When I mentioned the variety of games presented at the Summer Game Fest, I was referring to titles from Asian countries beyond Japan: China, South Korea, Malaysia, and now Indonesia, with proposals multiplying and exporting globally. Acts of Blood is one such game, initially developed by a lone developer named Farjou, who caught the attention of publisher Eksill Team. The game has already gained significant traction through a viral demo over recent months on various networks, understandably so. It blends elements from Sifu with the cult film The Raid (directed by Gareth Evans), featuring Pencak Silat, an Indonesian martial art, executed with striking brutality and authenticity. You can almost hear bones cracking and limbs breaking in the meticulously choreographed sequences.
This tense and intense beat ’em up immerses players in a dystopian Bandung where justice is administered through fistfights due to the lack of viable alternatives. Although the premise draws from genre tropes, the game’s execution showcases remarkable skill and distinct character. Players take on the role of Hendra, a law student whose life is shattered when his family is massacred before him in an underground conflict between powerful factions. With a justice system riddled with corruption and ineffective, Hendra opts for the most straightforward approach: revenge. From a gameplay perspective, “Act of Blood” does not introduce groundbreaking innovations but meticulously refines every element to perfection. The combat system features fluid, visceral chains that are brutally enjoyable. Animations are tense, impacts are heavy, and finishing moves elicit grimaces and predatory grins. One can draw comparisons to games like “Sleeping Dogs,” “Sifu,” and even the best moments of “Batman: Arkham,” as each fight becomes a bloody ballet involving chain punches, millimeter-perfect dodges, precise counters, all enhanced by an array of firearms and melee weapons. Whether using knives, bats, pistols, or pump-action shotguns, anything goes for unleashing firepower or breaking jaws.
Act of Blood goes beyond expectation by integrating environmental strategy into its mechanics. Overturned tables, broken chairs, and stage props used as projectiles contribute to a sense of controlled chaos in every encounter. Hendra’s mobility adds another dimension, with well-designed parkour elements allowing him to run, jump, and climb for tactical advantages over enemies. This system is particularly effective in open arenas where verticality plays a significant role. Additionally, Hendra can customize his attire based on mission requirements or personal preference. The fact that this project originates from Indonesia, a country less represented in the international video game market, makes it noteworthy.