This review was based on a PS5 key provided by the publisher.

Admittedly, when I was asked to review Strike Force Heroes, I was unfamiliar with its history. I watched a trailer for the game and simply thought, “yeah, that seems like a game for me,” and after a few hours, I realized I was right. What I didn’t realize was that this was the return of a beloved flash game from so many gamers’ childhoods, and while I may not be able to speak much on how the current version of Strike Force Heroes compares to the original game, I can say that long-time fans have an incredibly fun experience waiting for them on the PS5.

From developer Sky9 Games, Strike Force Heroes is a perfect example of one of those games. It’s an indie game with a simple, straightforward concept that you and your friends can easily get lost in for hours on end. For the uninitiated, SFH is a 2-D arena shooter that offers both a campaign and a PVP mode. And whether you’re running around the bite-sized arenas trying to rack up as many kills as possible or trying to help a crew of mercenaries stop an evil organization, players are given more than enough to do. And even better, after a mission or PVP battle, players are able to go back and upgrade their gear with in-game currency so they can prepare for another run.

What I found to be most impressive about the game was the number of classes. Whether you’re a player who prefers long-distance, up-close, explosives, or stealth, it really feels like there’s something here for everyone. Personally, I was never able to fall in love with the shooting as much as I had hoped, but because of the game’s variety, I found the melee in the game to be perfect. Having my friend run around, blasting folks with a shotgun while I’m cutting enemies down with a sword was a lot of fun. And because you never know what new types of gear are around the corner, I found myself falling into the loop of wanting to finish a mission, head back to the store to buy new gear, and then immediately run back out into a new mission to try out said gear. Sure, whether it’s a golf club or a sword, you still have to press the trigger button to attack, but I don’t know about you, I’ve never seen a ninja attack a group of goons with a golf club. That’s something I’d like to see as fast as possible.

Overall, whether you’re a long-time fan looking to relive some nostalgic moments or a newcomer looking for a game that will make your afternoons disappear in the blink of an eye, Strike Force Heroes is a solid recommendation that will remain a multiplayer go-to for my friend group for some time to come.