Smash it Wild: Tactical Volleyball Roguelike is an inventive twist on a well-trodden and much-loved genre. However, it isn’t perfect as its limited character pool and poor tutorial hold it back. Yet, if you can overlook these elements, you’ll enjoy an interesting sporting experience where tactics and a bit of luck are essential.
This casual sports roguelike was developed and published by Goblinz Studio. It is a single-player game that blends volleyball and dodgeball within a tactical roguelike framework. Each match takes place on a 3×2 grid where your team’s strengths and weaknesses must be considered. Moreover, you must think ahead, as poor planning leads to failure.
Smash it Wild: Tactical Volleyball Roguelike offers no story.
I’m not sure Smash it Wild: Tactical Volleyball Roguelike would have benefited from a story. However, a minor tale of revenge or competition between teams would have added some nice depth. This wasn’t to be, and gamers are left to make up their own plot as they focus on each short game of deadly volleyball.
The core concept is relatively straightforward. Effectively, you must move your opponents around the 6-space grid to make them exhausted. Once their stamina depletes, you are left with a gap to deliver a game-ending spike. However, this concept runs both ways. Consequently, you must think of defence and attack as you negotiate each turn and whittle down your foe.
Know your team.
Playing this without any tactical nuance is a no-no. Instead, Smash it Wild: Tactical Volleyball Roguelike requires you to understand the strengths of each of your 3 players. Do you use your tank-like player to block and reserve your all-out attack for someone nimbler and more aggressive? Either way, you must decide what works for you. I liked this freedom and the ability to familiarise myself with the tools at my disposal. However, things weren’t well explained, and this often caused me to become confused.
Alongside the player’s ups and downs are position and collision bonuses and terrain modifiers. These can be game-changing and deliver a match-winning edge. Furthermore, there is a roguelike progression to offer permanent team improvements. You must navigate calendar events, shop visits, and training exercises to improve your team. Additionally, there are relics to collect that offer passive buffs. This was a nice way to adjust your team and approach for each upcoming match.
Smash it Wild: Tactical Volleyball Roguelike looks great.
I know that pixel art is a little divisive, but I love it! When it’s done to a good standard, I adore the simplicity and vibrant edge. Thankfully, it does it extremely well. Furthermore, the unique animals and smooth animation make this a joy to look at.
The audio is a little repetitive, but I liked its high energy and dramatic sound effects. Each attack is impactful, and the noise of each spike, block, and hit delivers drama. Moreover, the environmental sound cues are perfect. However, if you take your time, the musical loop can become overbearing.
Clumsy UI.
My biggest issue with Smash it Wild: Tactical Volleyball Roguelike was the badly equipped tutorial. It does little to highlight the key elements and leaves you with a mighty task of trial and error. In theory, this can be enjoyable, but it makes the opening stages feel stodgy.
Replay value is limited to character development and understanding terrain and synergies. This was enough for me as I found it added satisfying layers of tactical nuance. Yet, this may not be enough for hardcore fans of the genre.
Smash it Wild: Tactical Volleyball Roguelike offers a unique twist.
I have to applaud the developer for cutting their own path in a well-trodden genre. Many indie games lack originality, and Smash it Wild: Tactical Volleyball Roguelike is original. However, it has a few teething issues, and this was a shame. Despite this, I liked it and recommend buying it here! Can you make the best sports team? Master your players, study the court, and spike your way to victory.
