice prevents camping and encourages aggressive play.

The Grappling Hook: A Masterclass in Multifunctionality

The grappling hook is the game’s defining mechanic. Its versatility is reminiscent of Downwell’s dual-purpose gun/boots or Bionic Commando’s iconic arm. Key functionalities include:
– Traversal: Hook onto ceilings or walls to swing or pull yourself upward.
– Combat: Hooking an enemy deals damage and interrupts their actions.
– Utility:
– Steal Relics: Snatch artifacts from afar.
– Activate Traps: Trigger spikes, boulders, or flames.
– Block Hooks: A well-timed hook can cancel an opponent’s, creating a defensive option.

The hook’s visual indicator (a dotted line showing the trajectory) is a brilliant UX choice, making it accessible to newcomers while allowing for advanced techniques like mid-air redirection or hook canceling.

Relics: The Heart of Strategic Depth

Relics are the game’s equivalent of power-ups, and their randomized spawns ensure no two matches play the same. With over a dozen relics, each offering unique abilities, they encourage adaptive strategies. Notable examples:
– Midas’ Grasp: Magnetically attracts coins.
– Gaia’s Totem: Summons a plant turret.
– Loki’s Keepsake: Prevents coin loss on death.
– Hellfire Mantle: Grants a flame shield.

Combinations are where the magic happens. For example:
– Coin Hoarder: Midas’ Grasp + Gemini Amulet (double coin value) + Loki’s Keepsake = unstoppable wealth accumulation.
– Combat Monster: Gaia’s Totem + Guardian Sprite (fairy companion) + Hellfire Mantle = a spinning, shooting, burning menace.

The relics’ stealable nature adds a layer of psychological gameplay. Do you prioritize offense, defense, or economic dominance? The answer shifts dynamically as relics change hands.

Traps and Environmental Hazards: The Great Equalizer

Traps are the game’s neutral threat, punishing carelessness regardless of skill. Examples include:
– Crumbling platforms that collapse underfoot.
– Swinging axes that require precise timing to dodge.
– Fire jets that create no-go zones.

These hazards prevent stalemates and ensure that even the most skilled players must stay vigilant. They also create opportunities for sabotage—luring an opponent into a trap can be as satisfying as a direct kill.

Progression and Customization: A Work in Progress

At launch, Grapplers lacked traditional progression systems. However, post-launch updates introduced:
– Single-Player Challenge Modes: Time trials and “no damage” runs.
– Achievements: 30+ goals to pursue.
– Future Plans: Kankiewicz has teased bot opponents, new biomes, and relic combinations.

The absence of cosmetic customization (skins, colors) is a missed opportunity, though the developer has expressed interest in adding these via in-game currency (not microtransactions).

UI and Accessibility: Clear, but Room for Improvement

The UI is functional but sparse. Key elements:
– Coin Counter: Tracks your stash.
– Relic Icons: Shows active abilities.
– Timer: Counts down the match duration.

Criticisms include:
– Small Icons: Coins and chests can be hard to spot amid the chaos.
– Limited Tutorialization: Relic effects aren’t explained in-game (players must experiment or check the settings menu).

A quick-reference guide for relics would improve accessibility, especially for casual players.

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World-Building, Art & Sound: A Pixel-Perfect Adventure

Visual Design: A Love Letter to 16-Bit Classics

Grapplers: Relic Rivals wears its influences proudly. The pixel art style evokes Mega Man X, TowerFall Ascension, and Terraria, with:
– Vibrant Colors: Each biome has a distinct palette (e.g., fiery reds for volcanic levels, cool blues for icy ones).
– Detailed Animations: Characters emote through exaggerated movements—Anubis’s regal stride, the pirate’s swashbuckling flair.
– Environmental Storytelling: Crumbling ruins, glowing runes, and hidden chambers suggest a world rich with history.

Artist Nicolás Pava deserves immense credit for crafting a cohesive, visually striking aesthetic. The game’s widescreen support ensures it looks great on modern displays, a nod to contemporary indie standards.

Sound Design: A Symphony of Chaos

Sound designer Lukas Raymond delivers a punctuated, energetic soundtrack that complements the gameplay. Key elements:
– Dynamic SFX: The thwip of grappling hooks, the clang of coins, and the crunch of traps create a satisfying auditory feedback loop.
– Minimalist Music: The soundtrack avoids overpowering the action, opting for pulsing, rhythmic tracks that enhance tension without distraction.
– Voice Clips: While there’s no full voice acting, character grunts and taunts add personality.

The sound design excels in clarity—players can hear traps activating or relics being stolen even amid the frenzy.

Atmosphere: Nostalgia Meets Modern Polish

Grapplers nails the retro-modern hybrid aesthetic. It feels like a lost SNES classic but with contemporary refinements:
– Smooth 60 FPS gameplay (a far cry from the 30 FPS of 16-bit era).
– Crisp hitboxes and responsive controls.
– Modern UX touches (e.g., the grappling hook trajectory indicator).

The result is a game that feels familiar yet fresh, appealing to both nostalgia-seekers and new players.

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Reception & Legacy: A Niche Hit with Room to Grow

Critical Reception: Praise for Polish, Criticism for Content

Grapplers: Relic Rivals launched to modest critical acclaim, with scores hovering around 70/100. Reviews highlighted:
– Strengths:
– Tight, responsive controls (IndieGames.eu praised the grappling hook’s accessibility).
– High replayability in local multiplayer (Hard Drive’s review called it “a multiplayer staple”).
– Charming aesthetic and polished mechanics.
– Weaknesses:
– Lack of content at launch (only four biomes, limited relics).
– No online multiplayer (Steam Remote Play’s lag issues were a common complaint).
– Steep learning curve for relic combinations (some effects aren’t intuitive).

Player reception has been overwhelmingly positive, with a 100% “Positive” rating on Steam (as of January 2026). Fans praise its chaotic fun and party game appeal, though many echo the desire for more maps and modes.

Commercial Performance: A Slow Burn

As an indie title priced at $13.99, Grapplers hasn’t set sales records, but its steady growth suggests longevity. Key factors:
– Word of Mouth: Streamers like Stumpt helped boost visibility.
– Demo Availability: A free demo (released post-launch) allowed players to try before buying.
– Post-Launch Support: Regular updates (bug fixes, single-player modes) have kept the community engaged.

Influence and Legacy: A Blueprint for Modern Party Games

While Grapplers may not redefine the genre, it serves as a blueprint for focused, high-quality indie development. Its lessons include:
1. Scope Management: Kankiewicz’s disciplined approach (eight months, no feature creep) is a model for indie devs.
2. Mechanic Depth: A single, versatile mechanic (the grappling hook) can carry a game if executed well.
3. Community Engagement: Post-launch updates and transparency (devlogs, Discord) foster goodwill.

The game’s potential influence lies in its hybridization of genres—platforming, brawling, and resource management—creating a unique competitive experience. Future party games may draw inspiration from its relic system or environmental hazards.

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Conclusion: A Gem in the Rough

Grapplers: Relic Rivals is a triumph of focused design, delivering a chaotic, competitive, and endlessly replayable experience. While it lacks the content depth of AAA titles or the polish of genre-defining indies, its tight mechanics, charming aesthetic, and social appeal make it a standout party game.

Final Verdict: 8.5/10 – “A Modern Couch Co-Op Classic”

Pros:
✅ Brilliant grappling hook mechanics that are easy to learn but hard to master.
✅ High replayability in local multiplayer, with emergent strategies from relic combinations.
✅ Polished pixel art and satisfying sound design that enhance the experience.
✅ Regular post-launch support with new modes and fixes.

Cons:
❌ Limited content at launch (few biomes, no online multiplayer).
❌ Steep learning curve for relic effects and advanced techniques.
❌ Steam Remote Play lag hampers online playability.

Who Should Play It?
– Fans of local multiplayer looking for a new party game.
– Speedrunner enthusiasts who enjoy mastering movement mechanics.
– Retro gamers who appreciate modern takes on 16-bit aesthetics.

Who Should Skip It?
– Solo players (the single-player modes are a late addition and not the focus).
– Online-only gamers (Remote Play’s limitations make it a poor substitute for local play).

Grapplers: Relic Rivals isn’t just a game—it’s a celebration of competition, camaraderie, and chaos. In an age where gaming often feels isolated or overly complex, it’s a reminder of the simple joy of gathering friends, grabbing controllers, and battling for bragging rights. For that alone, it deserves a place in the pantheon of great party games.

Final Thought: If you’ve ever wanted to grapple Anubis into a spike pit while stealing his treasure, this is the game for you.