Helsinki: A Quirky Finnish Fighting Game With Over-The-Top Combat and Bizarre Humor!
Helsinki isn’t your typical fighting game. It ditches the gritty, serious atmosphere often associated with the genre for a delightful concoction of absurdity and over-the-top action. Imagine Street Fighter meets Monty Python, and you’re starting to get the picture. Developed by a small Finnish indie studio called Super Hippo Games, Helsinki throws convention out the window and embraces the ludicrous.
This game isn’t about intricate combos or mastering complex frame data; it’s about unleashing ridiculous special moves with names like “The Sauna Slam” and “Angry Moose Charge.” The roster is packed with quirky characters – a burly lumberjack who wields axes, a sassy hairdresser with magical scissors, and even a talking squirrel wielding acorn bombs.
A World Where Saunas Fight Back and Moomins Roam Free
Helsinki’s story mode is as charming as it is nonsensical. It throws you into the shoes of Aimo, a shy Finnish baker who gets swept up in a bizarre conspiracy involving stolen rye bread recipes, talking reindeer, and a shadowy organization called “The Kebab Conspiracy.” The narrative unfolds through hand-drawn cutscenes with a distinctive, playful art style reminiscent of classic animated films.
The humor is genuinely laugh-out-loud funny at times, embracing Finnish cultural stereotypes without being offensive. You’ll encounter references to saunas (a national obsession in Finland), Karelian pies (a traditional pastry), and even the mythical Moomins, beloved characters from Finnish literature.
| Character | Special Moves |
|---|---|
| Aimo (The Baker) | Flour Bomb, Rye Bread Cyclone, Sauna Slam |
| Leena (The Hairdresser) | Scissor Kick, Perm Tornado, Magic Comb Strike |
| Jukka (The Lumberjack) | Axe Throw, Timber Tumble, Moose Stampede |
Brawling with a Unique Twist: Finnish Flair Meets Arcade Action
Helsinki’s combat system emphasizes accessibility and fun. There are only four attack buttons: light punch, heavy punch, light kick, and heavy kick. This simplicity allows players of all skill levels to pick up the game and start brawling immediately.
Special moves are activated by inputting directional commands followed by a button press. While the execution is straightforward, the visual spectacle accompanying each move is anything but ordinary. Expect explosions of flour, flying axes, and even reindeer charges that send opponents careening across the screen.
Soundtrack Straight Out of a Sauna
The game’s soundtrack perfectly complements its quirky atmosphere, featuring upbeat Finnish folk tunes and electronica tracks with a distinctly Scandinavian vibe. Imagine battling it out to the sound of accordions and kanteles while the occasional “Kiitos” (Finnish for “Thank You”) pops up in the background music – it’s delightfully weird.
Why Helsinki is Worth Checking Out
Helsinki might not be a deep, competitive fighter like Guilty Gear or Tekken, but that’s part of its charm. It embraces absurdity and prioritizes fun over complexity. If you’re looking for a fighting game that’s lighthearted, entertaining, and brimming with Finnish personality, Helsinki is definitely worth checking out. Its unique blend of quirky characters, ridiculous humor, and accessible gameplay makes it a refreshing experience in the often-serious world of fighting games.