Stick Arena: Stickmen

Enemies first, then everything else. That is how most action games teach you to think. Movement, attacking and dodging happen in rapid alternation, and your eyes are constantly scanning the edges of the screen for the next threat. Between fights there are small rewards, a new weapon or a health refill, and then the next wave arrives. Sessions leave you alert and slightly out of breath.

• bull On mobile devices Move your character using the virtual joystick located on the right side of the screen Attacks are performed automatically in the direction the character is moving bull On PC Use the arrow keys to control your character amp

1. 1Find the attack and jump controls on the start screen, then test them on the first enemy you meet.
2. 2Keep moving sideways rather than toward enemies. Lateral movement dodges most projectiles and lunges.
3. 3Target one enemy at a time and finish it before switching, unless a group is about to surround you.
4. 4After clearing a stage, take a second to grab any pickups on screen before advancing.

• Free to play, nothing to install, no account needed
• Loads in the browser tab and opens full screen when you press Play
• Plays best with the phone turned sideways or on a wider screen
• Touch controls on phones and tablets, mouse and keyboard on a computer
• Listed under Action

Stick Arena: Stickmen is for when you want something to hit back. It is free, runs straight in the browser with no install, and gets going within seconds. The fights are tight and the stages are short enough that a quick session feels complete.

Suits players who enjoy combat games and have quick hands, generally teens and adults. Fans of side-scrolling fighters and beat-em-ups will slip into it easily. It is not aimed at young children.

Do I need a gamepad for Stick Arena: Stickmen?

No. Keyboard and mouse cover everything on desktop, and touch controls appear on phones. Some browser games recognise a connected controller, but it is never required.

Why do I keep dying on the same stage?

Usually because an enemy pattern has not clicked yet. Watch it a couple of times without attacking to see the gaps, then try again.

Can I pause?

Yes. There is normally a pause button in the player or the Escape key works. Switching tabs also pauses most browser games.