Dunk Lords

About

"Dunk Lords" is a unique basketball game that combines elements of beat 'em ups with 2v2 matches. Players can choose from 20 distinct characters, each with special moves and abilities, and battle on varied courts filled with hazards. Enhance your abilities with game-changing equipment and perform high-flying dunks, reject shots, and earn bonuses from shot pads to gain the upper hand in this action-packed sports game.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Local Multi-Player Play with friends in the same physical space using split-screen or multiple screens
2-Players Play with one other player, either online or locally, in a cooperative or competitive game mode
Multi-Player Compete or cooperate with other players online
Co-Op Team up with friends to complete levels or missions together
Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo
PvP Player versus Player - Fight against other players in real-time, often in arena-style combat
Split Screen Play with multiple players on the same screen, often with divided or shared screen real estate

88%

Audience ScoreBased on 50 reviews

story6 positive mentions

graphics3 negative mentions

Dunk Lords features a vibrant and engaging soundtrack that enhances the overall gameplay experience.
The game offers a fun and chaotic multiplayer experience, reminiscent of classic arcade basketball games like NBA Jam, with unique characters and abilities.
The story mode is entertaining and provides a good challenge, making it enjoyable for both solo and co-op play.

The gameplay can feel chaotic and overwhelming due to the small court size and fast-paced action, making it difficult to keep track of what's happening.
There is a lack of online multiplayer support, which limits the ability to play with friends remotely.
Some players have reported issues with unresponsive controls and a lack of polish in the gameplay mechanics.

story
25 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
24%
64%
12%
The story mode is a lighthearted and entertaining experience that combines nostalgic elements reminiscent of 90s arcade games with absurd and engaging narratives, such as battling alien pirates. Players appreciate its challenging yet fair gameplay, varied scenarios, and the depth it offers, especially in co-op mode, making it a rewarding single-player and multiplayer experience. Overall, the story mode is well-written, fun, and serves as a strong foundation for the game's mechanics and character development.
- “The story itself is just the right amount of ridiculous fighting-game improbable shenanigans that all the characters take for granted, ranging from alien pirates to the supernatural plane.”
- “The story mode teaches you that every problem in life -- including buying your deeply indebted friends' freedom from gun-wielding aliens -- can be solved on the court.”
- “While playing the game you can easily tell that this was a labor of love - the gameplay mechanics feel 'just right', the pacing of the gameplay is perfect, the game is quite challenging but never cheap, and the story mode is varied enough with twists and turns that make it a very engaging experience.”
music
23 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
43%
13%
The music in the game, composed by Laura Shigihara, has received widespread acclaim for its vibrant and nostalgic blend of hip-hop, jazz, and 16-bit influences, enhancing the overall atmosphere and gameplay experience. Reviewers highlight the soundtrack's ability to evoke the charm of 90s gaming while remaining contemporary, with standout tracks that perfectly complement the various stages and a particularly epic credits song. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a major highlight, elevating the game and leaving players eager to purchase it separately.
- “It plays like a dream, the characters are fun and varied, the music is great thanks to Plants vs. Zombies composer Laura Shigihara knocking every track out of the park.”
- “The soundtrack by Laura Shigihara (developer/composer of Rakuen, composer for Plants vs. Zombies and many others) is a huge highlight.”
- “The blend of hip hop, jazz, and 16-bit era tunes accompanying the courts keeps you grooving along, each song being melodically rich and memorable, perfectly accompanying the feel of each of the varied stages.”
- “Finally, the dunk slowdown cuts out the music temporarily, which made some of the awesome tracks harder to hear fluidly, particularly the lobster miniboss theme.”
- “Oh, and that soundtrack?”
- “Listening to the soundtrack later, and then watching someone else play, I was able to more fully appreciate how each song perfectly fit the theme of the stage.”
gameplay
13 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
23%
54%
23%
The gameplay of Dunk Lords has received mixed reviews, with some praising its nostalgic, arcade-style mechanics reminiscent of NBA Jam, while others criticize its lack of polish, unresponsive controls, and chaotic pacing that detracts from the overall experience. While the game offers engaging character abilities and a fun story mode, many players feel that the gameplay is poorly designed and unbalanced, leading to a frustrating experience. Overall, it seems to appeal to those who appreciate its quirky charm, but it may not satisfy everyone looking for a polished sports game.
- “There is a story mode, which has been entertaining and helped me get a feel for the mechanics.”
- “Very much in the vein of NBA Jam games of the past, Dunk Lords brings a modern twist with an awesome blend of arcade-y basketball mechanics, quarter-by-quarter item builds, and in-your-face special abilities!”
- “While playing the game you can easily tell that this was a labor of love - the gameplay mechanics feel 'just right', the pacing of the gameplay is perfect, the game is quite challenging but never cheap, and the story mode is varied enough with twists and turns that make it a very engaging experience.”
- “Well, what a disappointment. I'm someone who really likes to search through the Steam catalog during a sale looking for underrated indie games that are cheap and fun. Dunk Lords, from a quick look at the images and videos on the store page, seemed like a simple basketball indie game. With its cartoony and colorful visuals, I expected a fun and easy-to-get-into sports game. The sad thing is that this game just feels off. The controls are unresponsive and messy, the gameplay lacks polish, and it feels way faster than it has any right to be, making every match a confusing mess that's hard to focus on. The maps are too small for the chaotic gameplay, and as soon as everyone gets their upgrades and special moves, it becomes an unbalanced cluster where every character can hit the ball multiple times without being stopped. Even the moves meant to take the ball back from an opponent or block their launch feel useless and unresponsive. It all turns into a rush to see who can 'dunk' faster, making it feel like a half-assed indie basketball game. I didn't expect it to be a top-notch sports game, but I just wanted it to be fun, and it isn't. It feels poorly designed, unbalanced, and messy, so I can't recommend it at all.”
- “Dunk Lords is pretty clearly inspired by NBA Jam, but with a ton of additional layers and mechanics like character-specific abilities and game-changing gear. It lacks polish, but it's such a cool little arcade basketball game that it's hard not to recommend it to anyone who feels nostalgic for NBA Jam.”
- “The gameplay lacks a lot of polish and feels way faster than it has any right to be, making every match a confusing mess that's hard to keep focused on.”
graphics
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
60%
The graphics of the game are described as colorful and cartoony, fitting the intended aesthetic, but they are marred by poor gameplay mechanics and unresponsive controls. While some players appreciate the vibrant visuals and overall artistic design, others find the chaotic gameplay and small maps detract from the experience, leading to a confusing and unbalanced game. Overall, the graphics receive mixed reviews, with some praising the style while others feel it fails to enhance the gameplay.
- “The aesthetic of the game is fantastic and perfect for the type of game it wants to be.”
- “The artwork, gameplay, and music come together perfectly to create a fantastic world that kept me hooked.”
- “I kind of wish there was a way to turn off the background animations and/or a lot of the graphical effects so you can see and focus on the players.”
- “The controls are unresponsive and messy, the gameplay lacks a lot of polish and it feels way faster than it has any right to be, so every match becomes a confusing mess that is hard to keep focused on.”
- “It just feels poorly designed, unbalanced, and messy, so I can't recommend it at all.”
humor
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Dunk Lords is celebrated for its frenetic and fluid gameplay, infused with humor that pays homage to the 90s gaming culture. The game features over-the-top effects and witty one-liners, creating a nostalgic yet polished experience that resonates with both old-school fans and new players.
- “Dunk Lords is frenetic, fluid, and funny!”
- “It's a total love letter to the golden era of 90's gaming and culture - the music, the gameplay, the over-the-top hilarious and zany effects, the aggro silly one-liners - everything together brings back the entire old school blissful feel of that era while also feeling contemporary in its polish and quality.”
replayability
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game offers high replayability, particularly in multiplayer mode, where players can enjoy a deep and engaging experience with friends. The story mode is also well-received, contributing to the overall replay value.
- “The story mode was a joyful experience from start to finish, and the multiplayer offers incredible replayability.”
- “There is tons of depth and replayability, making it amazing with two or more players on the same system.”
atmosphere
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
The atmosphere of the game is significantly enhanced by a fantastic soundtrack, which contributes to an immersive and engaging experience.
- “A fantastic soundtrack that adds so much atmosphere to a great game.”
- “The immersive environment pulls you in and makes you feel like you're part of the world.”
- “The haunting visuals and sound design create an unforgettable atmosphere that lingers long after playing.”