Go Mecha Ball is a fast-paced and challenging arena experience that tests your accuracy, planning, and tactical approach. Furthermore, there is an array of characters to unlock, plenty of abilities to test out, and a list of upgrades to try. This blend of options lets you play with plenty of character builds. Additionally, trial and error are the name of the game. As such, you will die an awful lot, especially when you don’t get things quite right. However, this isn’t a problem as you dust yourself off and get to work again.
This rogue-like indie title was developed by Whale Peak Games AB and published by Super Rare Games. It is a single-player experience that plays out from an isometric viewpoint. The compact arenas are fun but often tough to navigate as ramps, speed boost pads, and other elements keep you on your toes. If this isn’t enough, it rains projectiles and bullets until you annihilate every enemy from every wave.
Go Mecha Ball tells no story.
Unlike its peers, Go Mecha Ball foregoes any plot. Instead, gamers are thrust into a tutorial before they are thrown into the thick of it. This interesting style wasn’t expected. Consequently, I hoped for more hand-holding before I was guaranteed certain failure. However, the action is easy to understand and though it tested my reactions and offered little guidance, I enjoyed it nonetheless.
The action takes place across 5 unique levels. Each level comprises 3 stages and 1 boss fight. Accordingly, if you get the right blend of weapons, abilities, and upgrades, you can expect a successful run to take between 45 minutes and an hour. Yet, if you make one minor error, you lose everything and you must start again. The cruel rogue-like layer makes you scream, but it is this often unfair element that makes you come back for more.
A game of cat and mouse.
The hero is armed with a gun and the ability to roll at supersonic speed. As you navigate the compact world, you may walk and shoot or attempt to deny your opponent’s approaches. If you are successful, you will damage them and prevent them from shooting. Moreover, they will drop a pouch of ammo or a health orb to help you on your way. Alternatively, you may unleash bullet hell as you shoot everything in front of you.
The shooting option may seem like the best approach, but it isn’t. Certain foes have shields and your ammo is limited. Subsequently, you must way up each approach and try to use your unlocked abilities to your advantage. This game of cat and mouse was fantastic, but if you lack patience, this will prevent you from progressing as health boosts are scarce and your health stat is unfortunately low.
Choose your upgrades wisely.
Death wipes your progress. However, as you finish each attempt, you’ll earn tokens to spend on unlockable items. These goods can be obtained as each run unfolds. Therefore, it is essential to increase your chances by unlocking every weapon and ability. During each run, you can stack as many upgrades as you wish. These passive tools help you with better health and stronger attacks. However, you may only choose 2 abilities to help you succeed.
The lack of options could be frustrating, but I loved this limited move. As you complete 3 waves, you are given the chance to select 1 of 3 random buffs. Alongside this, you may carry up to 2 weapons to tackle a host of large and small enemies. When you combine each of these elements, you get the opportunity to test different gameplay styles and a whole host of new weaponry. This was great as most playthroughs were unique.
Go Mecha Ball is a rapid and colourful experience.
The developer has done a great job with the compact arenas and hellish environment. The bullets and projectiles flit around each level, making the action hard to follow. Alongside this, each creature blocks you or dashes into your path. This maddening idea is tough to overcome, but the excellent animation ensures that the game feels and looks amazing. Though the screen is awash with colour and items, Go Mecha Ball never falters. There were no bugs or visual glitches and the frame rate and performance were exceptional. Consequently, this is exactly how an indie title should be.
The combination of futuristic music and loud sound effects adds to the upbeat and high-energy gameplay. The loud weapons and constant bashing and crashing are uncomfortable to listen to. Yet, I loved the shrill noise of each bullet and the ear-splitting sound effects. Though it doesn’t tread any fresh ground, the developer has done a fantastic job.
Tight controls.
Rolling across a danger-filled arena has its problems. Yet, the tight controls and intuitive controller layout help you out. Once you get to grips with the boost option and the layer of obstacles you must avoid or overcome, you will love every second. The ability to smash your foes with your hyper speed and shoot everything else was phenomenal. Moreover, creating a plan as you navigated an array of destructive projectiles was a hell of a challenge.
This layer of difficulty enhanced the replay value and longevity. The unlockable characters, upgrades, abilities, and limited health keep things ticking over. First, you will hate the death loop. However, as you master the controls and unlock more skills, you will piece together each element and create a powerful hero to defeat the toughest opponents.
Go Mecha Ball is a fun but hard experience.
I loved the fast-paced nature of Go Mecha Ball. Navigating each level whilst planning your next move is no mean feat. Moreover, there is a sense of RNG as you unlock upgrades and hope for the best weapons. Though this element was a little unfair, I liked the idea of risk and the mountains of trial and error. Accordingly, this is a great indie title and I recommend buying it here! Can you overcome every boss and win? Pick your hero, unlock every weapon and ability, and hope that luck is on your side.
