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About Pulling No Punches
Pulling No Punches is a satirical 2D beat‑‘em‑up that mixes classic arcade flair with modern visuals. Four ordinary citizens, masked and gloved, confront pandemic‑denying fanatics using punches, kicks, grabs and headbutts.
The title offers both single‑player and local co‑op for up to four players, each character having unique unlockable moves, and showcases handmade, frame‑by‑frame animation across Windows, macOS and Linux.
01 / THE GUIDE
Story and Setting
The narrative centers on a fictional global pandemic that is ignored by fanatics who claim the disease is a hoax. The four protagonists, equipped with protective gloves and masks, must physically confront these denialists to resolve the crisis.
The game's satirical tone uses exaggerated combat to comment on misinformation, presented through side‑scrolling stages that reflect a world grappling with an ignored outbreak.
- Notice how enemy dialogue reinforces the satire for added narrative depth.
- Compare the pandemic theme with classic arcade storylines to see the modern twist.
02 / THE GUIDE
Local Co‑op Multiplayer
Pulling No Punches supports up to four players in shared or split‑screen co‑op, letting friends team up on a single PC. This mode adds cooperative tactics alongside the single‑player option.
All participants share the same screen space while battling fanatics together, with an optional split‑screen layout when the screen becomes crowded.
- Coordinate character positioning to cover each other's blind spots.
- Switch to split‑screen if the shared view feels too congested.
03 / THE GUIDE
Characters and Moves
Four distinct characters are available, each with unique unlockable moves and a personal move set that includes punches, kicks, grabs and headbutts. These moves constitute the primary tools for defeating enemies.
Unlockables expand each character’s repertoire, providing new combat options as players progress through the game.
- Experiment with each character’s move set to discover a comfortable style.
- Track which unlockables you have accessed to plan future combat options.
04 / THE GUIDE
Handmade Art and Animation
The visual presentation relies on handmade, frame‑by‑frame animation, giving the game a distinctive, labor‑intensive aesthetic that emphasizes each combat action with clear, stylized motion.
This approach blends retro arcade influences with modern polish, creating a look that stands out among indie beat‑‘em‑ups.
- Watch the animation frames to anticipate enemy attacks.
- Pause during intense fights to appreciate the frame‑by‑frame detail.
05 / THE GUIDE
Platform Support and Input Options
Pulling No Punches runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, and includes full controller support, custom volume controls, and a keyboard‑only option. DualSense controller compatibility is also listed.
Remote Play Together and Family Sharing are supported, allowing players to invite friends remotely or share the game library across accounts.
- Try the keyboard‑only option if you prefer precise input without a controller.
- Test DualSense features (if available) to see if they add tactile feedback.
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