I Hate Running Backwards (2018)

**I Hate Running Backwards (2018)** Get ready for a hardcore, adrenaline-pumping shoot'em down experience where destruction and relentless enemy waves are the order of the day. In "I Hate Running Backwards," you'll dive into a chaotic journey through mixed space-time, battling Mental's minions across different eras. Choose from a roster of iconic characters like Serious Sam and Rambro, wielding an expanding arsenal of nearly 100 weapons, from classic shotguns and assault rifles to singularity cannons and orbital lasers. The game flips the genre on its head, forcing you to fight backwards while taking on increasingly challenging enemies that loop and escalate in difficulty. Earn perks to take down formidable bosses, and if you're feeling particularly masochistic, challenge yourself with the "Kill the Streamer" mode, where your Twitch chat can spawn enemies to try and take you down! The "High Stakes" update (1.1.1) significantly boosts the action by adding a wealth of new tier 3 weapons, bringing the primary weapon count to an impressive 67. NETRICSA now features achievements, and the score and combo counter are visible throughout gameplay, adding layers of competitive depth. Visuals are enhanced with reworked models and animations for various enemy types, while gameplay tweaks ensure a smoother, more engaging experience – from more agile boats and fewer mines to player-controlled loading screens for better tip absorption. This update also introduces tier stars for weapons, improving clarity, and refines perk interactions and ammo consumption for a more balanced and strategic combat loop. **Why it belongs on "Best games by Croteam":** "I Hate Running Backwards" embodies several core tenets that define Croteam's best titles. Firstly, it's a **brazenly fun and over-the-top shooter**, directly in the vein of the beloved *Serious Sam* series. The sheer chaos, relentless enemy count, and absurd weapon variety are hallmarks of Croteam's design philosophy. Secondly, the game showcases Croteam's knack for **innovation and genre-bending**. By inverting the traditional forward-moving shooter and introducing unique mechanics like "Kill the Streamer" mode, they demonstrate a willingness to experiment and push boundaries. Finally, the emphasis on **replayability and cooperative play** (with its 2-player couch co-op) also aligns with the enduring appeal of Croteam's most successful games, offering endless hours of chaotic, shared destruction. The "High Stakes" update further solidifies its place by demonstrating Croteam's commitment to ongoing development and player feedback, refining the core experience and adding significant content.