# Passive 2D Brawlers 'Way of the Passive Fist' Turns Focuses on Defensive Combat in the Wasteland By Justin Lam | Published 2018-03-09 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/way-of-the-passive-fist-turns References: [rockpapershotgun](https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2018/03/06/way-of-the-passive-fist-review/) & [store.steampowered](http://store.steampowered.com/app/625680/Way_of_the_Passive_Fist/) Brawler games usually involve beating enemies with a [flurry of punches and kicks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ice-cold-justice), but Way of the Passive Fist instead focuses on the skillful deflection of intense violence. Players take control of the Wanderer, who roams the wastelands of a doomed planet, and fights against hordes of bandits and outlaws. The premise is incredibly basic, but it really only functions as a backdrop for the innovative gameplay. Instead of drawn out slug-fests, Way of the Passive Fist turns fights into [rhythmic duels of evasion and blocking](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blades-of-fire), until enemies are drained of stamina and can be taken out in a single poke. The art design of Way of the Passive Fist takes on a familiar 90s arcade facade, with a heavy influence from [Sega](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/persona-3-portable) generation sprite-art. Bright and ostentatious colors fill the desert backdrop, as wave after wave of Mad Max-esque enemies attack the player. The soundtrack takes on a similar influence and features catch melodies and old-school synth work. Way of the Passive Fist essentially functions as a 90s arcade game, but with modern amenities. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.6/10 - Popularity: 3% | Activity: 6% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/games) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Defensive Combat:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creating a new genre of brawler games that focus on skillful deflection rather than offensive attacks. - **Rhythmic Duels:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introducing a new gameplay mechanic in which fights are conducted as rhythmic duels of evasion and blocking rather than slug-fests. - **90s Arcade Revival:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Capitalizing on the nostalgia for 90s arcade games by creating modern versions with updated amenities. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Gaming:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing new brawler games that offer innovative gameplay mechanics to cater to a wider audience. - **Art and Design:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporating retro arcade aesthetics in various art and design projects to evoke nostalgia and attract customers. - **Entertainment and Media:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Expanding the market for arcade-style games and incorporating retro elements in popular media to engage consumers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Cataclysmic Roguelite Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wartorn.md) - [Stylized Cel-Shaded Shooting Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mycopunk.md) - [Immersive Genre-Bending Indie Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/raiders-of-blackveil.md) - [Punishing Open World Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/phantom-blade-zero.md) - [Retro-Inspired Platforming Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ninja-gaiden-ragebound.md) - [Action Rhythm Animated Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hifi-rush.md) - [Stimulating Audio-Visual Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/periphery-synthetic.md) - [Brick-Breaking Roguelite Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ball-x-pit.md) - [Multi-Dimensional Metroidvania Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cookie-cutter-1.md)