I was able to try out the new fun sports shooter a few weeks ago. rollerdrome by OlliOlli World-Makers of Roll7 try it out (our previewI was impressed by both the visuals and the gameplay. I've now had the chance to play the entire game, which is released today, and in this review I'll tell you whether my positive impression holds true and whether the gameplay loop can remain compelling in the long run.
Bloody dystopia
rollerdrome It presents us with an alternate future. In the year 2030, the world is subjugated and stunned by the eponymous Bloodsport Rollerdrome. In arenas around the globe, exceptionally talented participants face off against vast hordes of opponents, fighting for their very survival on roller skates and with powerful weapons.
We take on the role of Kara Hassan, a new participant in this twisted game. As we blast our way through the various stages, we learn more and more about the world and the powers that control it. We quickly realize that the real enemies aren't the house players, but the game itself.
After completing levels, there are always short sections that we can explore in first-person perspective. We read emails and newspaper articles and eavesdrop on conversations that aren't meant for our ears. This variety is a welcome addition to the game, and the story, though told indirectly, is genuinely gripping.
graphics and presentation
rollerdrome Style oozes from every pore. The comic-book look is original and perfectly complements the gameplay. Everything seems to have sprung from a strange vision brimming with disco music and 80s charm. Roll7 has previously proven that they can create unique graphic styles and atmospheres, and rollerdrome This is the high point so far.
The shootouts are also extremely well-staged. We skate through shopping malls, deserts, and alpine research facilities in our red bodysuit, encountering a wide variety of enemies, all uniquely animated and designed. Later on, giant robots and creative boss battles await us.
Motivating loop and high level of difficulty
We spend most of our time, of course, completing the individual levels. To do this, we have to eliminate all the enemies each time without dying ourselves. We skate with the left stick, and X lets us jump over ramps. In the air, we use tricks and grabs to replenish our ammo. Grinds and wallrides serve the same purpose. As in most shooters, we use the shoulder buttons to fire our weapons. L2 slows down time, allowing us to land multiple shots in quick succession. Thanks to the handy aim assist, however, this is usually not a problem.
Far more important is which weapon we use against which type of enemy and how we incorporate tricks and grinds into our combos without getting hit. We can only regain health by defeating enemies. Some of them make it really difficult for us, activating a shield as soon as they're hit. Others even teleport across the arena when hit. To overcome these challenges, we have a total of four weapons at our disposal: a dual pistol, a shotgun, a grenade launcher, and a particularly powerful rifle, which requires precise aiming.
The trick is to take out one opponent after another (or several at once) while keeping moving, chaining tricks together, and ideally already knowing what to expect after landing. This quickly puts us in a comfortable flow and makes us feel truly powerful. However, the difficulty level increases dramatically, especially in the later levels. The arenas are then packed with enemies, we're pursued by missiles while being targeted from three sides simultaneously, and we have to dodge mines. Completing the campaign therefore requires a lot of practice and a certain tolerance for frustration.
It's a bit annoying that we have to complete a certain number of challenges to unlock new levels. There are ten of these per arena. Some we can complete casually, while others are a bit trickier and require, for example, completing them as quickly as possible. So it's not enough to just breeze through a level. We have to keep going back to master the necessary challenges. While this makes sense from a gameplay perspective, it can get tedious if you simply want to play through the game and finish the story.
On the other hand, online leaderboards provide long-term enjoyment, and the truly hardcore can even try out an extra-difficult mode after completing the story for the first time. Here, Roll7's past experience with fun sports games clearly shines through.
Conclusion
