As of writing this review,Bang-On Balls: Chronicleshas an overwhelmingly positive rating onSteam, mostly clocked up during the game’s early access period. I feel like this is a critical thing to mention because on the surface, this felt like a game that would split an audience. Colour me surprised when I saw that most people seem to love it.
My doubt came, initially, from the concept ofBang-On Balls(which will never stop being a funny title). You see, ultimately this is a sandbox game featuring the loosest of guidance. It’s a bit likeGoat Simulatorin that way. You’re plonked into a world full of interactivity and told, “Go do these vague things, but above all, have fun” and on the way you’ll enjoy bonkers moments from the physics or serendipity.
For example, the first level I tried had a medieval theme. There were lots of Vikings out to kill me yet I had to destroy their boats; three boats on the water, three inside a fort, and three hidden away in some caves. There’s no signage telling players where to go, there are no hints. I spent most of my time rolling around or bouncing on the heads of the Viking enemies in the hope I’d stumble across a boat.
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Inevitably I did find the boats and for each batch of three they were destroyed in mere seconds. I’d spent the bulk of my time barging into enemies to send them flying, or destroying everything else I stumbled across, like cages holding other balls; balls as in AI characters, not just balls.
Untold Tales Games
I guess, before we go any further, I should address the elephant big balls in the room. Bang-On Balls seems to be based on the common meme templates where a ball with a country’s flag on it argues or makes jokes with another ball with a flag on it. That’s about as far as the concept goes though. It’s merely a vehicle to give the balls a bit of personality. When the game first starts you can choose a flag and kit out your ball with masks, different eyes, hats, and more.
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Untold Tales Games
The game has appeal and can easily pull in players from various demographics. Kids will love the chaos, older players can find a place to blow off steam. WhetherBang-On Ballshas a long life depends on your attention span; it was fine to play in ten-minute bursts (perfect forSteam Deck) in between other games, but it contains so many ‘moments’ of carnage that get lost among the pinballing back and forth. For all the carnage, the collectibles, and the skirmishes, it’s not a memorable game, but it is incredibly enjoyable for those few-minute bursts.
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Pros:Chaotically free-flowing, often funny, lots to collect and see, bags of personality.
Cons:Can be a little too chaotic at times, overstays its welcome on longer sessions.
For Fans of:Goat Simulator, Teardown, Totally Accurate Battle Simulator.
7/10 Very Good
Topics:Indie Games
