Theme and Graphics
The setting of Brute Force: Alien Onslaught pays homage to the legendary arcade games of the late '80s, taking players into a universe invaded by extraterrestrial creatures in run 'n' gun style. The narrative picks up right after the first chapter: brothers Joshua and Jason, muscular heroes fresh from their battle against the alien Hyper, now face a new interstellar threat led by the fearsome Xylox. They're joined by Jade, a determined mercenary, forming a trio ready to fight the new alien wave. The atmosphere recalls classics like Contra or Metal Slug, with charismatic fighters, spectacular weapons, and space monsters ready to be taken down.
The visual style impresses with its pixel art rendering, capable of precisely evoking the 16-bit arcade aesthetic. The reels spin inside an old-school cabinet complete with vintage stickers and virtual CRT screen, while symbols range from card values reinterpreted in 8-bit graphics to unsettling multicolored aliens. The background features horizontally scrolling scenes that seem extracted from a classic shooter level, reinforcing the illusion of being in a vintage arcade. Completing the picture is a driving electronic soundtrack, rich in digital effects and synthetic sounds that accompany the action with a fast-paced rhythm. Overall, theme and graphics are perfectly integrated: a nostalgic experience for those who grew up with arcade cabinets, but at the same time fresh and original for those seeking an out-of-the-ordinary sci-fi setting.
Symbols and Payouts
In Brute Force: Alien Onslaught symbols are divided into two main categories: standard symbols (the aliens) and special symbols.
Standard Symbols
The low-value symbols are represented by pixelated playing cards: 10, J, Q, K and A. These symbols all pay the same amount, up to 2.5x the bet for a complete line of six matching symbols.
Moving up we find the five multicolored aliens, which offer significantly more interesting wins. In order of increasing value:
- green alien and purple alien (up to 6x),
- blue alien and yellow alien (up to 12x),
- red alien, the highest-paying premium symbol, which rewards with 24x the bet on a combination of six.
A line of six xNudge Wilds also pays like the red alien, namely 24x the bet.