Disc Jam
- March 7, 2017
- High Horse Entertainment
- 40h median play time
Online’s a blast in this futuristic disc-throwing sports game.
"Disc Jam" is a fast-paced action-sports game, combining elements of air hockey and tennis. Players scramble to throw and retrieve a glowing disc, using various abilities and defending their end zone. With support for splitscreen and couch play, along with a zany roster of characters, it offers both local and online multiplayer excitement.
Reviews
- Fun and addictive gameplay, especially enjoyable in 2v2 matches with friends.
- Easy to learn but hard to master, providing a rewarding experience as players improve their skills.
- Great graphics and mechanics, reminiscent of classic arcade games like Windjammers.
- Severely lacking player base, making it difficult to find matches online.
- No single-player mode or AI opponents, limiting gameplay options for solo players.
- Matchmaking can be frustrating, often pairing new players with experienced ones, leading to unbalanced matches.
- gameplay59 mentions
- 41 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The gameplay of this multiplayer game is highly praised for its engaging mechanics that blend elements of tennis and Windjammers, making it easy to pick up yet challenging to master. Players appreciate the fast-paced, frantic nature of matches, with a variety of tactics and mechanics that keep the experience fresh, although some have noted issues with online matchmaking and certain control complexities. Overall, the game is considered a fun and rewarding experience, especially in local multiplayer settings, despite some calls for further refinement and additional content.
“Underrated gem of a multiplayer game that combines the gameplay of tennis and Windjammers. 5/5”
“The gameplay is fast and frantic with diving, lob-shots, special moves, curve shots, guard plays, and an arsenal of tactics and mechanics to keep each player guessing and each new game fresh.”
“Mechanically, the game is incredibly fun and challenging.”
“It's frustrating enough to find a game online that I can't give it a recommendation even though I love the gameplay.”
“For the love of god, fix this terrible mechanic.”
“Love the game itself, but too much of the gameplay needs tweaking.”
- graphics16 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally praised for their smooth performance and decent quality, even on lower-end PCs, with some users noting impressive visuals and good optimization. However, there are criticisms regarding the execution, such as a lack of realism in character faces and a desire for a different perspective. Overall, while the graphics are considered good, there are mixed feelings about certain aesthetic choices and their impact on immersion.
“The graphics are nice and smooth, even on older machines.”
“Amazing visuals.”
“Graphics are very good.”
“The graphics are workable, though I wish the perspective was a touch more overhead.”
“Decent graphics (a little blurry, though), optimized well enough.”
“As for aesthetics, the faces for the characters are fixed, which adds a lack of reality to this, especially when it's made with Unreal Engine 4.”
- music16 mentions
- 31 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received largely negative feedback, with many users describing it as repetitive, stiff, and even horrendous. While some appreciate the funky art style and cool audio effects, the overall sentiment suggests that the soundtrack lacks variety and fails to enhance the gaming experience. There are calls for more diverse music options and the ability to customize soundtracks, indicating that the current offerings are insufficient.
“The music is incredible.”
“Great soundtrack, graphics, load times, and graphic options customization.”
“Cool audio effects and music.”
“Even the music feels stiff, the same thing on loop over and over.”
“The one, lonely arena in which you will play all your matches, which is devoid of spectators, comes with music that will make you regret the whole concept of having eardrums.”
“The only thing I dislike so far is what serves as background music... well, the trailer video did not lie on this either.”
- optimization8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews; while some players appreciate its decent graphics and performance even on low-end PCs, others report significant issues such as crashes on startup and server optimization problems. Additionally, there are concerns about input lag and the disparity in performance between console and PC players, which can affect gameplay experience. Overall, the game's optimization appears to be a point of contention among users.
“Decent graphics (a little blurry, though), optimized well enough.”
“Optimized even for potato PCs.”
“Fantastic game, extremely well optimized and crazy fun.”
“Servers need some optimization, however, I think console players gain more time for perfect throws due to their low FPS and VSync, which puts us PC players at a disadvantage unless we cap FPS to 30 and enable VSync.”
“Terrible optimization, crashes on startup leaving the entire desktop unusable if not running the 'low end PC' version, questionable terms of service regarding privacy, and either misleading tutorials or way too tight input frames for the aftertouch throws. I won't bother figuring out how to perform curve throws just so I can exit the freaking tutorial!”
“Never thought the day would come when I would seriously care about my in-game performance.”
- humor7 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely praised, with players finding it both funny and entertaining, often leading to laughter and excitement during gameplay. While some feel it could benefit from more players, the overall consensus is that the game's comedic elements contribute significantly to its enjoyment, making it a fun and competitive experience. Comparisons to other games like Rocket League are noted, but players assert that this game stands out in its own humorous way.
“This game is funny, competitive, and simple.”
“It's a very good game, so funny.”
“My mates thought so too and we had an evening full of laughing, screaming, and cheering.”
- story4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The game primarily emphasizes gameplay over narrative, with some users noting that while a story exists, it is not a central focus. Many players feel that the addition of a dedicated tournament or story mode could enhance the overall experience.
“Only gameplay, doesn't include a story.”
“There is a story, but most of the game is focused on gameplay.”
“Could do with the addition of a tournament/story mode.”
- monetization3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game has been criticized for locking significant content behind microtransactions and grind, which detracts from the overall enjoyment. Players suggest that the developers should consider unlocking all content from the start to enhance accessibility, especially given the dwindling online community and the game's need for better marketing to attract new players.
“The game is really fun, but I have a few nitpicks: I doubt the microtransactions are bringing in much revenue at this point (and probably never were).”
“The title desperately tries to pay tribute to its older brother by clumsily integrating 90's musical and visual style, but loses the immediate fun of the 90's arcade by locking away a huge amount of content behind either grind or microtransactions.”
“The game is really fun, but I have a few nitpicks: I doubt the microtransactions are bringing in much revenue at this point (and probably never were), and the online community is dead, so the developers should make it so everything is unlocked upon first launching the game.”
“The title desperately tries to pay tribute to its older brother by clumsily integrating 90's musical and visual style (which everyone is trying their best to forget), but loses the immediate fun of the 90's arcade (which everyone always welcomes back) by locking away a huge amount of content behind either grind or microtransactions.”
- grinding3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be somewhat tedious and occasionally excessive, with some suggesting it detracts from the overall experience. However, many agree that while it can be annoying, it is not a major issue given the game's premium status.
“One long, tedious grind.”
“Grinding is annoying and should be removed because this is not a free-to-play title.”
- atmosphere3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is generally praised for its quality, though some users find the effects and character models lacking in creativity. It has been compared to a blend of Brawlhalla and Rocket League, suggesting a unique yet somewhat simplistic ambiance.
“The general atmosphere and game quality are excellent.”
“The effects are bland, the character models are uninspired, the atmosphere is plain.”
“The atmosphere is like a mixture of Brawlhalla and Rocket League.”
- stability2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Overall, users report that the game is highly stable, running smoothly at 60fps even on low-end PCs, with minimal to no bugs affecting gameplay.
“Runs great on my low-end PC at 60fps, which I have to appreciate considering how much visual detail there is.”
“Bug-free.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find this game to be even more emotionally impactful than Undertale, suggesting a deep and resonant narrative that evokes strong feelings.
“This game is more emotional than Undertale.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The reviews highlight that the game's replayability is significantly enhanced by its diverse gameplay options, multiple endings, and varying character paths, encouraging players to explore different strategies and experiences. However, some users feel that certain elements may become repetitive after multiple playthroughs, potentially diminishing long-term engagement. Overall, the game offers a solid foundation for replayability, though individual experiences may vary.
Critic Reviews
Disc Jam
Fresh out of a fun-filled beta period, Disc Jam brings exciting disc-tossing arcade sports action to the PC. Its core game is entertaining, but it lacks the polish found in other multiplayer sports titles.
60%Disc Jam Review
Disc Jam has all of the ingredients of a classic but it just doesn't feel fully cooked. Flat visuals and some balance issues prevent this disc tossing sim from reaching the same highs as Rocket League, even if the gameplay loop is fairly accessible and sporting some great depth. That said, if this is High Horse Entertainment's Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket-Powered Battle-Cars moment, then we can't wait to see what it delivers next time it takes to the field.
60%Disc Jam Review
Disc Jam invokes the spirit of days gone by in arcades of old playing air hockey, and works well, but doesn’t quite have the oomph to impress upon you any must-have demands.
70%