Nine Lives, Endless Runs: CLAWPUNK on Xbox

There’s something instantly striking about CLAWPUNK the moment you boot it up on Xbox. Developed by Kittens in Timespace and published by Megabit Publishing, this roguelite brawler doesn’t waste time easing you in as it throws you claws-first into a neon-soaked cyberpunk dystopia where cats are not just survivors, but warriors. Released in November 2025, the game feels like a love letter to the arcade chaos of the ’90s, yet it’s dressed in a modern roguelite framework that keeps every run unpredictable. The introduction alone sets the tone: nine feline fighters, each with their own quirks, weapons, and special attacks, waiting to be unleashed against gangs of cybernetic thugs and junkyard bosses. It’s a premise that sounds absurd on paper, but in practice it’s a surprisingly cohesive blend of humour, grit, and relentless action.

The beating heart of CLAWPUNK lies in its gameplay loop, which is designed to be fast, chaotic, and relentlessly aggressive. Unlike many roguelites that encourage cautious exploration or resource management, CLAWPUNK thrives on momentum. The game rewards players who dive headfirst into combat, chaining attacks together and tearing through destructible environments with feline ferocity. Every run feels like a test of how long you can sustain that forward push before the gangs and cybernetic bosses overwhelm you.

You begin by choosing one of nine distinct cat heroes, each with their own weapon set, stats, and special abilities. This choice dramatically alters how you approach a run. Some cats excel at rapid melee strikes, darting in and out of danger with twin blades, while others favour heavy-hitting claws or explosive attacks that can clear entire rooms in seconds. Because each feline plays differently, experimentation is encouraged, you’ll quickly find favourites, but the roguelite structure nudges you to try them all, especially when unlocks and upgrades shift the balance of power.

Combat itself is deceptively simple but layered. At first glance, it’s a button-mashing brawler, but the destructible environments add tactical depth. Junkyards, sewers, and neon-lit streets aren’t just scenery; they’re interactive arenas filled with traps, breakable objects, and hazards that can be used to your advantage. Smashing through walls to surprise enemies or triggering environmental explosions becomes part of the strategy. The semi-nonlinear zones ensure that no two runs feel identical, with randomized enemy spawns and escalating difficulty keeping you on edge. It’s a game that thrives on unpredictability, forcing you to adapt on the fly.

The roguelite progression system ties everything together. Each defeat sends you back to the start, but you carry forward knowledge, unlocks, and sometimes upgrades that make subsequent runs more manageable. This creates a satisfying rhythm: short bursts of chaotic combat punctuated by the long-term goal of mastering each cat’s playstyle and learning the quirks of every zone. It’s not as narrative-driven as Hades or as exploration-heavy as Dead Cells, but it nails the arcade-style loop of “just one more run” with surprising precision.

Visually, CLAWPUNK is a feast of retro-meets-future design. Its pixel art style channels the spirit of classic arcade brawlers, but the cyberpunk aesthetic elevates it beyond nostalgia. Neon signs flicker against grimy backdrops, synth beats pulse through every fight, and the atmosphere feels both playful and oppressive. The soundtrack deserves special mention: a relentless barrage of synthwave tracks that perfectly match the frantic pace of combat, driving you forward even when defeat feels inevitable. It’s the kind of audio-visual synergy that makes you want to keep playing, even after a crushing loss.

Of course, no game is without its flaws. CLAWPUNK can be punishing, especially for newcomers unfamiliar with roguelite mechanics. Difficulty spikes arrive suddenly, and the lack of a deep narrative may leave story-driven players wanting more. While the destructible environments and varied cat heroes add depth, repetition can creep in after extended sessions, particularly if you’re grinding for unlocks. Yet, these shortcomings don’t overshadow the sheer fun of diving back in for “just one more run.” The game knows exactly what it wants to be and that's a chaotic, replayable arcade brawler, and it delivers on that promise with confidence.

Pros

• Nine distinct cat heroes with unique playstyles

• Fast, aggressive combat loop that rewards boldness

• Fully destructible environments that add tactical depth

• Strong retro-cyberpunk aesthetic with excellent soundtrack

Cons

• Difficulty spikes can frustrate newcomers

• Limited narrative depth compared to other roguelites

• Repetition may set in after long sessions

CLAWPUNK is a game that thrives on its eccentric identity. It doesn’t try to reinvent the roguelite genre, but instead carves out its own niche with feline flair and cyberpunk grit. For players who enjoy fast-paced action, destructible environments, and the thrill of mastering unique characters, this is a title worth sinking your claws into. It’s not perfect, but it’s unapologetically fun, and sometimes that’s all you need. On Xbox, the smooth performance and quick load times make the chaos even more accessible, ensuring that every defeat is just a springboard to another attempt. If you’re looking for a roguelite that balances quirky charm with brutal combat, CLAWPUNK is a worthy addition to your library, it's a game that scratches the itch for arcade nostalgia while offering enough modern twists to keep you coming back.

XPN Rating: 4 out of 5 (GOLD)

CLAWPUNK is Available Now!

XBOX