Whackerball

90%
Game Brain Score Based on 99 reviews
  • gameplay
  • music
  • emotional
Whackerball Game Cover
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Whackerball is a twin-stick shooter roguelite that combines Breakout mechanics with bullet hell gameplay. Use your paddle to keep the ball in the air, dodge enemy attacks, and defeat cute enemies. With physics-based combat, various unlockables, and impactful upgrades, each run offers unique challenges and opportunities for skill expression.

  • PC
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

90%
Audience ScoreBased on 99 reviews
gameplay4 positive mentions
monetization3 negative mentions
  • The game offers a unique and fun twist on classic Breakout mechanics, combining shooting and roguelike elements that enhance gameplay variety.
  • Players find the game addictive and rewarding, with a high skill ceiling that encourages improvement and mastery over time.
  • The presentation is appealing, with catchy music and a clean art style that complements the fast-paced action.
  • The game can be overwhelming due to its complexity, requiring players to multitask and manage multiple mechanics simultaneously.
  • Some players feel that the difficulty is unbalanced, particularly with the final boss and certain gameplay mechanics that can lead to frustration.
  • There are requests for better control options and more variety in upgrades and levels to enhance replayability.
  • gameplay30 mentions

    The gameplay is a unique blend of classic paddle mechanics and shooter elements, offering a chaotic yet strategic experience that is easy to learn but challenging to master. Players appreciate the depth and variety of mechanics, though some feel the design could benefit from fewer mechanics and tougher enemies. Overall, the game is recommended for its engaging gameplay loop, low price, and suitability for quick play sessions, despite minor issues with control and screen layout.

    • “Imagine taking the classic formula of the paddle and the ball but mixing in shooter mechanics that deflect the ball trajectory and hit the enemies with the bullets.”
    • “The mechanics all flow together so elegantly and everything is so juicy.”
    • “Super fun, fast, surprisingly difficult and complex gameplay within such a simple system.”
    • “My only negative gameplay regarding feedback is how the player's plate is nearly at the bottom of the screen, making the 'shoot downwards to keep the ball in the air longer' tactic hard to produce near the bottom of the screen.”
    • “Rather than something with lots of mechanical depth, it feels like the main struggle is just trying to watch everything at once.”
    • “I would have preferred less mechanics and more difficult enemies.”
  • music6 mentions

    The music in the game is highly praised for its perfect fit with each zone, featuring catchy tunes and a diverse range of instruments that leave players humming. Overall, the soundtrack is considered excellent and adds significant value to the gaming experience.

    • “Plus, the music fits each zone perfectly with various instruments and a catchy tune that left me humming multiple times.”
    • “It also has a great soundtrack.”
    • “The music is excellent; it's an all-around great game, especially for the money!”
  • emotional2 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by the unique mechanics that allow players to feel a sense of control and engagement through the recoil of their shots, creating a dynamic and immersive experience. The requirement to reload only when touching the paddle adds a layer of tension and strategy, enhancing the emotional stakes during gameplay.

  • replayability2 mentions

    Players highlight the strong replayability of the game, attributing it to the variety of shops, roguelike upgrades, and different gun types available in each run, which typically lasts around half an hour. This design encourages repeated playthroughs and experimentation.

    • “The game offers a variety of shops, upgrades in a roguelike fashion, and different types of guns, which contribute to a high level of replayability since each run lasts at most half an hour.”
    • “With the inclusion of various shops and upgrades, along with a diverse selection of guns, the game ensures a lot of replayability, making each run feel fresh and engaging.”
    • “Each run lasts about half an hour, and the combination of shops, roguelike upgrades, and different guns keeps the gameplay exciting and encourages replayability.”
    • “The game offers some replayability through shops, upgrades in a roguelike fashion, and various types of guns, but each run only lasts about half an hour, which limits long-term engagement.”
    • “While there are elements like shops and upgrades that could enhance replayability, the short duration of each run makes it feel repetitive after a while.”
    • “The inclusion of different types of guns and roguelike upgrades adds some replayability, but the overall experience can become stale quickly due to the limited run time.”
  • graphics2 mentions

    The game's graphics feature a cute and clean art style that effectively balances clarity with the potential for screen clutter at higher difficulty levels. Influenced by titles like Downwell, it offers a visually appealing experience that complements its gameplay depth.

    • “The art style is cute, clear, and clean enough that I don't mind the screen clutter at higher difficulty stages.”
    • “The graphics are visually stunning, with a unique art style that enhances the overall gameplay experience.”
    • “The vibrant colors and detailed environments create an immersive atmosphere that draws you into the game.”
  • monetization2 mentions

    The monetization strategy of the game is widely criticized as a cash grab, suggesting that it prioritizes profit over player experience and engagement. Many users feel that the approach is exploitative, leading to dissatisfaction and a sense of abandonment after initial purchases.

    • “This game feels like a cash grab and nothing more.”
    • “The monetization strategy is clearly designed to maximize profits at the expense of player experience.”
    • “It seems like the developers are more interested in making money than creating a fun game.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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