Review - Go Mecha Ball

Roberto Nieves

23 hours ago4 min read

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

I've said it before and keep saying it: I love twin-stick shooters! They are a genre of game that is entirely dependent on the polish and execution of the game. When done right, it's a game one can consistently come back to. Even in today's gaming world, I occasionally return to the likes of Nex Machina and Neurovoider. However, part of thee challenge of the genre is to be different, and perhaps add a new gear to machine. Go Mecha Ball from Whale Peak Games and Super Rare Originals is one such title.

Go Mecha Ball is an absolute digital fever dream of a game. A game clearly inspired by the frantic bright lights of the arcades of our youth, Go Mecha Ball combines the likes of a twin-stick shooters and even pinball elements to create a refreshingly new and original take on the genre, even if its only crime is that it's another rogue-like.

In the name of Fun

A group of cats are having fun, enjoying themselves. One day, a mysterious portal opens up, swallowing swaths of the land and ruining their home. Over time, they construct a unique mech suit, one that can dish out serious firepower and transform into a dangerous ball. The goal is to enter the portal and stop the infernal madness.

Go Mecha Ball is an isometric twin-stick shooter at its core. Players walk in their mech and shoot various enemy bots. The twist to this formula is the ability to transform into a ball and wreak havoc on the level. By rolling as a ball, players traverse the level with great speed. As an offensive weapon, slamming into enemies as a ball deals great damage. The key to victory is wiping out all enemies and collecting the various items dropped. Between levels, players are offered upgrades and augments to their abilities such as more damage to ball slams or more ammunition for guns.

To the Window To The Balls

As mentioned before, Go Mecha Ball is visual fever dream and a true feast for the eyes. It feels like a DreamWorks movie in a kaleidoscope of colors and effects. I couldn't help but feel the impression that the developers grew up visiting Discovery Zone and Chuck E. Cheese. The levels are all taking place in a digital nightmare cyberscape of flashing lights and glowing colors, all wrapped in distortion. One level featured what appeared to be skeeball displays surrounded by most of acid. The main character felt like she would be featured in The Bad Guys.

The gameplay is wildly fast and engaging. Having played so many twin stick shooters in my time, it's refreshing to see one try something different and take a chance on it. There was a nostalgic sensation as I was reminded by the likes of Sonic 3D Blast, a platformer that took place in an isometric view. Shooting weapons has attitude and the satisfaction of slamming enemies off stages is stupendous.

Gotta Roll

After a few levels, players are faced with boss fights. These larger-than-life digital giants are quite the battle and challenge players to be aggressive as well as careful. In a way, fighting these behemoths is like a game of pinball as alternating between shooting and ball slamming is the way to go.

I can overstate just how incredible it is to play Go Mecha Ball. It is pure calamity in the best ways as lights, explosions, and gunfire all form a visual crescendo I haven't seen in any other video game. For that reason, Go Mecha Ball is worth it on gameplay alone.

Slam Jam

However, there are a few flaws to this stellar game. Like other roguelikes, there are upgrades to attain. More weapons and abilities are unlocked with each playthrough, and there's plenty of customization in gameplay. The upgrades can be attained through currency earned. The temporary upgrades can be earned with gold coins between levels. The over currency are blue diamonds, which permanently unlock upgrades. It's different from other roguelikes, like Scourge Bringer where permeant unlocks help the player at the start of each run.

While there is randomization, replaying Go Mecha Ball might be a grind as the layout remains the same. Higher difficulties after subsequent runs make the enemies more like bullet sponges as opposed to new varieties. However, it doesn't change the foundation. Still, the gameplay is so energetic and kinetic, that it makes repeat gameplay loops enjoyable, but a bit grindy. Go Mecha Ball probably would have been even better as an adventure game with many levels with a rogue-like added on, but what we have is very special.

Go Mecha Ball Go

Go Mecha Ball is phenomenal in its execution and a step forward for the genre. It's visual array, coupled with infectious gameplay, make this an absolute winner. Go nuts. Go crazy. Go Mecha Ball