Introduction

Like many kids, I adored action figures growing up. I had everything from G.I. Joe to Power Rangers, and I’d spend hours staging epic battles on my bedroom floor—complete with sound effects, sword clashes, and laser blasts. As I got older, my attention shifted to video games, and my beloved action figures ended up in garage sales or under the bed. But action figures will always hold a special place in my heart.

That’s why the idea of a game where you bring action figures to life in combat immediately intrigued me. Back in 2020, developer Digital Cybercherries released Hypercharge: Unboxed, earning solid praise as a unique action shooter. Now, in 2025, the game has been given new life on the PS5/PS4. Should this shooter be reprinted or is it destined to be a collector’s item of the past? Let’s find out in our review of Hypercharge: Unboxed! Big thanks to Digital Cybercherries for the review code!

Gameplay

At its core, Hypercharge: Unboxed is an action shooter with additional mechanics layered in. You take control of various action figures, each with set weapons. The game supports both first-person and third-person perspectives—you can choose whichever feels more natural. How you play really depends on which mode you select, as the game offers multiple distinct experiences.

In single-player, you’ll tackle a campaign structured around wave-based defense. Your goal is to protect Hypercores on each map using a combination of tools. The game borrows a few elements from early Fortnite, allowing you to build simple defenses like LEGO-style walls, sticky traps, and gun towers to hold off enemies. AI allies are present (or you can team up with friends), and you’ll face everything from basic enemies to massive bosses. It’s fun, but I found single-player became repetitive quickly—playing with friends was much more engaging.

The other modes lean more heavily on multiplayer. You can enjoy campaign-style co-op, Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, and more. These modes can be played solo with bots, but again, the real fun lies in teaming up with friends—either online or in split-screen.

Unfortunately, during my review, I struggled to find online matches (likely due to the game’s unreleased status or limited player base). Regardless, Hypercharge: Unboxed plays exceptionally well. Shooting is precise, movement is fluid, and jumping across oversized furniture and objects is a blast. There are tons of collectibles and secrets hidden throughout the maps.

Customization adds another layer of charm. You can modify your figures by changing their packaging and equipping various accessories. Overall, Hypercharge: Unboxed brilliantly channels childhood imagination and brings those plastic battles to life.

Graphics

From the comic book-inspired story segments to the impressively detailed environments, Hypercharge: Unboxed looks fantastic. The game perfectly recreates childhood spaces—a kid’s bedroom, garage, toy store—viewed from a toy’s perspective. The visuals may not be cutting-edge, but the slightly retro look fits perfectly with the game’s theme. I often found myself exploring just to soak in the environments—Hypercharge: Unboxed nails the feeling of seeing the world through a toy’s eyes.

Sound

There’s not a ton to say about Hypercharge: Unboxed’s sound design. The highlight is the toy-inspired sound effects—robotic voices and goofy weapon sounds that match the game’s playful tone. The rest of the audio—music and voice work—is serviceable but unremarkable. Still, the quirky sound effects add a lot of personality to the experience.

Story

Hypercharge: Unboxed is equal parts childhood fantasy and Small Soldiers homage. The plot is delightfully absurd: sentient toys led by SGT Max Ammo face off against the evil Major Evil, who has been turned into a collector’s item and now seeks revenge. His goal? Destroy the Hypercore, a device that preserves children’s memories of their toys. Without it, kids will forget their beloved companions and toss them away like trash!

It’s silly, yes—but it works. I found the story oddly heartwarming, reminding me of the joy I once had playing with action figures. There’s a charming sense of nostalgia baked into the entire experience.

Overall Impression

Hypercharge: Unboxed is an absolute blast and a wonderful trip down memory lane. The variety of modes offers great replay value, though single-player isn’t as engaging as multiplayer. The game plays smoothly and captures its theme perfectly. I’d love to see future DLC add new figures or maps, but even without it, you’re getting tremendous value. Hypercharge: Unboxed is a standout indie title that deserves attention.

Conclusion

I sincerely hope Hypercharge: Unboxed gains more traction—it’s a rock-solid title. The gameplay is fun and varied, the visuals are spot-on, and there’s plenty to keep players engaged. I’m especially glad I finally got the chance to experience Hypercharge: Unboxed on console. If you’re a fan of games like Fortnite or simply love the idea of toy-based action, do yourself a favor and check it out!

ーAaron