When DOOM released in 1993, it changed video games forever. DOOM became a cultural phenomenon overnight and one of the most iconic video games of all time, spawning countless “DOOM-clones” and homages. Over 20 years later, fans are fueling a new trend, developing retro-shooters that harken back to those DOOM salad days. The newest one of these is Fashion Police Squad, a hilarious and unique take on the popular genre.
In Fashion Police Squad, players take on the role of fashion-forward police officer Sergeant Des, a hero who must fight fashion crimes by taking on offenders in the streets. Sergeant Des must navigate the city of Trendopolis, taking on fashion criminals, and find out just what is causing this increase in fashion faux pas by uncovering a conspiracy in this hilarious and exciting retro shooter.
Fashion Police Squad harkens back to the days when DOOM was a cultural phenomenon, and nearly every developer had to deliver its own version of the game. Fashion Police Squad‘s tongue-in-cheek style and nonviolent shooter atmosphere liken it to forgotten shooters of the ’90s like Super Noah’s Ark 3D and Chex Quest. Within the present-day trend of retro shooters inspired by classic DOOM and Quake popping up left and right, it seems fitting that Fashion Police Squad exists as a tip of the hat to older fans who remember the days of the nonviolent DOOM-clones.
In Fashion Police Squad, players must deal with fashion crime, but the police force’s objective isn’t to kill or maim offenders but to give them a much-needed makeover. Sergeant Des must navigate the city streets, encountering enemies who are wearing overly baggy suits, sandals with socks and overly bright neon ensembles. To correct these crimes, players will have to blast the citizens with the Fashion Police’s arsenal of “weaponry,” which literally transforms the enemies from fashion criminals into suavely styled citizens.
Players don’t wield shotguns or pistols but “attire enhancing weaponry” that is used to correct the city’s rather unfortunate clothing choices. Instead of a shotgun, Sergeant Des wields the 2DYE4 Carbine Elite and trades a conventional machine gun for his trusty Tailormade sewing machine.
One well-timed blast from the 2DYE4 will turn a baggy suit-wearing businessman into a tailored and coiffed gentleman. A concentrated blast of needles from the Tailormade turns a baggy pants-wearing criminal into a stylish streetwear sporting citizen. As each enemy is transformed, the game places a triumphant message over their head, which adds to the humor when a sandals and socks-wearing dork transforms and the game exclaims that he is now “Dapper!” complete with giant text and exclamation point.
Fashion Police Squad has a hilarious arsenal that includes sock gnome grenades and even the Belt of Justice melee weapon, which literally whips enemies into proper fashion shape. There is a layer of strategy to the styling as well, as players will have to choose the right weapon for each enemy to properly make them over, a mechanic straight out of DOOM Eternal. Players can jump, climb and even use the Belt of Justice to swing around the city of Trendopolis as well, again providing a movement system straight out of the excellent modern DOOM series of games.
Perhaps the most hilariously unique aspect of Fashion Police Squad is what happens after a level is completed: all of the fashion criminals get their chance to shine in the Parole Ball fashion show. The former enemies, now fashion-forward-focused friendlies, get to walk the runway as the game displays the level stats to the player.
This is the perfect level of lighthearted style that fits so well in the zany world of Fashion Police Squad and makes the whole gameplay experience that much more enjoyable. The 2D sprites slaying the runway in their new outfits while the game labels them “Marvelous” and “Voguish” is a sight that needs to be seen and one of the many things that make Fashion Police Squad stand out in a world full of retro shooters.
Fashion Police Squad is a delightfully lighthearted take on the retro shooter genre that celebrates the phenomenon that was classic DOOM while creating a brand new idea for a nonviolent and humorous throwback first-person shooter. For those who want to laugh while playing a vibrant retro shooter, there’s pretty much no better alternative than this hilarious game. Fashion Police Squad is available for Beta signups now and is due to release sometime next year for PC.
About The Author