The goon rusher,[1] also known as the hammer goon,[2] or thug brawler,[3] is an enemy in Into the Nexus and Rift Apart. It is a melee infantry unit of the Thugs-4-Less, armed with large hammers, swords, or occasionally both, with one in each hand.
Ratchet and Clank encountered them during their jobs in the Polaris Galaxy, first when hired by Vendra and Neftin Prog. They later fought them when hired by Dr. Nefarious, at which point many followed them to Rivet's dimension, and also encountered Rivet and Kit.
Later in Rift Apart, undead goon variants of the goon rusher appear as enemies.
History[]
Into the Nexus[]
The thug brawlers were hired by Vendra and Neftin Prog. Ratchet and Clank first fought them when they attacked the Nebulox Seven in "Stop Thugs from freeing Vendra Prog". He later fought them on Yerek and Silox where they protected Vendra and Neftin's interests, and then in the Destructapalooza on Kragg where many competed.
Rift Apart[]
The goon rushers were hired by Dr. Nefarious to attack Ratchet and Clank in Megalopolis during the Festival of Heroes in "Navigate the Parade Route". They were deployed by their goon dropships into the city as the first enemies encountered.
When mass dimensional chaos ensues after the Dimensionator is destroyed, the goons continue to pursue their bounty through the tears in the dimensions into Rivet's universe. On the Sargasso of Rivet's dimension, the goons cross dimensions with their forces and attack Rivet as they are unable to differentiate their lombax target from her and Ratchet. Their dropships deploy infantry, goon rushers and zoom goons around Sargasso as Rivet attempts to liberate the morts they have taken hostage to interrogate, and find where their bounty targets are.
Later, on the intact dimension version of Blizar Prime, the goons again cross dimensions in pursuit of Rivet in their dropships and on hoverbikes. After Rivet reaches the mining site's main drill and activates it to obtain some Phase Quartz, she discovers the drill is what destroyed the Blizar Prime in her own dimension. Whilst attempting to stop it and save the planet, she is forced to fight off infantry, goon rushers, vroom goons, and their attack dropship.
Several of the goons' swords and hammers are seen at the entrance to Zurkie's gastropub in the weapons confiscation room. Many swords and hammers are also seen confiscated in a large pile at Zordoom Prison along with their blasters, when the goons were captured and imprisoned by the Nefarious Troopers.
Characteristics[]
Standard goon infantry are snivelakians with chest armor, pants, and two weapons equipped in either hand. Later goon rushers are equipped with stronger armor and weapons.
Goon infantry somewhat resemble Thugs-4-Less Henchman from Going Commando, but with bulkier upper bodies giving them a slightly less humanoid look.
Combat[]
Overview[]
As their name and looks imply, goon rushers utilize rush tactics with melee weapons, sprinting up to Ratchet or Rivet, slashing with swords and smashing with hammers. They are somewhat durable enemies and do not pose a huge threat on their own, but can be overwhelming in large numbers. On higher difficulties, their attacks are much faster with less wind up.
Into the Nexus[]
Thug brawlers are deadly in large numbers, and can often be accompanied by blade balls. They are melee enemies and can be fought by using the Fusion Grenade and staying at a distance early on. Later on the Winterizer and Nightmare Box become useful for their crowd control capabilities.
Rift Apart[]
Shotgun-like weapons such as the Enforcer and the Pixelizer are very effective against goon rushers because of their knockback effect, which can be used to keep distance between them. Ranged weapons like the Burst Pistol and Buzz Blades are only recommended if they are already at a far enough distance from you and there are no other immediate threats close by.
Behind the scenes[]
Concept art of the enemy for Into the Nexus.
Concept art of this enemy for Into the Nexus originally had them wielding only a large metal hammer-like weapon, this hammer would go on to appear as one of their weapons in Rift Apart.
Citations[]
- ↑ Into the Nexus menu § "Goon Rusher"
- ↑ Rift Apart, Photo Mode: Sticker Mode
- ↑ Into the Nexus, file:
thug_brawler.entity.irb