Developer: Whale Peak Games
Publisher: Super Rare Originals
Available on: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC
Reviewed on: Xbox Series X|S
My passion for twin-stick shooters runs deep; they require meticulous polish and execution. When crafted with precision, these games draw players back time and again. Although there are numerous options available today, classics like Nex Machina and Neurovoider still beckon. Introducing Go Mecha Ball from Whale Peak Games and Super Rare Originals, a title that puts a fresh spin on the genre.
In the Name of Fun
In a vibrant world, a group of cats revel in joy until a mysterious portal disrupts their peace, swallowing their land. To combat this chaos, they engineer an extraordinary mech suit capable of unleashing powerful attacks and transforming into a formidable ball. Players must navigate through the portal to restore order.
Go Mecha Ball operates as an isometric twin-stick shooter, where players control their mech while blasting enemy bots. A unique twist is the ability to morph into a ball, which allows for rapid traversal across levels and inflicts significant damage when colliding with foes. Success hinges on eliminating adversaries and gathering dropped items, followed by upgrades and enhancements between levels to improve abilities.
To the Window to the Balls
The visual design of Go Mecha Ball is nothing short of a digital spectacle. It resembles an animated feature full of vibrant colors and dynamic effects, reminiscent of childhood visits to arcade venues. Environments glimmer with brightness, and one level playfully incorporates elements reminiscent of skeeball amid a psychedelic backdrop. The character designs evoke the charm of animated films.
Gameplay is exhilarating and fast-paced. As a seasoned player of twin-stick shooters, I appreciate the risk taken in adding unique features to the gameplay. Nostalgic vibes emerge, reminding me of isometric platformers like Sonic 3D Blast. The satisfaction of blasting enemies off the screen is immensely enjoyable.
Gotta Roll
Players encounter formidable bosses as they progress through levels. These massive digital foes require both aggression and strategy, creating a gameplay dynamic akin to pinball, where alternating between shooting and rolling is essential.
Go Mecha Ball delivers an unparalleled experience. The chaos of lights, explosions, and gunfire creates a mesmerizing visual journey that captivates players. The game truly shines in its gameplay mechanics.
Slam Jam
Despite its brilliance, the game does have its shortcomings. Like many roguelikes, players gain access to upgrades through multiple playthroughs, allowing for significant customization. Players collect currency to unlock enhancements, and temporary boosts can be obtained between levels. However, unlike other roguelikes, the permanent upgrades in Go Mecha Ball do not assist players in their initial runs.
While the game offers randomization, repeated gameplay may feel somewhat repetitive as level layouts remain unchanged. The increased difficulty in higher levels mainly makes enemies tougher without introducing new challenges. Nevertheless, the energetic gameplay keeps players engaged despite the grind. An adventure game format with multiple levels, enhanced with roguelike elements, could have elevated the experience even further, but what is present is nevertheless exceptional.
Go Mecha Ball Go
Go Mecha Ball excels in its execution and represents a significant evolution for its genre. Its vibrant visuals, combined with addictive gameplay, result in a standout title. Embrace the fun. Dive into Go Mecha Ball!
GO MECHA BALL IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Go Mecha Ball was reviewed on Xbox Series X|S through Xbox Game Pass.
