Game images by RAWG
Gang Beasts
Boneloaf
About This Game
Super ReviewGang Beasts is a chaotic, physics-based party brawler where gelatinous characters grapple and fling each other into absurd hazards. Its strength lies in hilarious local multiplayer antics, but parents should weigh the fun against potential online exposure to strangers and the presence of optional cosmetic purchases.
Super Review
Parent verdict
With a 'Mixed' health score of 32, Gang Beasts is a highly conditional recommendation. It shines as a goofy, non-graphic local party game, making it a qualified fit for supervised family fun, especially for children aged 9-12. However, its online modes introduce unmoderated social risks and potential for in-game spending, requiring clear parental limits and supervision. It's worth considering if you primarily intend for local play, with strict boundaries for any online engagement.
What players actually do
- Players punch, kick, and grab floppy opponents, learning to time their attacks and execute basic wrestling moves within the game's physics system.
- Players attempt to throw opponents off platforms or into environmental hazards like fans and trains, requiring quick reactions and strategic positioning.
- Players navigate chaotic brawls, learning to adapt to unpredictable physics and respond to changing situations in real-time multiplayer scenarios.
Where it shines
- The game excels as a local couch multiplayer experience, fostering laughter and shared fun among family and friends with its intentionally silly and slapstick tone.
- Its simple controls and physics-based humor make it accessible for players of varying skill levels, ensuring that even casual players can quickly grasp the basics and enjoy the chaos.
Parent watch-outs
- Online play can expose children to unmoderated interactions with strangers, raising social risks due to potentially unfiltered communication.
- The game includes optional in-game purchases for cosmetics, which can lead to unexpected spending if not discussed and managed with children.
- Matches are real-time and cannot be paused, which might encourage longer play sessions or create pressure to finish a round before stepping away.
Family rules worth setting
- Limit play to local couch multiplayer only, or strictly supervise any online sessions to mitigate exposure to strangers and unmoderated chat.
- Disable in-game purchasing options or establish clear rules about spending on cosmetic items before allowing any potential transactions.
Talk about this
- Discuss appropriate online behavior and the risks of interacting with strangers, emphasizing not sharing personal information or engaging in inappropriate conversations.
- Have a conversation about the value of money and why in-game cosmetic purchases are often optional and not necessary for enjoying the game.
Play style
Gang Beasts is primarily a chaotic, fast-paced multiplayer experience. Sessions are typically short, round-based brawls, encouraging quick bursts of play rather than long, continuous narratives. Difficulty comes from mastering the floppy physics and outsmarting opponents. It's best played socially, either locally or online, but solo play against AI is an option. Younger children might need help understanding the nuanced grabbing mechanics or navigating online menus.
Score Breakdown
Positive Aspects
Risk Factors
Why this rating
Educational Value
0/5Gang Beasts is designed purely for entertainment and social interaction, focusing on chaotic fun rather than academic or skill-building learning. There are no explicit educational components or cognitive development goals built into the gameplay.
Addictive Monetization
3/5The game includes optional in-game purchases for cosmetic items, which, while not essential for gameplay, can entice players to spend money. This model carries a moderate risk of encouraging spending, particularly without clear parental boundaries or awareness.
Time Pressure / FOMO
3/5Matches in Gang Beasts are real-time and cannot be paused once started, which could create a sense of pressure to complete a session rather than stopping mid-game. This design can subtly encourage players to extend their play beyond intended limits to finish rounds.
Social Risk
4/5The online multiplayer component exposes children to interactions with strangers, and these environments are noted as unmoderated by the ESRB. This presents a significant social risk due to the potential for inappropriate language or contact from unknown individuals.
Pro-Social
3/5Gang Beasts is inherently a multiplayer game, promoting social interaction and cooperation (or competitive fun) among players. Its local couch co-op mode can foster positive shared experiences, making it beneficial for family and friend gatherings.
Negatives
- •Online play exposes kids to strangers and unmoderated interactions
- •optional cosmetic purchases/DLC possible
- •matches are real-time (can’t pause) which may encourage longer sessions.
Positives
- •Great local couch multiplayer and party appeal
- •silly, non-graphic slapstick tone
- •simple controls make it accessible for casual play.
Other Recommended Games
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve
Bandai Namco Aces Inc.
Same platform, Similar gameplay style
MY HERO ULTRA RUMBLE
Byking
Same platform, Similar gameplay style
Marvel Rivals
NetEase Games / Marvel Games
Same platform, Similar gameplay style
MultiVersus
Player First Games (published by Warner Bros. Games)
Same platform, Similar gameplay style
Official Ratings
Online interactions not rated by the ESRB; ESRB pages note 'In‑Game Purchases' may apply on some platform releases. citeturn0search1turn0search4
Age Fit
Help us rate the next game
GameCompass is free for every family and takes nothing from game studios. A coffee is what puts the next game on the list.
Buy us a coffeeWhat support pays for