Man-sized magnum or incendiary missile launcher? Mercenaries face such difficult decisions.

All too often, I find that a game I enjoy in multiplayer/party settings becomes a tired chore when approached solo. Not so for Mercenary Kings. Going alone, the game transforms from a chaotic free-for-all into a Rambo-esque power fantasy, wherein I wipe out entire installations of bad dudes (and bad robots) with increasingly-ludicrous weaponry.

My newest construction is a submachine gun that shoots homing missiles.

Even with recycled environments and enemies, the game manages to keep up the illusion of variety: every return trip to a level sees a new section unlocked, a new objective to find, or a new boss to fight. Most missions are rapid and tightly paced, expertly encouraging "just one more" run. And there's always, always more crafting loot to collect.

Like a 2D Skyrim, Mercenary Kings' technical shortcomings feel like they don't even matter. This game is damn fun.

Progress: Captain rank.