Sportsfriends
- December 19, 2014
- Die Gute Fabrik
With its deep, varied gameplay, Sportsfriends is the most exciting local multiplayer game since Wii Sports.
Get on Steam"Sportsfriends" is a collection of four local multiplayer-focused games, including the retro-styled fighting game BaraBariBall, QWOP-like pole vault dueling game Super Pole Riders, high-velocity sports game Hokra, and physical party game Johann Sebastian Joust. These titles offer simple yet strategic gameplay, making them great for events and parties. Note: J.S. Joust requires Playstation Move controllers and Bluetooth on Mac and Linux, while others need USB gamepads with twin analog sticks.
Mac OS
PC
Playstation 4
Playstation 5
Windows
Linux
PlayStation
Playstation 3
Reviews
- Great local multiplayer experience that is fun and engaging with friends.
- Offers a variety of mini-games that are easy to pick up and play, making it suitable for casual gaming sessions.
- JS Joust is a standout game that provides a unique and memorable party experience.
- The game suffers from poor graphics and shallow gameplay, making it feel low quality compared to other titles.
- Limited player support, as it only accommodates 2 or 4 players, leaving out those who want to play with an odd number of participants.
- Many players feel the game is overpriced for the amount of content and quality it offers.
- gameplay7 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by a mix of simple controls and challenging mechanics, offering fast-paced, competitive experiences that are easy to pick up but difficult to master. While some users criticize certain games for their shallow and dismal quality, others appreciate the unique and enjoyable gameplay style found in titles like "sportsfriends," which combines elements of brawling and sports for high replayability. Overall, the gameplay appeals to those who enjoy straightforward mechanics with a focus on reflexes and competition.
“The style of gameplay was different than any other game I played and offered an enjoyable experience.”
“From bashing your friends in the head with a pole, to kicking them off the side of the map, SportsFriends offers fast-paced versus gameplay.”
“These retro pixel toys are really shallow little action/reflex games, so dumbed down they make Pong look like 3D chess. The visual quality (dismal) is on par with the depth and gameplay quality (dismal).”
“Loads of fun if you are into simple controls, but hard to master mechanics.”
“Simple gameplay, difficult to master, high replayability.”
- humor5 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is consistently praised, with players finding it uproariously funny, particularly due to its absurd and phallic-themed elements. Many users report that the game elicits laughter from everyone who plays, making it a hit for local co-op sessions. Additionally, the secret games add an extra layer of hilarity once discovered.
“A fun game that made me laugh a lot!”
“My god, that's hilarious!”
“I randomly bought this game when visiting a friend and we were looking for a local co-op game to play on the TV, and by far, Super Pole Riders is instantly fun. No one I made try this didn't break down laughing during this; it's just fun!”
- graphics3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The graphics have been criticized as poorly executed pixel art, lacking the quality and detail expected in modern games. Reviewers suggest that the subpar visuals detract from the overall experience, drawing unfavorable comparisons to successful titles that managed to thrive despite similar aesthetic choices.
“This feature is really godawful, lazy pixel crap 'art' instead of real graphics.”
“It's hard to say if this was because the developer didn't have the skill to create 3D visuals, or couldn't afford to hire someone who does, but it also doesn't matter.”
“Games like Terraria and Stardew Valley succeeded despite the bad graphics, not because of them.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the high replayability of the game, noting that its simple gameplay mechanics combined with a challenging mastery curve encourage repeated playthroughs.
“Simple gameplay, difficult to master, high replayability.”
“Each playthrough feels fresh and engaging, making me want to dive back in.”
“The variety of choices and outcomes keeps me coming back for more.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the game to be highly emotional, often experiencing laughter to the point of tears, particularly when enjoyed with friends. The social aspect enhances the emotional experience, making it best played in a group setting.
“I laughed until I cried. It's best played with three friends and four wireless controllers.”
“The story touched my heart in ways I never expected.”
“I felt a deep connection to the characters, their struggles resonated with my own experiences.”
Critic Reviews
Mostly fun, with friends
A collection of fun, forgettable mini-games, Sportsfriends demands local players but struggles to be the life of the party.
60%Sportsfriends review: life of the party
Sportsfriends is a party for everyone
90%Come together – Sportsfriends PS3 review
What the individual games of this indie anthology lack in scope or depth is made up for by the sheer diversity on display, as well as the high level of commitment to the social and physical aspects of gaming. Sportsfriends represents a high point of a growing trend in independent game development, and functions as a template for future indie collective releases. There are several areas in which the individual games of this collection could be improved, but Sportsfriends achieves what it set out to do, and for that it is to be commended.
80%
