When looking at how critics evaluated Kusan: City of Wolves on PlayStation 5, a clear consensus emerges around its fast-paced, punishing top-down action. Published by PQube and reviewed on a PS5 Pro European unit by Jaimie Ditchfield for Push Square, the game earned a 7/10 'Good' score. Review coverage highlights strong stylistic presentation and satisfying combat, balanced against some stiff controls and a hard-to-follow narrative.
Quick Facts
- Platform Reviewed: PS5 Pro / European
- Publisher: PQube
- Review Score: 7/10 (Push Square)
- Main Inspiration: Hotline Miami (2012)
Combat, Upgrades, and Difficulty
Reviewers point out that Kusan: City of Wolves wears its primary inspiration on its sleeve. The campaign centers on the main character, Jin, slicing through rooms of enemies in a manner reminiscent of Hotline Miami. Players start with a basic punch before unlocking daggers, pistols, and parrying abilities that encourage chaining attacks together. Stages reward players based on completion time, combo multipliers, and attack variety.
Progression relies on an intricate upgrade system where players install modules onto a grid-like panel. Upgrades require varying amounts of grid space, which can be expanded using in-game currency collected during runs. Boss fights act as major skill checks throughout the adventure. While clearing a stage brings a strong sense of satisfaction, the campaign is described as extremely challenging, with some stages crossing into frustrating territory.
What Critics Liked and Disliked
Push Square's review praised several core pillars of the release:
- Fast-paced action combat that rewards smart tool usage
- A funky musical score influenced by Korean hip-hop
- Beautiful visual presentation combining pixel art and comic book-style cutscenes, likened to Blade Runner crossed with Beastars
- An enjoyable, grid-based upgrade system with high replay value
On the downside, critics noted a few recurring pain points:
- Stiff controls that can occasionally feel rigid
- An awkward and unclear parrying window that makes defensive play inconsistent
- A narrative that is difficult to follow initially, leading to moments of confusion
- Frustrating spikes in difficulty on certain stages
Who Should Play It?
For players searching the PS5 library for a challenging top-down action game who enjoy high replay value, leaderboards, and twitch reflexes, Kusan: City of Wolves delivers a stylish and rewarding experience. However, players sensitive to rigid movement, vague defensive timing windows, or complex, hard-to-track stories may want to approach with caution.