The Expendabros for Windows

Quick impression

Tie-in action games are often shallow cash-ins that trade on big names, and you could argue the same about some blockbuster action films. Still, The Expendabros — the game tied to The Expendables 3 — manages to surprise. It not only captures the loud, exaggerated spirit of the movie but also nails the affectionate, self-aware parody of 1980s and ’90s action flicks. The result feels like something that could have been released during the heyday of Schwarzenegger and his peers — in the best possible way.

Gameplay influences and feel

The core action is classic run-and-gun platforming, immediately bringing to mind staples like Contra. That foundation is expanded with verticality and mobility: wall jumps and agile movements add a Shinobi-like feel to the progression. On top of that, there’s a modern twist reminiscent of Terraria, where destructible terrain lets you carve new routes through compact stages. These combined influences create bite-sized levels that support both frantic combat and small tactical choices.

Visuals and environmental detail

Visually the game leans into a polished 16-bit aesthetic with more detail than you might expect. The jungle-themed stages mix green and brown palettes with huts, rope bridges, and improvised constructions that sell the chaotic setting. Small touches — such as live power lines that spark as you run along them and generators you can blow to take out enemies below — add lively environmental gameplay. Despite their pixel size, characters and adversaries are designed clearly; it’s easy to tell whether a foe is lining up a shot or sprinting toward you to explode, which keeps combat readable even in hectic moments.

Characters, weapons and mechanics

Several members of the film’s cast appear as playable fighters, each armed with a distinct weapon and a special move. You begin with a Stallone-parody character armed with a light machine gun and grenades — powerful but attention-grabbing. Another unlocked fighter is largely melee-focused, using knives that deal serious damage without drawing the same kind of enemy focus; their special attack extends reach, encouraging a hit-and-run or stealthier playstyle.

When you rescue a new teammate or die, the game randomly selects one of the characters you’ve unlocked, so you’ll often have to adapt on the fly and master a variety of approaches — from explosive, chaotic builds to short-range fighter types that require close positioning. The cast’s names are tongue-in-cheek riffs on the movie personas, weaving “Bro” into their monikers (some hits land well, others feel more forced), which reinforces the game’s parody tone.

Verdict

The Expendabros is a tightly designed shooter with a sharp sense of humor that matches its source material. It’s free — essentially a mod built on the foundation of Broforce — and worth adding to a Steam collection for anyone who enjoys retro-inspired action that doesn’t take itself too seriously.