Tape to Tape

92%
Game Brain Score Based on 1,969 reviews
  • gameplay
  • humor
  • graphics
Tape to Tape Game Cover
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"Tape to Tape" is a roguelite hockey game where you manage a team of unique players and explore a gorgeous world to restore hockey's glory. Every choice matters, from hiring players to bribing referees, as you craft your dream team and discover powerful synergies. Losing is part of the journey, but offers opportunities to permanently upgrade your hero and improve for future runs. 'LOSING IS ONLY THE BEGINNING' - Tape to Tape

  • PC
  • Steam Deck
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

92%
Audience ScoreBased on 1,969 reviews
gameplay180 positive mentions
stability18 negative mentions
  • Tape to Tape captures the essence of classic arcade hockey games, providing a fun and nostalgic experience.
  • The roguelite elements add variety and replayability, making each run feel unique.
  • The game features a charming art style and humorous character designs that enhance the overall enjoyment.
  • The AI for both teammates and goalies can be inconsistent, leading to frustrating gameplay experiences.
  • Player switching and passing mechanics can feel clunky and unresponsive at times.
  • The campaign is relatively short and can become repetitive after a few runs, with limited content currently available.
  • gameplay336 mentions

    The gameplay of "Tape to Tape" is a nostalgic blend of classic arcade hockey mechanics reminiscent of NHL '94, enhanced with engaging roguelite elements that add depth and replayability. While the controls are generally smooth and easy to learn, some players have noted issues with mechanics that can lead to frustrating experiences, particularly in terms of balance and AI behavior. Overall, the game is praised for its fun, chaotic gameplay and unique power-ups, though it still requires further refinement to fully realize its potential.

    • “The gameplay reminds me a lot of old school hockey games with a modern feel.”
    • “Tape to tape is an extremely fun hockey roguelike with a unique blend of mechanics and classic arcade hockey gameplay.”
    • “The controls are easy to learn and gameplay is nice and smooth, with every movement feeling like it has just the right amount of weight to it.”
    • “Over time the game has degraded in quality specifically mechanically, and controls-wise.”
    • “Losing runs rarely felt like the consequence of a mistake but instead the result of janky mechanics or pure RNG (I once outshot an opponent 25-to-1 and lost...) I sincerely hope these issues are addressed, because the core of this game could be awesome if it were improved upon further.”
    • “Each match devolves into the same thing; without off-sides, the core hockey mechanics quickly became quite stale.”
  • humor127 mentions

    The humor in the game is widely praised, featuring clever puns, funny character names, and amusing power-ups that enhance the gameplay experience. Many players find the comedic elements, including slapstick moments and light-hearted dialogue, to be a significant draw, especially when playing with friends. However, some critiques mention that while the humor is entertaining, it can become repetitive over time, and not all jokes land effectively.

    • “The game has lots of great humor.”
    • “It's hilarious, and addicting!”
    • “The characters and situations are hilarious and you can tell it was made with love.”
    • “They are exceedingly tiresome to play against, as well as being quite juvenile and not funny.”
  • graphics75 mentions

    The graphics of the game have received widespread praise for their charming and unique art style, which effectively complements the gameplay and enhances the overall experience. Players appreciate the fluid animations and vibrant visuals, noting that the cartoonish aesthetic adds a fun and engaging layer to the hockey action. While some minor graphical glitches have been reported, the game generally runs smoothly across various hardware, contributing to its reputation as a visually impressive title.

    • “The art style is both charming and incredibly unique.”
    • “The game is visually impressive, with an art style that impeccably mirrors the game's gritty yet vibrant atmosphere. The animations are fluid and dynamic, making each match feel like a broadcasted game of professional hockey.”
    • “The graphics are awesome and it’s easy to learn!”
    • “As much as I appreciate the gameplay, graphic design and overall atmosphere, there is one major downside of this game in its current state: the AI.”
    • “If you want outdated graphics and paying for hut packs just to spend that money all over again next year, this game is not for you.”
    • “I came to hate the humor and art style and the 'quirky' aspects of the game.”
  • story75 mentions

    The game's story mode has received mixed reviews, with many players noting its brevity and repetitiveness, often completing it in under four hours. While some appreciate the whimsical characters and humorous dialogue, they express a desire for more content, such as additional story arcs and character customization. Overall, the story is seen as a fun but shallow aspect of the game, with hopes for future expansions to enhance its depth and engagement.

    • “The atmosphere is nice, what with being on a quest to 'save hockey' by finding a sacred cup, or something like that, and a lighthearted mood persists throughout with the wacky characters you'll meet along your run.”
    • “It's clear to tell from the moment it loads that the folks behind this put their heart and souls into every part of this; from the story, to the art style, to the writing and especially the gameplay.”
    • “The story, silliness, abilities, and characters are awesome.”
    • “I am aware that there is more content to be added as the game comes out of early access, but I feel 3 arcs for the story is a bit too short.”
    • “Sorry I bought this game yesterday... if you're looking for an RPG hockey game or a roguelike one, this isn't it... there's legit maybe 20 minutes of story, and then you rinse and repeat.”
    • “The game has been out now for 8 months, and since day one, they have admitted to the flaws in their story mode.”
  • replayability53 mentions

    Overall, the game exhibits significant replayability, particularly due to its roguelike elements, character upgrades, and multiplayer options, which keep the gameplay fresh and engaging. However, some players feel that the replay value diminishes after mastering the game or when playing solo, indicating a need for more depth and variety in content. While many appreciate the addictive nature and community-driven updates, there are calls for additional features to enhance long-term replayability.

    • “Obsessed with this game, the gameplay is addicting and the replayability is off the charts.”
    • “Excellent replayability and constantly getting new features from the devs who regularly interact with the community.”
    • “The roguelike aspect makes it so interesting and gives it a surprising amount of replayability.”
    • “If you're not playing multiplayer, I didn't feel there was much in terms of replayability after you've won it a few times.”
    • “Considering the lack of gameplay modifications such as classes that other roguelite games can incorporate, there is limited replayability of this game as a roguelite even if they add more content to the mode.”
    • “Unfortunately, it's just not going to have the replay value of a sports game with franchise mode, for me, anyway.”
  • music39 mentions

    The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with many players praising its energy and distinctiveness, particularly the unique tracks for each team and arena. However, several users find the soundtrack repetitive and suggest that it could benefit from more variety, with some opting to play their own music instead. Overall, while the music enhances the game's atmosphere, there are calls for improvements to avoid monotony.

    • “The music and vibe is great.”
    • “I absolutely adore the art style, gameplay, and music!”
    • “The overall presentation is excellent; I really like the art style and music choices (the shop music reminds me of something out of the first 'Borderlands', and I love goal score music with chugging distorted guitars).”
    • “And there is nothing more annoying than this soundtrack.”
    • “There's essentially zero soundtrack and the dialogue is just tedious with no sounds to feel more engaging.”
    • “The complete lack of any commentary during games or music means you're playing in a deathly silence mostly, which really doesn't liven up the game.”
  • stability23 mentions

    The game's stability has been a significant concern among users, with many reporting game-breaking bugs, freezes, and glitches that can disrupt gameplay and lead to lost progress. While some players have experienced minimal issues, the consensus is that the game, being in early access, is still quite buggy and lacks polish, though it shows promise and runs well on platforms like the Steam Deck. Overall, players acknowledge the presence of stability issues but remain hopeful for improvements in future updates.

    • “This is a great game to pick up if you're on the go (runs great on a Steam Deck) or just have 15 minutes to an hour to kill.”
    • “My experience was almost bug-free, save for a few minor visual bugs and the puck clipping through the back of the net once.”
    • “This is still an early access release, so balance issues are expected, but the game runs great and there is a good amount of content here for the price tag.”
    • “First of all, there are lots of game-breaking bugs and freezes.”
    • “The game freezes at different points and you have to force restart, losing progress.”
    • “I've also run into a few times where switching to another player seemingly freezes that player for a few seconds, which is just enough time to let the other team score.”
  • grinding15 mentions

    Players generally find the grinding aspect of the game to be a mixed experience; while some appreciate the replay value and fun in the campaign, many describe it as tedious and overly time-consuming, particularly in later stages. Suggestions for improvement include enhancing character customization and reducing the grind for early power-ups to maintain engagement. Overall, the grind can feel burdensome, but it also offers a sense of achievement for those willing to invest the time.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “Boring, grindy hockey simulation which is about as close to real hockey as Unreal Engine's human models are to real humans.”
    • “It's tedious more than fun.”
    • “My only criticism is that it becomes rather grindy once you progress far enough.”
  • atmosphere10 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is characterized by a vibrant and lighthearted tone, reminiscent of Saturday morning cartoons, enhanced by engaging music and dynamic visuals that evoke a professional hockey broadcast. Players appreciate the quirky characters and the quest-driven narrative, although some critiques highlight that certain elements, like AI, can detract from the overall immersion. Overall, the game fosters a lively community atmosphere, making it an enjoyable experience.

    • “Overall, this update not only enhances gameplay but also fosters a vibrant community atmosphere, making Tape to Tape more engaging than ever!”
    • “The atmosphere is nice, with a quest to 'save hockey' by finding a sacred cup, and a lighthearted mood persists throughout with the wacky characters you'll meet along your run.”
    • “The game is visually impressive, with an art style that impeccably mirrors the game's gritty yet vibrant atmosphere. The animations are fluid and dynamic, making each match feel like a broadcasted game of professional hockey.”
    • “It has an almost Saturday morning cartoon atmosphere with 8-direction player models that give off a faux 3D effect reminiscent of the PlayStation and Nintendo 64 era.”
    • “I went to a fight and a hockey game broke out kind of atmosphere.”
    • “It feels cheap and kills all immersion and atmosphere.”
  • optimization8 mentions

    Overall, the game's optimization is a mixed bag; while some players report smooth performance and good graphics, others experience significant issues with AI, controls, and performance inconsistencies, even on high-end rigs. A controller is recommended for the best experience, and while the game runs well on platforms like the Steam Deck, manual adjustments may be necessary for optimal resolution.

    • “Optimization is great.”
    • “The art style is pretty sick, and the game runs smoothly - haven't experienced a hitch, crash, or fps drop.”
    • “Steam Deck performance - game runs perfectly, although resolution should be manually adjusted.”
    • “There are significant problems with player AI, passing, goalie performance, player switching, etc. that spoil the experience.”
    • “Right now, this game requires a controller for optimal performance. If this keyboard and mouse configuration were to change in the future, this review will update.”
    • “Poor performance coupled with bad controls.”
  • monetization3 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game is positively highlighted for avoiding the pitfalls of cash grabs commonly associated with major franchises like EA's NHL series. Players appreciate the focus on delivering a quality hockey experience rather than prioritizing microtransactions, contrasting it with the repetitive and bug-ridden offerings from larger companies.

    • “I know EA will never give us NHL on PC because the audience is probably too small. Plus, EA has been releasing the same game on console for the last decade or so and refuses to fix the bugs they have; they are more concerned about microtransactions and cash grabs. All we hockey fans want is a solid up-and-down ice hockey game very much like Tape to Tape gives us.”
    • “You can tell this is made by people who have never played hockey since they were kids, and it's just a cash grab.”
  • emotional3 mentions

    Players find "Tape to Tape" to be a refreshing and emotionally light experience, ideal for short gaming sessions without the pressure of complex gameplay or emotional investment. Its casual and wholesome nature allows for fun and rewarding moments, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a laid-back gaming experience.

    • “It's nice because if you have twenty minutes to kill, and the thought of loading up a game that you can't just save at any point and you don't have the emotional energy for, then Tape to Tape is the perfect game to just have some fun.”
    • “Tape to Tape is fun, rewarding, casual, and wholesome.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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Play time

5hMedian play time
9hAverage play time
3-20hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 13 analyzed playthroughs

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