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Polyroll

94%Game Brain Score
gameplay, music
story, grinding
94% User Score Based on 64 reviews

Platforms

Nintendo SwitchPCWindows
Buy Nowfrom $5.99
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About

"Polyroll" is a single-player fantasy platformer game with a good soundtrack and a colorful, bug-themed world. Explore 36 levels filled with unique enemies, hidden gems, and challenging bosses, using your super shell to spin, bounce, and roll through the retro-inspired 2D adventure. The goal is to save your roly poly friends from the evil Kaiser Kiwi, taking about 4-10 hours to beat.

Genres & Tags
Play Modes
Polyroll screenshot
Polyroll screenshot
Polyroll screenshot
Polyroll screenshot
Polyroll screenshot
Polyroll screenshot
Polyroll screenshot
Polyroll screenshot
Polyroll screenshot
Polyroll screenshot
Polyroll screenshot
+7
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94%
Audience ScoreBased on 64 reviews
gameplay4 positive mentions
story2 negative mentions
  • Charming presentation with colorful graphics and a nostalgic retro feel, reminiscent of classic platformers.
  • Engaging gameplay with unique mechanics, fun boss battles, and a smooth difficulty curve that keeps players interested.
  • Generous design choices, such as infinite lives and the ability to keep health and collectibles after resetting levels, enhance the overall experience.
  • Awkward wall jumping mechanics and lack of checkpoints can lead to frustrating gameplay experiences.
  • The music and sound design are often criticized as being lackluster and not memorable.
  • Some level designs feel underdeveloped or monotonous, with certain bosses being poorly executed and lacking playtesting.
  • gameplay
    16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay is a solid blend of classic platforming elements reminiscent of Mario and Sonic, featuring unique mechanics like wall jumping and ball rolling that, while occasionally awkward, enhance the experience. Levels are creatively designed with area-specific gimmicks that encourage exploration and interaction, showcasing polished mechanics that set the game apart from its inspirations. Overall, while some players may find the gameplay less engaging, it offers a well-executed platforming experience with a distinct aesthetic and enjoyable controls.

    • “This is a pretty solid platformer that feels like a combination of Mario when it comes to structure and level objectives, and Sonic in terms of gameplay.”
    • “More importantly, these levels take good advantage of their respective settings with area-appropriate gameplay gimmicks, like the rolling hills and an icy area having ramps that let you roll off into the air, casino areas seemingly set on top of a gambling theme having playing cards and chips that make platforms and act as obstacles, along with bouncing balls that encourage you, in a sense, to take your chances; and various circuitry-oriented gimmicks in the levels set inside of computers.”
    • “The main character feels great to control and the level design complements the movement mechanics and encourages exploration.”
    • “The wall jumping mechanic is very awkward to use.”
    • “I do think the ball rolling and 'spin dash' mechanics could have been executed a bit better; they felt awkward to use, but maybe I'm too used to how that works in Sonic.”
    • “Gameplay is kinda boring to me, but giving it a negative review wouldn't feel okay as the game itself does nothing wrong.”
  • music
    14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game receives mixed reviews; while some players find it enjoyable and fitting with the game's aesthetic, others feel it lacks the impact and memorability of classic soundtracks, such as those from the Sonic series. Some users even opted to mute the game entirely, suggesting that the music does not significantly enhance the overall experience. However, there are mentions of solid tracks and a good balance of sound effects, indicating that while it may not be groundbreaking, it still contributes positively to the gameplay.

    • “Definitely not flawless but it has some really original level and boss concepts, some great music and pixel art.”
    • “The music is pretty enjoyable too, good tracker style tunes.”
    • “Fun sonic type game with some of the most beautiful 16-bit pixel art I've ever seen, great soundtrack, level design, fun and innovative boss battles and tight controls.”
    • “The music is a drag, as well.”
    • “As a joke, I muted it and pulled up the Sonic 2 OST, and the game suddenly felt a lot more fun to play, which just goes to show you how important good music is.”
    • “Polyroll doesn't, of course, beat the music and sound effects in Sonic, and I don't think anyone ever will unless Nintendo has their try at hedgehogs.”
  • graphics
    9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some players criticizing the unappealing and randomly chosen color palette, while others praise the vibrant 16-bit style that evokes nostalgia for classic gaming. Despite some aesthetic flaws, many appreciate the game's visual design and its ability to create an engaging atmosphere that complements the gameplay. Overall, the graphics are seen as a significant aspect, contributing to the game's charm and appeal.

    • “Great platformer with a couple of Sonic gameplay mechanics, an early 90s laidback and tasteful aesthetic, which also manages to not feel like a copycat at all.”
    • “Visuals are amazing.”
    • “The sound and graphics are a satisfying combination of 16-bit styles that take you back to the best era of gaming.”
    • “I know this is going to sound harsh, but between the unappealing graphics with colors seemingly chosen at random and the platforming being unengaging, I felt like I was playing some random game from Action 52 on Genesis.”
    • “The only thing I can fault Polyroll for is its hideous aesthetic and dry main character, which is apparent in the adverts on the store page.”
  • story
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story is generally light-hearted and enjoyable, but some users feel it lacks depth and would benefit from additional content.

    • “I wish there was just a little more story.”
    • “The story is not too serious.”
  • grinding
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players express frustration with the grinding required to collect gold gems for unlocking new areas, with some feeling disinclined to revisit levels for additional gems. However, the option to restart levels or retain collectibles has been noted as a positive feature that alleviates some of the tedium associated with grinding.

    • “Those gold gems unlock portions of the world map... I need 45 to unlock the next section, but I only have 40 and have no desire to go back and do all the grinding to get these gold gems.”
    • “You were even generous with being able to restart a level or keep a collectible, so that replaying levels wasn't a tedious grind.”
  • replayability
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the game's replayability is mixed; while some players feel it suffers due to certain design choices, others appreciate improvements like the removal of level timers and the addition of hidden collectibles, which enhance the incentive to replay levels.

    • “I'm massively happy to have gotten my hands on Polyroll, which has removed level timers and added three creatively hidden diamonds in each level for replayability.”
    • “This absolutely destroyed the replay value for me.”
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5h Median play time
5h Average play time
5-5h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 1 analyzed playthroughs
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