PAX East 2023: Goons Legends & Mayhem Preview

Ever feel like you just don't give a puck? Bad puns aside, Goons: Legends & Mayhem is a super quirky and hilariously fun multiplayer experience from RageCure Games. At PAX East 2023, I had the chance to check out a hands-on Goons: Legends & Mayhem preview and play through some of the story campaign.

What I discovered was a charming and hilarious take on what would happen if you combine magic spells and crazy abilities with ice hockey. Because at the end of the day, is there really a better way to combat evil magic than with ice skating? 

Goons: Legends & Mayhem Was Designed for Party Multiplayer 

Though Goons: Legends & Mayhem offers a single-player campaign that has players going up against the Grand Mascoteer to help reverse the effects of the evil magic, where this game really shines is its multiplayer capabilities. With compatibility for up to six players at a time, Goons: Legends & Mayhem sets itself up to be the perfect party game. Score goals, fire magic spells, and go head-to-head to see who will reign supreme. 

The art style is as charming as it is cute, and three player classes allow you to customize your approach to how you play. Skaters will be able to choose from Sharpshooter (attack), Enforcer (defense), or Wingman (support). Working together in co-op is key, and knowing when to pass the puck or when to go for a goal is a huge part of the strategy. 

For those who do prefer the single-player campaign, it's not hard to become enamored with the pristine winder landscape as you move from level to level. Fluid movement and steady frame rate help this game feel responsive and fast-paced, while engaging boss battles offer a fun but challenging win condition. There are also bonus objectives for each level, allowing players to decide how much they'd like to explore and accomplish before moving the story forward. 

Different spells and abilities in Goons: Legends & Mayhem can switch up how you play. During my Goons: Legends & Mayhem preview I had the opportunity to unlock a fireball ability that made dispatching enemies far easier. In addition to spawning in and shooting pucks at opposing skaters, I was able to dispatch fiery justice across the frozen fields as well. 

With different abilities unlockable depending on if you choose Sharpshooter, Enforcer, or Wingman, there are many different play styles to be explored and enjoyed in Goons: Legends & Mayhem. 

Whether you've been waiting for something to play with friends or you're excited to see what this charming single-player story has to offer, there are many reasons to be looking forward to the Goons: Legends & Mayhem release date, which hasn't been confirmed yet, but hopefully it won't  be too long before players can throw on a pair of digital skates and discover all the secrets this adventure has to offer.

Goons: Legends & Mayhem was previewed on a PC at PAX East 2023.