Ricochet

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Ricochet is a multiplayer shooter game with a science fiction theme. It was developed by Valve and was released on November 1, 2000. It received positive reviews from players.

"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."

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86%

Audience ScoreBased on 5,472 reviews

gameplay170 positive mentions

stability18 negative mentions

gameplay
522 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
62%
5%
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 is easy to pick up, mastering the angles and timing adds depth, making it engaging for competitive play. However, the limited number of maps and game modes can lead to repetitiveness, and the dwindling player base significantly impacts the overall experience.
- “Ricochet stands as an epitome of exhilarating gameplay, seamlessly blending elements of strategy, reflexes, and teamwork into an immersive experience unlike any other.”
- “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.”
- “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.”
- “Repetitive mechanics and unimpressive graphics make it hard to recommend this game.”
graphics
250 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
42%
48%
10%
The graphics of "Ricochet" are characterized by a minimalistic yet futuristic aesthetic, reminiscent of the Tron universe, featuring vibrant neon colors and engaging arena designs. While some players appreciate the game's unique visual style and immersive experience, others note that the graphics, though impressive for its time, appear outdated compared to modern standards. Overall, the visuals contribute positively to the game's atmosphere, but 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.”
- “And let's talk graphics, even for its time, they're looking a bit outdated.”
- “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.”
story
188 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
34%
61%
5%
The reviews for the game's story are highly polarized, with some players claiming it lacks a coherent narrative, while others passionately praise it as a deeply emotional and complex experience that rivals renowned titles like "Half-Life" and "The Witcher." Many highlight the game's ability to evoke strong feelings, with some even stating it made them cry, and commend its character development and engaging plot twists. Overall, the story is described as both simplistic and profound, depending on the player's perspective, leading to a unique and memorable gaming experience.
- “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.”
- “This game may not seem like it has a story, but by god it does.”
- “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.”
humor
80 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
98%
3%
The humor in this game is widely praised, with players finding it goofy and hilarious, especially when playing with friends. Many reviews highlight the comedic animations and chaotic multiplayer moments, making it a fun experience despite its age and dwindling player base. Overall, the game is recommended for those seeking a lighthearted and entertaining time, particularly during sales.
- “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.”
- “Was not funny when first released nor is it funny now.”
- “Was not funny when first released nor is it funny now.”
music
68 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
35%
56%
9%
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some praising its beautiful and impactful 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 thrilling, with comparisons to iconic scores, yet some players feel it fails to create a significant atmosphere in certain contexts. Overall, while many appreciate the music's contribution to the game's tone, there are concerns about its limited range and impact.
- “The graphics, the story, the music, the gameplay... everything just complements itself into a work of apotheosic levels.”
- “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.”
- “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.”
emotional
36 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game is widely praised, with many players describing it as one of the most touching experiences they've encountered, often leading to tears of joy or sorrow. The narrative is characterized by a profound and heartfelt storyline, featuring flawed heroes on a journey that tests their emotional and spiritual resilience, complemented by an unforgettable soundtrack and engaging mechanics. Overall, players find the emotional depth and character development to be both intense and rewarding, making it a memorable and impactful experience.
- “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.”
- “This is a very deep and emotional game.”
atmosphere
26 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
50%
12%
The game's atmosphere is characterized by a unique blend of a dark dystopian aesthetic and vibrant neon elements, creating an immersive experience that complements its innovative gameplay. While the graphics may not be cutting-edge, they effectively enhance the overall ambiance, which ranges from a hauntingly lonely outer space setting to a bizarre, fever dream-like environment. The combination of open-ended maps, a captivating soundtrack, and a focus on player interaction contributes to a rich and engaging atmosphere.
- “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 Goldsource.”
- “The maps have this bizarre fever dream atmosphere, like you're trapped in limbo jumping across these giant discs for eternity.”
stability
18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game suffers from numerous bugs and glitches, leading to a perception of it being unfinished and unstable. While some players find the gameplay enjoyable, issues like freezing timers and visual anomalies detract from the overall experience. Overall, the game's stability is a significant concern, with many users noting it feels outdated and poorly maintained.
- “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.”
- “If you change the brightness settings at all, the game glitches and does not kick you out like it says it will. Your character's right hand is visible but looks different than it actually is; it is wearing a black glove and has a brown sleeve. In that weird-looking hand, there is a grenade. When holding the grenade, you can still throw discs, but when the grenade is in your hand, those jump arrows everywhere don't work; instead of making you jump, they just don't do anything, so then you fall to your death.”
optimization
16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
13%
68%
19%
The game is praised for its excellent optimization, running smoothly on most systems with quick load times and stable frame rates. Its simplistic level design enhances performance, allowing the engine to manage multiple projectiles without lag, while the codebase serves as a valuable resource for understanding optimization and resource management. Overall, players appreciate the attention to detail and mechanics that contribute to a seamless gaming experience.
- “Performance: the game runs smoothly on most systems, with quick load times and stable frame rates.”
- “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.”
grinding
16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
6%
69%
25%
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, which detracts from the overall experience.
- “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.”
replayability
14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
14%
43%
The reviews present a mixed perspective on replayability, with some players finding the game enjoyable in short bursts but lacking depth for long-term engagement, rating it as low as 4/10. Conversely, others highlight its immersive mechanics and claim it offers infinite replay value, suggesting a divide in player experiences regarding longevity. Overall, while some enjoy the fast-paced action, the consensus indicates that replayability may vary significantly among players.
- “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”
- “[b]e[/b] • 5/10 | very low replayability and an average time can be spent in game with friends.”
character development
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
25%
25%
Character development in the game has been praised as outstanding, with some reviewers noting it surpasses even AAA titles like "The Last of Us." The depth of character growth, particularly for the main character Rick, is highlighted, although there are criticisms regarding the lack of development for some side characters. Overall, the game is recognized for its impressive character designs and narrative depth, contributing to a strong overall experience.
- “The character development was truly outstanding, beating some AAA games such as The Last of Us.”
- “The detail is much more in depth than previous parts and character designs are on point.”
- “In my opinion, Rick from Ricochet grows as a character more than in other games. This game is fantastic!”
- “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.”
monetization
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The monetization strategy is generally viewed positively, with users recognizing its potential but suggesting that minor improvements and enhanced advertising could enhance its effectiveness.