Mostroscopy Review: A Nostalgic Knockout With Style to Spare

There are games that try to reinvent the wheel, and then there are games like Mostroscopy, which lovingly polish a classic set of tires and cruise through a world built entirely on retro vibes. This 2D fighting game from Oribe Ware Games doesn’t pretend to be a technical marvel or an eSports powerhouse. Instead, it pays homage to a very specific, wonderfully weird cultural touchstone: the golden age of Mexican horror and Luchador films from the 1950s and 60s.

It’s a strange blend, but it works. Mostroscopy is charming, silly, stylish, and self-aware. It feels like a playable cult movie marathon, where masked heroes battle monsters in crumbling arenas, and every frame looks like a faded comic book panel. The game’s personality carries it a long way, and its commitment to aesthetic and tone makes it one of the more memorable indie fighters in recent years.

You begin by selecting from a roster of masked wrestlers and supernatural oddities. Each character comes with exaggerated animations, unique special moves, and a backstory steeped in B-movie tropes. Whether you’re playing as El Jaguar Azul, a stoic grappler in blue tights, or La Llorona, a shrieking ghost woman who floats across the screen, it’s clear the developers had fun creating a roster that celebrates weird, forgotten corners of pop culture.

The presentation deserves special mention. From the grainy film filter to the over-the-top announcer and pulpy soundtrack, every piece of Mostroscopy screams throwback in the best way. The arenas, designed like haunted carnivals, old TV studios, and misty graveyards, are dripping with personality. There’s a joy to simply watching the game move, with hand-drawn sprites and expressive backgrounds that make even the simplest match feel theatrical.

Gameplay is straightforward but surprisingly satisfying. The controls are tight and responsive, with a clear emphasis on accessibility. Combos are easy to pull off, special moves are mapped cleanly, and the overall pace of combat strikes a nice balance between brawler chaos and tactical fighting. You won’t find frame-perfect inputs or deep character meters here, but that’s the point. Mostroscopy invites everyone to jump in, mash a few buttons, and have a good time.

That said, the simplicity can be a double-edged sword. More experienced fighting game fans may find the mechanics a bit too shallow for long-term competitive play. There are no complex combo systems or technical layers like you’d see in Street Fighter or Guilty Gear. Instead, Mostroscopy thrives in its casual playability and couch co-op energy. It’s the kind of game you pass around with friends on a Friday night, not the one you train for before a tournament.

Single-player content is serviceable but limited. The arcade mode offers a handful of endings and boss fights, each punctuated with campy cutscenes and nods to vintage cinema. It’s enjoyable, but after a few rounds, repetition sets in. A “Story Mode” exists, but it’s more of a loose framing device than a full-fledged narrative experience. Where Mostroscopy shines is in its multiplayer, whether local or online. Matches are fast and chaotic, and the distinct characters ensure that no two fights feel exactly the same.

Unfortunately, the online experience is where the game stumbles slightly. Matchmaking is limited, with few customization options, and depending on the platform, finding a stable connection can be hit or miss. Given the game’s indie roots, this is somewhat forgivable, but it does limit its staying power in the competitive space.

Despite its small shortcomings, Mostroscopy earns its stripes through sheer charm and a clear love of its influences. It’s not a game trying to chase trends or fit neatly into current-gen expectations. Instead, it leans hard into what makes it unique: Luchadors, monsters, vintage horror flair, and an attitude that says fun comes first.

Mostroscopy is a delightful blast from a past you never lived but will instantly recognize. With its colorful cast, punchy gameplay, and unwavering commitment to style, it delivers a fighting game experience that is light on depth but heavy on heart. For fans of classic horror, retro wrestling, or just a good old-fashioned arcade brawl, this is a bout worth stepping into.

RATING: 4.0 out of 5.

Mostroscopy is now available for PC, Switch, PlayStation and 5, and Xbox One and Series S/X.