- December 19, 2014
- Die Gute Fabrik
Sportsfriends
With its deep, varied gameplay, Sportsfriends is the most exciting local multiplayer game since Wii Sports.
Platforms
About
"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.











- 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.
gameplay
7 mentions Positive Neutral NegativeThe 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.”
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%