PBR: Raging Bulls Review

Anyone who thinks holding onto a wild animal for dear life sounds dumb will probably be pretty skeptical of PBR: Raging Bulls. However, beneath the cowboy veneer is a deceptively smart, surprisingly fun test of reflexes.

PBR's genius stems from one clever design idea: what if Punch-Out!! was about bull riding instead of boxing? Players attempt to ride the rankest bulls for three whole rounds. Occasionally, the bull will try to buck them off so players hold on by tapping a button. However, holding on indefinitely drains stamina, which can only be partially restored by spurring the bull in-between bucks. So, like in Punch-Out!!, players must discover the unique patterns and tics of each bull and hold on at just the right moments. Learn and listen to the rhythms of the bull. It’s a strategic struggle of wits, not a mere endurance test, and it’s as fun, tense, and thrilling as actual bull riding only without the incredible danger. Using their fabulous cash prizes, players can also upgrade their stamina and hand strength with new cowboy hats and boots.

It’s a simple but great mechanic that works especially well due to the game’s light-hearted, expressive, rough-and-tumble-cartoon-dive-bar art style. Each bull is gigantic and full of personality whether it’s the demonic Bullzebub or the chivalrous Sir Smackdown. The detailed, ragdoll animations, besides being a joy to look out, also help players recognize quick crucial patterns, like glowing eyes or legs ready to leap, by making them super obvious. There are lots of new arenas with new bull challengers to take on, and although it gets tough fast, players have a fair amount of chances under the freemium timer.

This may not sound like much, but PBR: Raging Bulls is probably about as good as an arcade bull riding game could be. It may even convince you to try the real thing. Turns out "PBR" means more than just cheap hipster beer.