John Fox PS5 Review: Super Soldier, Dead Pet, Clone Frogs – Pure Arcade Mayhem!

John Fox (PS5), developed by 9Ratones and published by Ratalaika Games, is a straightforward 2D pixel-art beat ’em up that launched on PlayStation 5 in August 2026.

The premise is delightfully absurd and does not take itself seriously. You play as John Fox, an elite warrior and retired professional mercenary/super soldier who once saved world leaders. After his beloved pet Milo is killed by a murderous toad, he embarks on a rampage of revenge. The toad turns out to be part of a larger plot involving an army of clone frogs (and John Fox clones) flooding the city, with the fate of the world supposedly hanging in the balance if the giant toad succeeds. The tone mixes hardboiled action-hero vibes (with clear John Wick-style inspirations) with over-the-top frog and toad enemies for a tongue-in-cheek arcade romp.

The story and main characters center almost entirely on John Fox’s personal vendetta. The narrative, itself, is minimal and serves mainly as setup for the action. Milo’s death kicks things off, the big toad and its clone-frog minions provide the antagonists, and the stakes escalate to world-ending chaos in a cartoonish way. There is little in the way of deep characterization, dialogue, or plot twists beyond the core revenge-and-stop-the-toad loop. It embraces its silliness rather than aiming for emotional weight or complexity.

Features include classic side-scrolling 2D beat ’em up action across a variety of terrains and scenarios, motorbike chase sequences, boss battles, and a local two-player co-op (a color-swapped second Fox can drop in). It supports single-player and shared/split-screen play, with a short overall length typical of Ratalaika’s budget catalog titles.

The Gameplay ...

Gameplay and mechanics stick closely to traditional arcade beat ’em up roots. You move left-to-right, slashing with your katana, and clearing waves of frog enemies while progressing toward bosses. Expect standard combos, enemy patterns, and occasional special sequences like motorbike chases for variety. Controls, in the game, are simple and responsive in the classic style, and are easy to pick up for short sessions, but the experience is deliberately basic, without modern systems like deep combos, character progression, or complex level design. Local co-op enhances the chaos for couch play though It is not a long or challenging campaign. It mainly prioritizes quick, arcade-style runs over depth or innovation.

The Presentation ...

Presentation features clean 2D pixel art that evokes retro arcade brawlers, with distinct environments and enemy designs that lean into the frog/toad theme. The graphic design is functional and charming in a low-budget indie way rather than pushing technical boundaries on PS5. The soundtrack provides an upbeat energetic accompaniment that fits the fast-paced slashing and chasing without standing out as particularly memorable on its own. Overall audio and visuals match the game’s lighthearted, no-frills identity.

The Verdict ... 

John Fox delivers a playable, light-hearted and optionally blood tinged beat ’em up experience that does exactly what a Ratalaika title sets out to do, and that is to offer short, undemanding arcade action with a goofy premise. Gameplay is solid for what it is (simple, responsive slashing of frogs with some variety via chases, and bosses) but thin and repetitive by modern standards, with limited longevity. At a budget price the value is reasonable if you want a quick diversion or easy local co-op sessions. It is less compelling if you expect substantial content, polish, or lasting engagement. Playability is high for casual or nostalgic players due to its accessibility and low time commitment.

The game, in my opinion, is best suited for fans of retro-style 2D beat ’em ups who enjoy silly, over-the-top premises and short play sessions. Good for players looking for inexpensive local co-op with a friend, or trophy/achievement hunters seeking a quick, low-effort list. Those wanting deep storytelling, modern mechanics, high production values, or lengthy campaigns should look elsewhere. If the idea of a retired super soldier slashing at an army of clone frogs to avenge his pet makes you smile, it’s an easy, low-risk pick on PS5.