Anger Foot is Hotline Miami for Foot Fetishists

I know what you're thinking: "Feet? Ew." Maybe some of you aren't. But whether you're a fan of all things feet or like to keep a sock on 'em, Anger Foot refuses to keep those grippers covered. If that doesn't get you excited, well, you're just not into fun. Hot off the heels of Cult of the Lamb, Anger Foot made an appearance at PAX West, and we have good stuff to say about this upcoming title.

If you don't think I'm taking Anger Foot seriously, well, I'm not, because the game doesn't either (this is a good thing). It's an awesomely self-aware game that has a ridiculous premise, and that's why I think it's so awesome. You're a guy with a sick shoe collection, but the Crime Gang kidnapped your favorite pair of sneakers. You're going to have to get those shoes back, and a whole host of bad guys await a gruesome death by foot.

At its core, Anger Foot truly is a lot like one of Devolver's most famous published titles, Hotline Miami. Combat encounters are quick and brutal, and one hit could mean your demise; subsequently, one kick or shot from a gun will end your enemies. While your brutal kick is the undeniable star of the show, Anger Foot arms the protagonist with several other weapons like pistols and shotguns. Picking up guns from enemies will restore ammo, but with how fast-paced the combat is, you're liable to miss. A nice combination of kicking and shooting is the road to success.

The road to finishing any given level is not without peril. As I said, one hit means one kill. The addicting aspect of Anger Foot is the process of trial and error. Level design is unpredictable, taking me through dinky apartments, murky sewers and even a highrise building. Enemies are deliberately placed to challenge your awareness. After kicking down a door, you never know what's on the other side, so it's best to be on your toes.

While a demo for Anger Foot was available before its PAX West appearance, this version had a few extra levels so I'm told. In particular, this grueling gauntlet of scenarios led me to the top of a skyscraper. I then faced a ridiculously proportioned, absurd helicopter that dropped explosive bombs -- well, explosive "people" -- that I had to avoid. The front of the helicopter had a large ram and would charge at me, but it's slow to turn around. With my spectacular leg muscles I could kick the helicopter to damage it. I didn't expect boss battles in Anger Foot, but it's a surprise for those looking for a bit more substance.

Speaking of substance, you can expect a decent variety of enemies as well as unlockables. Enemies ranged from anthropomorphic crocodiles wielding pipes to tentacles extending from the sewer's goopy depths. As you accomplish certain criteria in your playthrough of Anger Foot, you'll unlock new shoes that add abilities such as restoring ammo for every kill with a gun. 

Developer Free Lives isn't reinventing the wheel with Anger Foot nor does it intend to. Being so self-aware is always refreshing to see. Focusing on ridiculous action while providing an addicting gameplay loop of trial error means Anger Foot might just knock your socks off when it releases next year. 

TechRaptor's Anger Foot preview was conducted on a demo booth at PAX West 2022.