Polyroll
- October 29, 2019
- Shiny Dolphin Games LLC
- 5h median play time
Get on Steam"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.
Nintendo Switch
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Polyroll features creative level design and unique mechanics that enhance the platforming experience, making it enjoyable for fans of classic Sonic games.
- The game boasts charming pixel art, a solid soundtrack, and tight controls, providing a nostalgic feel reminiscent of 90s platformers.
- With a focus on exploration and collectibles, Polyroll offers a relaxed challenge that encourages players to engage with its diverse levels and imaginative boss battles.
- Some levels and bosses feel underdeveloped or poorly designed, leading to frustrating gameplay experiences, particularly with certain boss fights.
- The lack of checkpoints and the health system can be punishing, as players respawn with only one heart after dying, which can detract from the overall enjoyment.
- The aesthetic and graphics may not appeal to everyone, with some players finding them unappealing or reminiscent of lower-quality retro games.
- gameplay14 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by innovative level design that incorporates area-specific mechanics, such as ramps and obstacles that enhance the platforming experience. While it draws inspiration from classic titles like Sonic, it offers unique physics and polished mechanics that encourage exploration and provide a satisfying control experience. However, some players may find the gameplay less engaging if they are not fans of similar platforming styles.
“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.”
“It's not a simple rip-off; the mechanics and physics of this game are pretty unique and very well polished (I mean, much more than I expected, to be honest).”
“Gameplay is kinda boring to me, but giving it a negative review wouldn't feel okay as the game itself does nothing wrong.”
“If you didn't like Sonic's gameplay like me, this is not for you.”
“The 'wall bounce' mechanic, it's precision-not-high-speed and the power-up features is what makes it more unique.”
- music9 mentions
- 78 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 22 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally praised for its originality and quality, featuring enjoyable tracker-style tunes and a solid soundtrack that complements the vibrant pixel art. While some users note that sound effects could be better balanced, the overall consensus is that the music enhances the gaming experience, particularly in its alignment with the colorful visuals and engaging level design.
“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 OST is pretty solid.”
“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.”
- graphics8 mentions
- 63 % positive mentions
- 13 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some players criticizing the unappealing and seemingly random color choices, likening it to low-quality titles from the past. Conversely, others praise the visuals as vibrant and reminiscent of the 16-bit era, effectively complementing the gameplay and music. Overall, while some find the aesthetic lacking, others appreciate its nostalgic charm and unique style.
“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.”
- story2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The story is generally light-hearted and not overly serious, but some users express a desire for more depth and development in the narrative.
“I wish there was just a little more story.”
“The story is not too serious.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players express frustration with the grinding required to collect gold gems for unlocking new areas, with some feeling disinclined to revisit levels for additional grinding. 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.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's replayability is mixed; while some players feel it suffers due to certain design choices, others appreciate the enhancements made in updates, such as the removal of level timers and the addition of hidden collectibles, which encourage exploration and replay.
“The game offers so many different paths and secrets that I find myself coming back to explore every corner.”
“With multiple character choices and varying strategies, each playthrough feels fresh and exciting.”
“This absolutely destroyed the replay value for me.”
“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.”
