Big Helmet Heroes is a 3D beat 'em up action game available on Nintendo Switch that blends straightforward combat with light adventure elements across a series of whimsical stages. Players control knights with oversized helmets as they progress through levels filled with enemies, aiming to rescue a princess while unlocking additional characters along the way.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on side-scrolling combat where players use light and heavy attacks to build combos against groups of foes. Heroes can grab enemies, interact with the environment, and pick up temporary weapons that range from everyday objects to more unusual tools for clearing crowds. Each character also charges a unique superpower that delivers powerful effects once ready, adding variety to fights against standard enemies and larger bosses.
In single-player sessions, two heroes are selected at the start of a level, and players can switch between them freely to adapt to different situations. Additional heroes found in cages during a stage join the available roster for that level only, with standby characters recovering health over time. Local co-op supports two players on the same system, where each controls one hero and works together through the same challenges.
Progression involves exploring 20 levels that shift between different themed environments, with combat remaining the primary focus throughout. Difficulty options include easy, medium, and hard settings, allowing players to adjust the challenge based on experience level.
Game Modes
The main experience follows a linear adventure through the 20 stages, with the option to replay any completed level at chosen difficulty settings. Completing the story unlocks an additional Exalted difficulty for further runs, which increases the demand on timing and strategy without altering the fundamental structure.
Local co-op integrates directly into the adventure mode, enabling two players to tackle levels side by side. There are no separate competitive or survival modes beyond the wave-based encounters that appear naturally within certain stages.
Heroes and Classes
A total of 29 playable heroes can be discovered and added to the roster by locating them in levels. These characters divide into four distinct classes that determine their base weapon and playstyle. Warriors rely on sword and shield for balanced offense and defense. Brutes wield heavy two-handed weapons for slower but high-impact strikes. Rogues use dual weapons to emphasize speed and rapid combos. Monks handle staves with fluid movements suited to multi-target attacks and evasion.
Individual heroes within each class feature their own visual designs and signature superpowers, encouraging experimentation even when class archetypes overlap in core mechanics. Unlocking them expands options for both solo switching and co-op pairings.
Worlds and Levels
Stages span a range of imaginative settings that move beyond standard medieval themes into areas populated by mummies, pirates, and other fantastical elements. Environmental variety keeps encounters fresh, with opportunities to use surroundings during combat and occasional shifts in perspective or objective within a level.
The art style supports the lighthearted tone through colorful designs and animated sequences that highlight the humorous aspects of the knightly brawls.
Is It Worth Playing?
Big Helmet Heroes suits players seeking accessible action in a casual format, particularly those who enjoy local co-op sessions or experimenting with different character combinations in solo play. The combat stays engaging through weapon pickups and class differences, while the 20-stage campaign provides a complete experience that can be revisited on higher difficulties after the initial run.
Reception highlights the charm of the hero roster and level creativity, with the local two-player support standing out for shared play on Nintendo Switch. Limitations such as the absence of online multiplayer may affect those preferring remote sessions, but the core brawling remains consistent and approachable for the target audience. The Exalted Edition adds the soundtrack and artbook for collectors interested in those extras alongside the game itself.
