Let’s talk dodgeball. Let’s talk thumpin’ jams. Let’s talk robots.
Robot Roller-Derby Disco Dodgeball is a newly-release multiplayer bonanza that delivers exactly what the title promises. The name is ridiculous, but they’re not joking around. I giggled and eye-rolled a little as I launched the program, but any skepticism I had was immediately tossed aside.
The general rules of dodgeball: Grab a ball, throw a ball, hit a person, they’re out. You can block with your ball, or you can catch a thrown ball to knock out your assailant. Disco Dodgeball takes these rules and drops you into a neon-plastered club-like arena that blasts high-energy music your way as you weave through the field, blowing up little robots with throws and catches.
The training segment takes minutes to complete, after which you have the option of diving into Arcade Mode or Multiplayer. Arcade Mode throws you into an increasing onslaught of AI robots who’re there to knock you down. I didn’t have much trouble with the early bots, but that isn’t to say I didn’t miss an overconfident catch or two and meet my explode-y demise. Movement takes some getting used to, since the physics are meant to emulate skating. Once you push in a direction, you’ll continue in that direction until you intervene. Jumping has a “wind-up” delay, and that’s perhaps the trickiest of all. Over time, as you complete matches, you can purchase upgrades and unlock new powers for your little skating robot buddy.
Multiplayer is quick and painless. I was matched up within seconds with a game, and immediately realized that there are other players who are much, much better at this than I am.
In terms of graphics, the game isn’t anything intense. You won’t need a new rig to play this. While some might see this as a detractor, the game is exactly what it needs to be – quick, stylized and most importantly, fun. You can pick it up in a matter of seconds, and it’s very easy to see why this game has made a rapid meteoric rise in the Multiplayer category on Steam.
This game is strongly recommended for people who like fast action, skill-shots, watching numbers increase, and robots. This game is not recommended for those looking for graphically intensive, bloody action, or those looking for a deep story.
This is quick and dirty fun. This is Robot Roller-Derby Disco Dodgeball.
5 stars out of 5
