There are two modes in the game, arcade mode and story mode. While arcade mode is a bit hardcore due to limited continues, story mode allows the player to play any cleared level casually in order to improve or just play their favorite stages.
Players can add in scan lines, remixed music as well as change the button sizes on the screen. This is great for those that are used to similar options in their own emulators as often ported games that run in their own internal emulator often do not offer such a bevy of configurations.
Even though the game supports two player co-op over bluetooth, there is no three player co-op supported despite the fact that DDIII originally supported three player co-op in the arcade.
For a game with fighting mechanics and many moves the touch screen controls actually work really well. Much as one would hold a controller the left hand controls movement including a jump and the right allows for punching, kicking, stomping and a combo of using both thumbs to do jumping attacks.
A fist that talks, stripper bears, constantly breaking the fourth wall are all thing to be found in this game. There is an enjoyable sense of humor to be found that makes the game stand out from most beat em ups.
The game is 2D pixel animated and features scan lines to create an Arcade feel, this should offer up some nostalgia to those that are familiar with 80s arcade classics.
There is no virtual Dpad, what there is, is a set of two buttons on each side of the screen. The left right button sand the x y buttons. Using these in order to attack foes on each side of the screen allows for quick movement that is basically done by using taps on the side of the screen one want to be.
The player can only take three hits before they are dead, which means the player will die a lot. So slowly the game progresses as the player learns the ins and outs of each and every stage and bad guy. This can be frustrating for some and a bit of a time sink.
Unlike many mobile games that are light on options and content, Fist Puncher was created as a full fledged title that has 19 unlockable characters (each with their own moveset) as well as over 100 items that can be used in game. While the price may be high for a mobile game at $9.99, luckily it has the content on offer to back that up.
The game can only be controlled with a controller, there are no on screen controls. This really limits the amount of people that can actually play the game and requires that a controller is purchased or owned, which is limiting due to cost.