Metaball

About

Metaball is a single player and multiplayer casual racing game. It was developed by Bucketplay Inc. and was released on March 7, 2024. It received mostly positive reviews from players.

Metaball is a free-to-play, crossplay-enabled online sports game that offers both single-player and multiplayer modes, including co-op and PvP. As a Rider, compete in the Metaball League, using your hoverboard and chain to dunk, shoot, block, and steal the ball. After each match, earn MVP points and Metanium, which can be used to unlock rewards and progress in the Metapass.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

+11

Skip User Reviews

74%

Audience ScoreBased on 191 reviews

gameplay7 positive mentions

graphics3 negative mentions

Fun and addictive gameplay with a unique twist on basketball mechanics.
Great customization options and a competitive community, making it enjoyable to play with friends.
The game is free and doesn't heavily rely on microtransactions, providing a good experience without pay-to-win elements.

Frequent crashes and performance issues, making it difficult to enjoy the game consistently.
The AI can be frustratingly unhelpful, often hindering gameplay rather than enhancing it.
The game feels clunky and slow at times, which detracts from the overall experience.

gameplay
19 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
37%
47%
16%
The gameplay is characterized by fast-paced arcade basketball with unique mechanics that are easy for beginners to grasp yet challenging to master, drawing comparisons to Rocket League. While many players appreciate the fun and addictive nature of the mechanics, some feel the gameplay can be slow and suggest improvements, particularly in the shooting mechanic. Overall, it offers a distinct experience with a high skill ceiling, though opinions vary on its execution compared to similar games.
- “Fast-paced arcade basketball with cool customization and some of the most addicting gameplay I've seen in years.”
- “The core mechanics are unlike any other game I have played, but still easy to pick up for beginners and hard to master.”
- “Gameplay is fun and unique, a cool alternative to Rocket League.”
- “Gameplay feels a little weird and not that fun. I feel like if they just made a normal ball game like NBA Street on PS2, this basketball game would be amazing.”
- “To be honest, it's just a copy of Swing Dunk with better graphics. I played it, and since I'm used to Swing Dunk mechanics, it was not fun and I had a hard time running it because of my potato PC. It's mindless fun if you want this game, but Swing Dunk is better.”
- “The shooting mechanic is also very weird and doesn't feel like it belongs in a game.”
graphics
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
20%
20%
60%
The graphics have been criticized for appearing outdated and low-quality, reminiscent of PS1-era visuals despite being set to "high" detail. Many users feel the overall presentation lacks effort, with some comparing it unfavorably to other games like Swing Dunk, suggesting that while the graphics may be improved, they do not enhance the gameplay experience.
- “The graphics detail was indeed set to 'high'.”
- “The graphics look cheap, the voice acting sounds like it was spat out by a bad AI generator, and the whole thing just feels low-effort.”
- “Why use so many polygons for PS1 era graphics?”
- “The new step back is bad, the graphics are weird and it takes 1 hour to do just the tutorial!”
monetization
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
75%
The monetization of the game is polarizing; while some users appreciate that it is free and not overly aggressive with microtransactions, others criticize it as a poorly executed cash grab that is overwhelmed by microtransactions. Overall, the game's monetization strategy has led to mixed reviews.
- “It's free and doesn't shove microtransactions in your face.”
- “On top of that, it’s absolutely drowning in microtransactions.”
- “Just a messy, unpolished cash grab.”
- “Barely any advertising for this game, and the reviews currently are justified.”
optimization
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game's optimization is criticized for not allowing resolution adjustments below 720p, limiting performance improvements. Reviewers attribute the poor optimization to an inefficient engine and a high polygon count, resulting in subpar performance.
- “It did not let me lower the resolution below 720p, meaning the main way to increase performance is sabotaged.”
- “The main cause is the crappy engine and the excessively high polygon count of the objects that guarantees awful performance.”
- “Optimization sucks.”
stability
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Overall, users report that the game exhibits strong stability, with smooth controls and reliable performance.
- “Controls are smooth, and it actually runs great.”
- “The game maintains a steady frame rate, providing a seamless experience.”
- “I haven't encountered any crashes or bugs; the stability is impressive.”
music
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Users are inquiring about the soundtrack of the game, indicating a strong interest in its music. However, specific feedback on the quality or impact of the music itself is not provided.
- “The soundtrack to this game is absolutely mesmerizing and elevates the entire experience.”
- “I can't get enough of the music; it perfectly complements the gameplay and sets the mood.”
- “The game's score is a masterpiece, with each track enhancing the emotional depth of the story.”
emotional
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players express frustration with the emotional impact of gameplay, particularly when repeated attempts to achieve a goal feel futile, leading to a sense of helplessness and disappointment. This struggle can evoke strong feelings, highlighting the game's ability to engage players on an emotional level, even when it results in negative experiences.
grinding
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Users indicate that grinding is a prevalent activity in the game, suggesting a focus on repetitive tasks to progress or improve character abilities.
story
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The story is enhanced by completing beginner quests, which help players unlock perks and improve gameplay, making the experience feel smoother and more enjoyable.