- September 28, 2014
- Breakfall
STARWHAL
Starwhal: Just the Tip offers up some fantastic multiplayer action for those not looking for a serious endeavor. If you can't get four players together though it loses most of its luster.
Platforms
About
"STARWHAL is a local multi-player fighting game that pits up to 4 players against each other as narwhals in space, offering 25 arenas, 4 game modes, and 90+ costumes. The game also includes 32 single-player challenges with leaderboards, ghost replays, and achievements. Inspired by classic couch-gaming, STARWHAL is known for its humor, awesome gameplay, good graphics, and exceptional soundtrack."
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- Starwhal is a hilarious and chaotic local multiplayer game that guarantees laughter and fun with friends.
- The game features charming graphics, a variety of customization options for narwhals, and simple controls that are easy to learn but hard to master.
- The unique gameplay mechanics, including slow-motion effects during critical moments, create an engaging and entertaining experience.
- The game lacks online multiplayer, which limits its replayability and accessibility for those without local friends to play with.
- Controls can be frustratingly imprecise, leading to chaotic gameplay that may not appeal to everyone.
- Content is somewhat limited, with only a few game modes and variations, which can lead to repetitive gameplay over time.
gameplay
58 mentions Positive Neutral NegativeThe gameplay has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it simplistic and lacking depth, leading to a quickly diminishing interest. While some appreciate the fun, chaotic nature and couch co-op appeal, others criticize the underdeveloped mechanics, imprecise controls, and balance issues across various modes. Overall, it seems best suited for casual play with friends rather than competitive gaming, as the core mechanics may not hold up for extended sessions.
“The gameplay is simple, it's goofy, it's competitive, and it's freaking great.”
“The gameplay is like a rainbow that has been crushed into crystalline form and mainlined through your eyeballs; it is fast-paced and frantic couch co-op in its purest sense.”
“It has amazing neo-noir inspired art, music that will give you flashbacks to Hotline Miami and Miami Vice, and simple unique gameplay that anyone can pick up and play yet through pure genius never manages to get old.”
“No matter what activity one takes part in, the weak gameplay becomes flat and unexciting very quickly.”
“None of the gameplay modes feel especially 'complete', with gameplay limitations and balance issues existing across every mode.”
“The controls are annoyingly imprecise, the gameplay modes are very limited, and it doesn't have much staying power.”
Starwhal Review
If Starwhal was $4.99, it might have been worth it for the so-bad-it's-good novelty. As it stands now, the amusement just is not worth it even for the stellar sound track or cool style. This is a couch multiplayer game and not much else. All solo play features really come down to breaking targets or setting CPU controlled opponents. Anyone who is a fan of fumblecore style games will possibly get a kick out of Starwhal, but for those who care about tight controls or a single-player mode with some substance may want to steer clear from this stinky fish.
40%Starwhal: Just the Tip Review
Silly and colourful, Starwhal: Just the Tip makes a great first impression. At first you'll fall for the title's fun-loving attitude, but beyond that, it has some of the most entertaining competitive multiplayer that we've seen in a while. There isn't a whole lot to keep lone gamers occupied, but those looking for something to play with a group of mates will struggle to do better than this.
80%STARWHAL Review
All in all, Starwhal is an excellent couch multiplayer game that'll doubtless be a house favourite in many establishments. The frantic yet simple action keeps the game accessible to newcomers, but is chaotic enough that it will take a lengthy amount of time to get stale. There's a fairly meaty amount of content being offered as well, with five game modes, thirty stages, a few dozen challenge levels, and literally thousands of costume combinations awaiting players. For only twelve dollars - at launch - you'll be hard-pressed to find a more enjoyable game that can be played with multiple people. We'd highly recommend that you pick up Starwhal, call a few friends over, and engage in a highly competitive session of space narwhal combat.
90%