Cannon Brawl

The game’s main plot takes a lot of hints from Hamlet: your evil uncle has kidnapped your father (the king) in an attempt to take over his kingdom. Unlike prince Hamlet, however, you immediately roll up your sleeves and dive into a military campaign to rescue your dad and reclaim your birthright. Along the way, you save captured allies and convert your uncle’s minions to the good side, so as the levels progress you can choose which character you’d like to use as your main avatar. Each avatar has unique advantages, like built-in shields or the ability to deal extra damage. While the game is all about war, the only time human beings are depicted is when they’re talking to each other at the beginning of each level. The fighting and explosions are all dealt out by presumably unmanned weaponry, controlled by your untouchable airship. So the violence level is at a minimum.

Another big departure from Hamlet? You’re a girl. Representation-wise, this game is awesome. Each character’s strengths have nothing to do with his or her physical appearance whatsoever. Wahoo!

You can play against strangers (or friends) online, but you cannot communicate in any way.

• Which character is your favorite to play as? Why?
• Do you recognize this plot from anywhere?
• How do you stay concentrated on so many different things at once?