With so many games centering on a male hero saving a damsel in distress, it is refreshing to see Mega Cat Studios invert the formula with Lethal Wedding. In this top-down run-‘n-gun, reminiscent of Zombies Ate My Neighbors, bride-to-be Joanne embarks on a rescue mission alongside her mother-in-law, Shelly. Their quest crosses over 30 clown-infested levels, mixing comedic themes and frantic shooting action reminiscent of classic 16-bit releases.
Announced in 2019, Lethal Wedding has taken its time to refine its blend of retro charm and a unique narrative. While the shooting remains the core focus, the introduction of a roll-evade mechanic adds some tactical nuance—even if it currently feels a bit stiff in its preview state as stated by Sega-16. Mega Cat Studios, based in Pittsburgh, is also incorporating the “Vow System,” a risk-reward element that ramps up difficulty in exchange for powerful upgrades such as Speed Reload or enhanced mobility. Vows vary each stage, occasionally lacking clear progress indicators, but the developers intend to refine these features before the final launch.

Players are rated on several performance metrics, from kills and time to bonus categories like flex and nerve, all translating into experience points for unlocking perks. Although only two upgrades can be equipped per run, there are 25 possible enhancements, supporting varied playthroughs. The game’s humour emerges through cartoonish cutscenes and weapons such as the explosive “Gun of Roses” and the rabbit-shooting “Hare Trigger.” Joanne’s and Shelly’s banter underscores family tension without undermining the frantic fun as per Sega-16’s preview.
Originally slated for a Kickstarter campaign last November, Lethal Wedding’s timeline shifted to allow more polish. This extra development period may prove essential in perfecting the vow mechanics and smoothing out the control scheme. For fans eager for a retro-inspired adventure with a fresh perspective, Lethal Wedding promises a memorable spin on the run-‘n-gun genre.
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