Secret Ponchos is a challenging PvP fighting game set in a stunning Spaghetti Western world. Players engage in fast-paced, precise combat with every shot requiring skill. Compete in 3v3 shootouts and 1v1 duels, relying on outmaneuvering opponents, team play, and environmental strategy to emerge victorious. The "Most Wanted Edition" offers an expanded experience with new features and content.
Unique and engaging gameplay that combines elements of shooters and fighting games.
Beautiful art style and soundtrack that enhance the overall experience.
High skill ceiling that rewards practice and strategy, making matches exciting.
Very low player base, making it difficult to find matches, especially during off-peak hours.
Matchmaking issues that can lead to unbalanced games, often pairing new players with experienced ones.
Bugs and glitches that affect gameplay, including hit detection and connection problems.
gameplay
471 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
45%
49%
6%
The gameplay of Secret Ponchos is characterized by its fast-paced, competitive nature and unique mechanics that blend skill-based action with a western theme. While many players praise the game's depth, art style, and addictive qualities, there are significant concerns regarding clunky controls, matchmaking issues, and a dwindling player base that hinder the overall experience. Despite its potential and engaging gameplay, the execution and technical issues leave much to be desired, making it a mixed bag for players.
“The developers crafted a very innovative multiplayer gameplay with an attractive art style.”
“The gameplay is fast and furious and highly rewards skill over spamming buttons, your aim must be true and wasting shots will leave you wishing you hadn't.”
“The core gameplay mechanic is just fantastic, it's fast-paced PvP action where you challenge yourself all the time and try to perfect your moves with a character.”
“The actual controls and gameplay feel very clunky to me.”
“So, poor game mechanics, poor control schemes, console controller focus, no single player, expensive for what should be a free to play, and no players in a multiplayer only game.”
“Once I got under the hood and experienced the mechanics of the game, I found myself frustrated with clunky controls that often require you to hold down E or left shift and the right mouse button while doing WASD movement, or aiming at someone and missing because of turning time required for your character to physically turn like a slow wind-up toy.”
graphics
318 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
51%
45%
4%
The graphics of the game have received widespread acclaim for their stunning art style, vibrant colors, and smooth performance, often compared to high-quality animated visuals reminiscent of works like Gorillaz. However, many users have expressed frustration over the limited graphics options available, which restrict customization and optimization for different hardware setups. Overall, while the aesthetic and character designs are praised, the lack of flexibility in graphics settings has been a notable drawback for some players.
“The graphics are amazing as well, which brings out the artwork and detail in the characters and the abilities they perform.”
“The art style is simply amazing, I fell in love at it on first sight, see for yourself how good it is.”
“The visuals are absolutely beautiful and if you're an artist, it's worth owning for checking out the environments and characters which are badass.”
“The lack of 'graphics/display options' is posing a problem for a lot of people.”
“I can't even run the game smoothly at the lowest graphics.”
“The graphic options are a freaking joke, graphic quality, v-sync and fullscreen hello 1995.”
music
188 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
59%
39%
2%
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim for its fantastic soundtracks that effectively capture the essence of the western theme, often compared to classic spaghetti western films. Players appreciate the immersive and atmospheric quality of the music, which enhances the overall gameplay experience, although some note that the soundtrack can become repetitive over time. Overall, the combination of high-quality music and appealing art style contributes significantly to the game's charm and appeal.
“The soundtrack is just astonishingly good; when the music starts, you feel like a bad-ass.”
“Cannot repeat it enough, the music is pure high-quality candy for the ears and brain.”
“The soundtrack is phenomenal, sounding exactly as though it was from a classic spaghetti western film.”
“- music is droning and annoying with only a few tracks.”
“The game looks nice, it can be fun but the developers seem to have done the bare minimum in terms of music and animations.”
“A music full of tension when showdowns turns into real duels would have been great!”
stability
46 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
4%
96%
The game's stability is frequently criticized, with many users reporting numerous bugs, glitches, and issues with hitboxes that can significantly impact gameplay. While some players find the game enjoyable despite these problems, others describe it as a "buggy mess" that detracts from the overall experience. Patches have been noted to improve certain issues, but many recommend waiting for further updates before fully committing to the game.
“It's surprisingly bug-free for me for an early access title.”
“It's a buggy mess and maybe because of it, also a ghost town.”
“I won't be buying this game, it's a buggy mess with no meaningful progression.”
“But gameplay is extremely buggy, hitboxes are extremely inaccurate.”
story
40 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
10%
65%
25%
The game's story aspect is largely criticized for its absence, with many players noting that it lacks a coherent narrative or single-player mode, leaving character backstories underdeveloped. While some appreciate the character designs and the potential for deeper storytelling, the consensus is that the game feels incomplete without a substantial plot or single-player experience. Players express a desire for future updates to introduce a narrative that could enhance the overall experience.
“The characters, the artwork, the sound, the animations, the controls... all have such depth and you can feel a backstory to them that the developers have bled into the game.”
“The game is so awesome, I want to dive head first into the Secret Ponchos universe with an in-depth storyline and single-player campaign.”
“After this, the top priority for the devs should be adding AI and then using them to craft a single-player experience with a narrative, as these characters are crying out for a backstory or an adventure.”
“While I was unable to find a match (dead game, no players), the tutorial/bot combat shows the game has a lot of flaws... as a twin stick shooter, presumably the developers thought they could achieve Red Dead Redemption meets Diablo 3, but without any story or plot.”
“We're at that point in video gaming where character depth is more than just the way they look, especially in a game that lacks any sort of story or exposition beyond a few sentences.”
“There isn't a story, it's only multiplayer... at the moment 2vs2.”
character development
30 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
23%
10%
Character development in the game is highlighted by its exceptional character designs, which are described as vibrant and reminiscent of comic book characters brought to life. Players appreciate the distinct art style and unique playstyles that enhance gameplay, making each character feel unique and engaging. Overall, the combination of clever mechanics and appealing visuals contributes to a compelling experience that keeps players invested.
“Fast fun gameplay with some character development to keep you invested and coming back for more.”
“First, massive kudos to the clever mechanics, distinct art style, and slick character design.”
“Character designs are comic book characters come to animated life.”
“Character designs and playstyles make each one stick out from one another, providing very different ways to play depending on who you choose to play as.”
“Secret Ponchos is truly an amazing game, from the combat to the art and character design.”
humor
28 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is widely praised, with many users describing it as hilarious, funny, and addictive, contributing to a light-hearted competitive atmosphere. The comic book art style and quirky characters enhance the comedic experience, although some players note that the game's intensity can overshadow its humor at times. Overall, the community is seen as friendly and supportive, further enriching the game's humorous appeal.
“Switchblademonkeys managed to produce a renaissance-like game by going back to the good old basics – fun experience, fair but unforgiving gameplay dynamics, with intense but humor-infused light-hearted competitive element.”
“This game is fantastic, hilarious and totally addictive!”
“Very funny game, I hope more people will buy it!”
optimization
24 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
58%
17%
25%
The game's optimization has received mixed feedback, with many praising its high-quality graphics and smooth engine performance, while others report significant issues, particularly with PC optimization. Some players experienced glitches and limited graphic settings that hinder performance, and there are complaints about lack of mouse support and functionality in menus. Overall, while the game shows potential, it requires further optimization to enhance the user experience on PC.
“A lot of effort went into this game as the graphics are very high quality and the engine runs smoothly.”
“In my opinion, it has cool graphics, good music, and well-optimized intense gameplay.”
“Edit: the developer got back to me after this review to ask for my specs, etc. I forgot to answer, but today I launched the game to see if anything was better, and the game runs smoothly now with high quality.”
“Horrible optimization, no mouse support in menus, can't create outlaw in lobby with friends, Steam invites don't work.”
“The only downer so far is that you cannot increase the performance too much because the graphic settings are very limited.”
“The game does have a number of glitches that can become annoying and affect one's performance.”
monetization
22 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
14%
31%
55%
The monetization strategy of the game has drawn mixed reviews, with some users labeling it a "cash grab" due to poor advertising and marketing efforts. While there are minimal microtransactions primarily for cosmetic skins that do not affect gameplay, many feel that the game's potential is undermined by its monetization approach and lack of visibility. Overall, the consensus suggests that better marketing could enhance the game's success despite its current monetization model.
“Make microtransactions for in-game skins, do not make it pay to win though.”
“+ No microtransactions at all, the only thing you can buy extra, at the moment, is a skin pack, which obviously confers no in-game bonuses.”
“= Microtransactions (they're used not often, just a heads up).”
“Cash grab that Steam has allowed for years for whatever reason.”
“A secret cash grab.”
“Such a great game wasted by bad advertisement.”
replayability
20 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
35%
15%
The game boasts high replayability due to its diverse character selection, each with unique abilities, and ongoing developer support promising future content improvements. Players appreciate the fun and fast-paced gameplay, with many noting its affordability and significant replay value, making it a strong recommendation for those seeking engaging experiences. Overall, the consensus is that the game offers unlimited replay potential, especially with the promise of additional content.
“Fun gameplay with huge replayability; few UI bugs, but the devs are very community-oriented and promise to keep improving the game.”
“With various characters to choose from, who all have their own unique abilities, adds some replayability to the game.”
“A fun, fast-paced, no BS game with unlimited replay value.”
“If it wasn't or was more playable in single-player, I could recommend it.”
“With various characters to choose from who all have their own unique abilities, it adds some replayability to the game.”
“With more content comes more 'yes!'s for replayability.”
atmosphere
13 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
69%
23%
8%
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its fantastic art style, charismatic characters, and immersive design that evokes the feel of spaghetti westerns. Reviewers highlight the strong attention to detail from the developers, noting that both the music and gameplay contribute to a unique and engaging experience. Overall, the atmosphere is considered a standout feature, enhancing both single and multiplayer modes.
“I love the atmosphere and style of the game, great choices.”
“The game has a real atmosphere and characters have a lot of charisma.”
“The atmosphere is extremely well done.”
grinding
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
67%
Players appreciate the lack of grinding in this MOBA, highlighting that it focuses on fast-paced arena combat rather than time-consuming loot farming. The gameplay emphasizes skillful trading and resource management, making for a more action-oriented experience.
“Say goodbye to hours of farming loot... this is an action game!”
“It's like a MOBA but without the farming, leading to just pure combat which boils down to outtrading your opponent and managing your ammo and your stamina while keeping an eye on both for your opponent.”
emotional
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players find the emotional aspect of the game enhanced by its superb character designs and user interface, which immerse them in a gritty western cartoon atmosphere. This emotional engagement is complemented by a well-crafted and engaging gameplay experience.
“The character designs and UI are just superb and made me feel like part of a gritty western cartoon.”
“But beyond all that heartwarming nonsense, there is a very well-made and engaging game here.”