Whackerball
- January 30, 2023
- foolsroom
Get on SteamWhackerball 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.
Reviews
- The game offers a fun and unique twist on classic Breakout mechanics, combining elements of shooting and roguelike gameplay that keeps it engaging.
- Players appreciate the high skill ceiling and the rewarding feeling of mastering the game's mechanics, with many noting its addictive nature.
- The presentation is praised for its simplicity and charm, with a catchy soundtrack that enhances the overall experience.
- Many players find the difficulty level to be quite high, which can be off-putting for those looking for a more casual experience.
- Some users express frustration with the control scheme, particularly the reliance on mouse controls for shooting, which they feel detracts from the core gameplay.
- There are complaints about a lack of variety in levels and upgrades, leading to repetitive gameplay after a few runs.
- gameplay15 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by a unique blend of classic paddle mechanics and shooter elements, offering a high skill ceiling and strategic depth despite its simplicity. Players appreciate the chaotic yet engaging experience, with easy-to-learn mechanics and a satisfying gameplay loop, though some express a desire for fewer mechanics and more challenging enemies. Overall, the game is recommended for its fun, fast-paced action and low system requirements, making it accessible for arcade game fans.
“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 idea of using a weapon to move the ball and the ability to shrink the paddle make the gameplay deep enough for the short play time it offers.”
“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.”
- music3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised for its fitting compositions that complement each zone, featuring catchy tunes and a diverse range of instruments. Reviewers highlight the excellent soundtrack, noting that it enhances the overall experience and is a standout aspect of the game.
“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!”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the emotional aspect of the game engaging, as the mechanics of controlling ball movement through shot recoil and the strategic timing of reloading create a sense of tension and investment in each play. This dynamic fosters a deeper connection to the gameplay, enhancing the overall emotional experience.
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players highlight the strong replayability of the game, attributing it to the variety of shops, upgrades, and different gun types available in each run, which typically lasts around half an hour. This design encourages multiple playthroughs and experimentation with different strategies.
“The game offers a variety of shops, upgrades, and different types of guns, which significantly enhance its replayability. Each run lasts at most half an hour, making it easy to jump back in for another experience.”
“With its roguelike elements and diverse gameplay mechanics, every playthrough feels fresh and engaging, encouraging players to return for more.”
“The combination of unique upgrades and randomized elements ensures that no two runs are the same, providing endless replayability and keeping the gameplay exciting.”
“The game lacks meaningful choices, making each playthrough feel repetitive and dull.”
“Once you've experienced the main story, there's little incentive to replay, as the side content feels uninspired.”
“The limited variety in missions and environments makes it hard to stay engaged after the first few runs.”
- graphics1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's graphics feature a cute and clean art style that effectively manages screen clutter, even at higher difficulty levels. Its visual design is influenced by titles like Downwell, contributing to a high skill ceiling and depth that enhances the overall experience.
“The art style is cute, clear, and clean enough that I don't mind the screen clutter at higher difficulty stages.”
“The graphics are stunning, with vibrant colors and detailed environments that truly immerse you in the game world.”
“The visual design is exceptional, blending creativity and clarity to create an engaging and visually appealing experience.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game is perceived as exploitative, with players feeling that it prioritizes profit over player experience, leading to a sense of being taken advantage of.
“This game feels like a cash grab, with excessive monetization tactics that ruin the experience.”
“The monetization is so aggressive that it feels like they care more about profits than player enjoyment.”
“I can't believe how many features are locked behind paywalls; it completely undermines the gameplay.”
