Beat ‘em up games have been having a moment in recent years, with the release of Streets of Rage 4, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, and the Capcom Beat ‘Em Up Bundle. Likewise, 80’s and 90’s icon The Toxic Avenger is too is amounting somewhat of a resurgence, beginning with a 2023 remake of the classic film, this time starring Game of Thrones alum Peter Dinklage.

It seems perfectly appropriate then that Retroware, specialists in creating modern day games that feel like they are relics from yesteryear, is combining the Toxic Avenger and the beat ‘em up genre with a brand new game. Based upon the 90’s animated series (one of several kid friendly TV shows based on R rated movies), The Toxic Crusaders puts players in the gross shoes of Toxie and his radiated heroes as they battle to rescue Tromaville from the vile Dr. Killemoff and his twisted army of Radiation Rangers.

The Toxic Crusaders game makes you feel as if the cartoon never went off the air. The animations look true to the source material, the characters sound just as they did three decades ago, and the overall experience will transport you back to your childhood, eating fruit loops while sitting in the floor, watching the tube on a Saturday morning.

Players can choose to play as one of seven available character to clean up Tromaville with in either single player or up to four player co-op. These heroes include the eponymous Toxie, and his pals No-Zone, Junkyard, Major Disaster, and Headbanger. Just recently revealed however are the female heroines Yvonne and Mrs. Junko, all of which bringing their distinct style, voice, and attributes to the fight against Dr. Killemoff.

The game’s action is tight and immensely fun. If you played and enjoyed the recent Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge game, then you’re going to love The Toxic Crusaders. Each character has a basic attack to string along combos, and a special attack that will knock back surrounding enemies but will drain a tiny bit of your own health.

Perhaps the most fun I had when battling Toxie’s foes was using the game’s simple and effective pick up command. With the tap of a button, players can lift enemies high above their heads if they are stunned enough, and then hurl them into walls, slam them to the ground, or even chuck them at other minions. Stages are littered with other objects to use as makeshift weaponry, too, such as old tires, rusted barrels, and junked cars.

You’ll also be able to boost your stats by filling up your radiation meter. This meter slowly climbs whenever you’re dishing out punishment, but can also be increased by drenching yourself with green sludge that you will encounter during stages. Once it’s full, pulling on the trigger buttons will make your chosen hero glow, and all movements will be twice as fast, and all hits will land much harder.

The demo level that I got to play was split into three lengthy sections. First, the Crusaders tore up the streets of Tromaville, defending the townsfolk from Radiation Rangers before cornering them into a bustling café. Inside, no furniture was left safe, as all manner of tables, chairs, and benches were reduced to splinters during the ensuing ruckus. Venturing out the rear door, the bad guys amounted a final assault in a back alley, before unleashing the giant sludge monster Polluto, who frequently barfed up sewage and summoned an endless horde of villains in a desperate act to defend himself. Taking him out was challenging, but loads of fun.

I’m not the most astute Troma fan. I’ve seen some of the studios’ films, I’m aware of some of their properties, and I only vaguely remember the cartoon growing up. That didn’t stop me from thoroughly enjoying my time spent with The Toxic Crusaders at PAX East. If you simply like beating up throngs of bad guys and having a party with four player co-op action, then this throwback is for you. If you love Troma and Toxie, well, then that’s just icing on this deliciously rancid cake.

Currently there isn’t a hard release date for The Toxic Crusaders, but interested gamers can wishlist the game on Steam, or grab it when it comes out later this year for the Nintendo Switch, PS5, and Xbox Series consoles!

Sources: Retroware, PAX East 2025

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