Made to be Crushed

Made to be Crushed is a fast-paced, strategic multiplayer action game set in a fantasy world where players compete to be the first to activate one of three deadly traps or destroy opponents with powerful one-shot ammunition. Supporting up to 4 players both locally and online via Steam Remote Play Together, the game combines simple rules with deep tactical gameplay across 14 versus maps, featuring pixel art visuals and direct controls designed for competitive party matches.

Made to Be Crushed: A Masterclass in Chaotic Multiplayer Strategy

Introduction

In the crowded landscape of indie multiplayer games, Made to Be Crushed stands out as a rare gem—a game that blends the frantic energy of an arcade shooter with the tactical depth of a strategy game. Released on October 17, 2022, by the independent studio Loekni, this title has carved out a niche for itself as a local multiplayer experience that rewards quick thinking, spatial awareness, and a bit of ruthless cunning. At its core, Made to Be Crushed is a game about traps, timing, and the sheer joy of outmaneuvering your friends in a high-stakes battle of wits and reflexes. This review will dissect the game’s development, narrative, mechanics, and legacy to understand why it has resonated with players and critics alike.

Development History & Context

The Studio and Its Vision

Made to Be Crushed was developed by Loekni, a small but ambitious indie studio known for creating tight, mechanics-driven games. The studio’s previous works, such as To Be or Not To Be (2015) and Bamerang (2020), hint at a penchant for experimental gameplay and innovative multiplayer experiences. Made to Be Crushed builds on this legacy by refining the studio’s signature blend of strategy and chaos into a polished, accessible package.

The game’s development was driven by a desire to create a multiplayer experience that was both easy to pick up and hard to master. The team at Loekni drew inspiration from classic arcade shooters and local multiplayer brawlers, aiming to capture the same sense of urgency and competitive camaraderie. The use of the Godot engine allowed for a lightweight, cross-platform release, ensuring that the game could reach as many players as possible.

Technological Constraints and the Gaming Landscape

Released in 2022, Made to Be Crushed arrived at a time when the indie scene was flourishing, with a growing emphasis on local multiplayer experiences. Games like Moving Out (2020) and Human: Fall Flat (2019) had demonstrated the enduring appeal of chaotic, physics-based multiplayer games. However, Made to Be Crushed distinguished itself by focusing on strategy rather than pure chaos. The game’s simple yet deep mechanics allowed it to run smoothly on a wide range of hardware, making it accessible to players with older or less powerful systems.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

A Minimalist Story

Made to Be Crushed is not a narrative-driven game. Its story, if it can be called that, is conveyed through the game’s title and the abstract, fantasy-inspired setting. The game’s world is a series of arenas filled with traps and obstacles, each designed to be activated by the players. The absence of a traditional narrative allows the game to focus entirely on its core mechanics, but the fantasy setting adds a layer of whimsy that contrasts with the game’s high-stakes competition.

Themes of Strategy and Deception

The game’s central theme is strategy—specifically, the art of outmaneuvering your opponents. Players must navigate the arena while avoiding traps and setting up their own, creating a dynamic where every move is a calculated risk. The game’s title, Made to Be Crushed, is a playful nod to this theme, suggesting that the players themselves are the architects of their own downfall. The game’s design encourages bluffing, misdirection, and last-second plays, making every match a battle of wits as much as a test of reflexes.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Core Gameplay Loop

At its heart, Made to Be Crushed is a fast-paced, local multiplayer shooter where up to four players compete to activate one of three traps before their opponents do. The game’s simplicity is one of its greatest strengths—players move around the arena, collect ammo, and try to activate traps while avoiding being crushed by their opponents’ traps. The first player to activate a trap wins the round, and the last player standing is crushed in a spectacular, often humorous fashion.

Combat and Movement

Movement is simple but precise. Players can move in eight directions and shoot in four, creating a grid-based movement system that feels both familiar and fresh. The game’s combat is similarly straightforward—players have a limited amount of ammo, and each shot must be carefully placed to avoid wasting resources. The traps themselves are the game’s most innovative feature. Each trap has a unique activation condition, such as requiring a certain number of shots or a specific sequence of movements, adding depth to the gameplay.

Character Progression and UI

Made to Be Crushed does not feature traditional character progression. Instead, the game focuses on mastering its mechanics through practice. The UI is minimalistic, with a clear display of player health, ammo, and trap status. The game’s training mode allows players to practice against bots, making it an excellent tool for learning the ropes before diving into multiplayer matches.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Visual Direction

The game’s art style is a charming blend of pixel art and retro aesthetics, evoking the spirit of classic arcade games. The arenas are filled with colorful, imaginative obstacles and traps, each designed to be both functional and visually appealing. The game’s side-scrolling perspective adds a layer of depth to the gameplay, allowing players to plan their moves with a clear view of the entire arena.

Sound Design

The sound design is equally impressive, with a soundtrack that blends upbeat electronic music with punchy sound effects. The sound of traps activating and players being crushed adds to the game’s chaotic charm, creating an immersive audio experience that complements the visuals perfectly.

Reception & Legacy

Critical and Commercial Reception

Made to Be Crushed received a warm reception from both critics and players. The game’s innovative mechanics, polished presentation, and replayability were praised by reviewers, who noted its potential as a party game and its ability to bring friends together for intense, competitive matches. The game’s low price point and frequent discounts made it an accessible choice for players looking for a high-quality multiplayer experience without a significant investment.

Influence on Subsequent Games

While Made to Be Crushed may not have single-handedly redefined the multiplayer genre, it has undoubtedly influenced the development of similar games. Its blend of strategy and chaos has inspired other indie developers to experiment with new mechanics and gameplay styles, contributing to the ongoing evolution of the multiplayer landscape.

Conclusion

Made to Be Crushed is a testament to the power of simple, well-executed gameplay. Its blend of strategy, reflexes, and chaotic fun makes it a standout title in the indie multiplayer scene. The game’s minimalist narrative, charming art style, and innovative mechanics combine to create an experience that is both accessible and deeply rewarding. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, Made to Be Crushed serves as a reminder that sometimes, the best games are the ones that focus on pure, unadulterated fun.

In the grand tapestry of video game history, Made to Be Crushed may not be a blockbuster, but it is a gem—a game that captures the essence of what makes multiplayer gaming so special. Its legacy lies not in its sales figures or critical acclaim, but in the memories it creates and the friendships it strengthens. For those seeking a fast-paced, strategic multiplayer experience, Made to Be Crushed is an essential addition to any game library.