Ricochet
- November 1, 2000
- Valve
- 12h median play time
Get on Steam"Ricochet is a sci-fi shooter game with a multiplayer focus, allowing for both one-on-one and team matches. Set in futuristic battle arenas, the game challenges your agility and accuracy. Despite its excellent graphics, good music, and funny elements, it is plagued by bugs and can evoke strong emotions."
Reviews
- gameplay261 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 62 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Ricochet" is characterized by its unique mechanics centered around throwing discs that ricochet off surfaces, creating a fast-paced and skill-based experience. While the game offers engaging and competitive multiplayer action, it suffers from a limited number of maps and modes, leading to potential repetitiveness. Despite its niche appeal and innovative design, the dwindling player base significantly impacts the overall gameplay experience.
“Released by Valve in 2000 as part of their ever-growing collection of multiplayer games built on the Half-Life engine, Ricochet stands out for its simplicity and unique gameplay.”
“Its fast-paced, skill-based gameplay is easy to pick up but difficult to master, and the satisfaction of landing a perfect ricochet shot keeps the game engaging.”
“The game's unique mechanics, which involve ricocheting projectiles off surfaces to outsmart opponents, foster a sense of creativity and tactical depth.”
“The gameplay can be monotonous (compared to other Valve titles) and also, almost no one cares about this game now, so I don't think it is worth a play.”
“Shame it doesn't have players very often, although that shouldn't come off as a surprise considering the game ships with only 3 maps and the gameplay can get a bit repetitive fairly quickly.”
“I tried out the three maps the game has to offer by creating a custom server and the gameplay got stale after about 10 seconds.”
- graphics125 mentions
- 42 % positive mentions
- 48 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The graphics of "Ricochet" are characterized by a minimalistic yet futuristic aesthetic, heavily inspired by the Tron universe, featuring vibrant neon colors and stylized arenas. While some players appreciate the game's unique visual style and immersive design, others note that the graphics feel outdated compared to modern standards, with mixed opinions on their overall quality. Despite its age, many reviews highlight the game's visuals as a significant aspect that enhances the gameplay experience, though they may not satisfy those seeking cutting-edge graphics.
“Its aesthetic is reminiscent of the iconic Tron universe, with vibrant neon colors and a digital vibe.”
“The visuals are nothing short of breathtaking – neon-lit arenas that pulsate with life, casting a mesmerizing spell on anyone who dares to enter.”
“Ricochet was far ahead of its time in terms of compelling storytelling, stunning graphics, and tight gameplay.”
“Players looking for high-end graphics may find it lacking compared to contemporary shooters.”
“Ricochet is a good idea on paper, but it's not really that good in the modern era (like most GoldSrc games) this one didn't age well graphically.”
“All the servers are empty, the game mechanics and graphics are old and outdated, and it's just plain boring giving that the game has no 'bots' option.”
- story94 mentions
- 34 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The reviews highlight a diverse range of opinions on the game's story, with some players praising it as a deeply emotional and compelling narrative that surpasses even renowned titles like Half-Life and The Witcher. Others note the simplicity of the plot, focusing on gameplay mechanics rather than a traditional storyline. Overall, while some find the story to be a masterpiece filled with rich character development and emotional depth, others perceive it as lacking substance.
“The plot was so good and the pacing was perfect.”
“This game's story was something else; very few games have managed to make me cry, but I have never cried as hard as I have with Ricochet.”
“An epic adventure classic with an engrossing story, memorable characters, and stunning action sequences that make it one of the best games ever made.”
“Well at first it may seem like there is no story, no reason to the unending bloodshed.”
“The story is very simple, you have to kill the people but there is no people that play the game so you can't complete the story so you have to die inside.”
“This game has no plot whatsoever, just welcome to the Tron arena of the 2000s.”
- humor40 mentions
- 98 % positive mentions
- -5 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The humor in this game is widely praised, with players finding it goofy, hilarious, and perfect for multiplayer chaos. Many reviews highlight the comedic animations and absurd scenarios, making it a fun experience, especially when played with friends. However, some note that the game's appeal may diminish over time due to its niche nature and dwindling player base.
“I couldn't stop laughing while playing; it's just so goofy.”
“Very fun game, if you're looking for a hilarious game to play with friends, this is for you.”
“My first impression of this small, 3-map game was 'this is gonna suck' but as time went on, we all had a blast laughing at the low-quality screams of falling into a huge pink spinning vortex after being hit in the face by a high-speed disk.”
“It was not funny when it was first released, and it still isn't funny now.”
“The humor falls flat and feels outdated.”
“I expected more laughs, but the jokes just didn't land.”
- music34 mentions
- 35 % positive mentions
- 56 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some praising its beautiful and fitting soundtrack that enhances the overall experience, while others criticize it for being minimal and lacking variety. Notably, the soundtrack is described as both calming and impactful during gameplay, though some players feel it doesn't always match the game's tone. Overall, while many appreciate the music's contribution to the atmosphere, there are significant mentions of its limitations and inconsistency.
“An excellent game with stunning graphics, great sound design, beautiful music, and a very active community.”
“The graphics, the story, the music, the gameplay... everything just complements itself into a work of apotheosic levels.”
“This game's soundtrack rivals Doom 2016's bombastic song choice while also having very calming songs during moments of downtime.”
“However, the soundtrack is minimal, and while it fits the game’s tone, it lacks variety and impact.”
“The absence of music represents the absence of happiness in a world that has fallen into endless war.”
“It doesn't have the largest range to its gameplay, its graphics are not great, and it has got literally no soundtrack.”
- emotional18 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is widely praised, with many users highlighting its touching story, unforgettable endings, and the ability to evoke strong feelings, including joy and sadness. Players describe it as a profound experience that combines humor with deep emotional turmoil, showcasing relatable characters and intense narratives that resonate on a personal level. Overall, it is regarded as a masterpiece that leaves a lasting emotional impact.
“Undoubtedly one of the most touching games ever.”
“Nothing will ever replicate the emotional ride this game is.”
“Despite that, it still contains one of the greatest and most emotional endings I've ever read.”
- atmosphere13 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is characterized by a unique blend of a dark dystopian aesthetic and vibrant neon visuals, creating an immersive experience that complements its innovative gameplay. While the graphics may not be cutting-edge, they effectively enhance the overall ambiance, which is further enriched by a haunting soundtrack and a sense of isolation in expansive, open-ended maps. Players often describe the atmosphere as a surreal, fever dream-like experience, perfectly suited for the game's thematic elements.
“Dozens of open-ended maps, truly innovative gameplay with a mind-bending movement and parkour system that's honestly ahead of its time, and a horrifyingly dark dystopian aesthetic combined with the beautiful soundtrack by Gabe Newell himself give it the perfect atmosphere fit for a game of this caliber.”
“Rarely will you encounter other forms of life, creating a lonely, brooding atmosphere, perfect for the game's outer space setting.”
“While the graphics are not cutting-edge, they effectively serve the game’s mechanics and atmosphere.”
“I love the Tron atmosphere with neon, but it's GoldSrc.”
“The maps have this bizarre fever dream atmosphere, like you're trapped in limbo jumping across these giant discs for eternity.”
- stability9 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability is notably poor, with numerous bugs and glitches reported by users, including issues with character models and gameplay mechanics. While some players find the gameplay enjoyable, the presence of unfinished elements and frequent technical problems detracts from the overall experience. Overall, the game feels outdated and unstable, leading to a frustrating experience for many.
“The game is good, but it's old and buggy, and oh yes, the game is dead.”
“Things you probably didn't know about Ricochet: there are many glitches, bugs, and unfinished pieces in this game.”
“Don't get me wrong, this game is very interesting, but all it is is just one official map, and all you do is jump around and disk people's heads off. There are also a lot of glitches, such as falling off your disk at spawn.”
- optimization8 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is highly praised, with smooth performance across most systems, quick load times, and stable frame rates. The simplistic level design enhances gameplay while effectively managing resources, allowing for complex mechanics without lag. Additionally, the game's codebase serves as a valuable resource for understanding optimization and network programming.
“The game runs smoothly on most systems, with quick load times and stable frame rates.”
“The attention to detail, the mechanics, and the optimization are impressive.”
“The attention to detail, the mechanics, and the optimization.”
“Studying its codebase offers lessons in optimization, resource management, and network programming.”
“For instance, the simplistic level design not only served the gameplay but also optimized performance, allowing the engine to handle multiple disc projectiles without significant lag.”
- grinding8 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game is heavily criticized, with many users noting that it requires an excessive time commitment, often likening it to needing a "second life" to manage the repetitive tasks. Players describe the gameplay as tedious and linear, contributing to a frustrating experience, especially given the dwindling player base.
“A bit grindy sometimes.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“If you like tediously repetitive gameplay, extremely linear maps, and an extinct player base.”
- replayability7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
Overall, the reviews indicate a mixed perception of replayability in the game. While some players find it fun and immersive with deep mechanics that offer unlimited replayability, others criticize it for lacking depth and providing only short bursts of enjoyment, resulting in low replay value ratings.
“Ricochet is potentially the most immersive, replayable, and all-around fun game.”
“Fantastic game with deep mechanics and unlimited replayability.”
“There are absolutely zero flaws, and the replay value is infinite.”
“While Ricochet offers fun and fast-paced action, it lacks the depth needed for long-term replayability.”
“Replay value: 4/10”
“Very low replayability and an average time can be spent in the game with friends.”
- character development4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is praised for its depth and quality, often compared favorably to major titles like "The Last of Us." The main character, Rick, is noted for his significant growth, although some side characters lack the same level of development, leaving players wanting more. Overall, the game is recognized for its impressive storytelling and character design, contributing to a strong overall experience.
“The character development was truly outstanding, surpassing some AAA games such as The Last of Us.”
“The detail is much more in-depth than previous parts, and the character designs are on point.”
“Ricochet has everything: the graphics, the story, the gameplay, and especially the character development. Rick from Ricochet, in my opinion, grows as a character more than in serious games like Same and Dave Defeat.”
“Overall, I give this game a 9.2/10. It really has shaken the industry with revolutionary design and gameplay, but it lacks character development with some side characters that I wanted to know more about.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization model is generally well-received, with users noting its potential for success, but they suggest that minor improvements and enhanced advertising could further enhance its effectiveness.
