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CRITIK

Rollerdrome

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Rollerdrome
Item: Rollerdrome
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2022

GenresAdventure, Indie, Action, Science Fiction and Futuristic, Third Person Perspective, Shooter, Sports, Single Player

AvailableAug 16, 2022

PlatformPC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X

Developerroll7

Overview

Rollerdrome is a third person action shooter that seamlessly blends high octane, visceral combat with fluid movement and tricking mechanics into one complementary and challenging whole, to create an original adrenaline-pumping shooter experience like no other.

Elsewhere

7.7

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

22%

Mixed (50-79)

78%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Story of Rollerdrome are quite varied. Some critics, such as Dexerto and GameGrin, appreciate the story for its engagement and the small bits of lore and secrets it offers. They find the dystopian setting and the involvement of corporations in the deadly sport to be intriguing elements that add depth to the game. Additionally, Impulsegamer mentions that the decisions made by players affect the narrative, providing an interactive storytelling experience. On the other hand, there are critics who express disappointment with the story of Rollerdrome. Critics like Game Informer and Game Revolution feel that the story is not a major focus and lacks complexity. Forbes goes as far as stating that the narrative is entirely predictable. IGN Spain also mentions that while the game offers a retrofuturistic story with elements of science fiction and conspiracy, it is not particularly engaging. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of Rollerdrome is not the main draw of the game. While some appreciate the world-building and the dystopian setting, others find the narrative to be inconsequential or lacking depth. The story is often described as a backdrop or window dressing, with anti-capitalist undertones that are not explored in a meaningful way. However, it is worth noting that there are critics who find the story engaging enough to keep them invested, even if it is not the primary focus. Ultimately, the story of Rollerdrome seems to be a mixed bag, with some positive aspects but also room for improvement.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics are split on the Story of Rollerdrome. Some praise its engagement and lore, while others criticize its lack of complexity and predictability. The consensus is that the story is not the game's main attraction, serving more as background with missed opportunities for deeper exploration. While some find it engaging, overall, there's room for improvement in this dystopian narrative.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

89%

Mixed (50-79)

11%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of the critics praised the gameplay of Rollerdrome, with many highlighting its unique blend of roller skating and shooting mechanics. Hey Poor Player commends the game for its challenging gameplay, which involves skating around with a gun, shooting house players, performing tricks to reload ammunition, and completing objectives. Destructoid and PC Games both appreciate the smooth and user-friendly skating experience, intuitive controls, and wide array of tricks available to the players. They also mention the game's encouragement of combining stunt skating with bullet-time kills for higher scores. COGconnected and TheSixthAxis both emphasize the deep and challenging experience offered by the game's roller skating and gunplay mechanics, with COGconnected specifically mentioning the level design that allows for gaining speed and accessing new areas. Vandal and Twinfinite highlight the combination of shooting and extreme sports mechanics, with Vandal mentioning the mechanics that require shooting in slow motion, performing tricks for ammunition, and dodging enemy attacks. While the majority of the critics had positive opinions about the gameplay of Rollerdrome, there were a few criticisms raised. Game Revolution mentions that the gameplay often feels too busy and doesn't make the best use of the systems it takes inspiration from other games. Gamer.no notes that while the controls are forgiving, there is a lot to keep track of, which can affect the flow of the game. The focus on survival in Shacknews' opinion detracts from the fun of skating. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the gameplay of Rollerdrome is very good. The game successfully combines roller skating and shooting mechanics, offering a unique and addictive experience. Critics such as Guardian, Game Informer, and GameSpace praise the fluid movement and ability to perform tricks to reload weapons. The gameplay is described as fast-paced, thrilling, and engaging, with exciting variations in each level. The controls are generally considered intuitive and easy to pick up, allowing players to navigate the rink effortlessly. The game's mechanics and objectives are well thought out, requiring strategic thinking and adaptation as the difficulty increases. Rollerdrome's gameplay is commended for its engagement, concentration of skill, and the introduction of new elements over time.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics love Rollerdrome for its exciting blend of roller skating and shooting mechanics, with challenging gameplay that involves skating, shooting, performing tricks, and completing objectives. The game offers a smooth skating experience, intuitive controls, and a wide array of tricks, encouraging players to combine stunt skating with bullet-time kills for high scores. While some critics find the gameplay busy and survival-focused, the majority agree that Rollerdrome delivers a unique and addictive experience with fast-paced action, engaging levels, and strategic depth.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

70%

Mixed (50-79)

30%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Rollerdrome are generally positive. Many critics praise the game's unique art style and visuals, with several mentioning the cel-shaded or comic book aesthetic. Critics like Dexerto, Digital Chumps, Forbes, and God is a Geek describe the visuals as gorgeous, beautiful, and stylish. They appreciate the vibrant colors, detailed character models, and the seamless blending of the art style with the gameplay. The comic book visuals and retro-futuristic settings are also highlighted by critics like Game Informer, The Independent, and Push Square, who find them captivating and well-suited to the game's retro sci-fi theme. The game's art style is often commended for its distinctiveness and the way it adds to the overall experience. However, there are some criticisms regarding the lack of variation in the environments and stage settings. Critics like Destructoid, Gamer.no, and New Game Network point out the repetitive designs and limited diversity in the environments. They feel that the game could benefit from more varied settings to enhance the visual experience. Jeuxvideo.com also mentions that while the game's environments have a Mœbius-inspired aesthetic, the animations can sometimes be rigid. Additionally, COGconnected mentions that the 2D comic book art style may make judging jumps difficult due to the lack of depth perception. These criticisms highlight areas where the game's Graphics and Visual Design could be improved to provide a more engaging and varied experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Rollerdrome has a visually appealing art style and graphics. The cel-shaded or comic book aesthetic is widely praised for its beauty, uniqueness, and how well it fits with the game's retro-futuristic theme. Critics appreciate the attention to detail in the character designs, vibrant textures, and the overall visual presentation. While there are some concerns about the lack of variation in environments and stage settings, the positive aspects of the game's Graphics and Visual Design outweigh the negatives. The majority of critics find the visuals to be striking, captivating, and well-executed, contributing to the overall enjoyment of the game.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about Rollerdrome's stunning graphics and unique art style, likened to cel-shaded or comic book aesthetics. Praise for vibrant colors, detailed character models, and seamless integration with gameplay. Some critics note repetitive environments and lack of variety, suggesting room for improvement. Despite critiques, overall consensus applauds the visually appealing and well-executed design, enhancing the retro-futuristic theme and overall gaming experience.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

83%

Mixed (50-79)

17%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the sound design and music of Rollerdrome are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics praised the game's soundtrack, which features a synthwave style that perfectly complements the fast-paced and chaotic gameplay. Critics such as COGconnected and Dexerto highlighted the energetic and vigorous nature of the soundtrack, with Dexerto specifically mentioning the use of synth-wave bangers and electronica anthems to represent the game's dystopian landscapes. GameGrin also commended the soundtrack, stating that while it may not be their usual preference, they found themselves nodding along to a few of the tracks. The Independent and Guardian noted that the music punctuates the chaos of the gameplay and contributes to the overall atmosphere, with The Independent mentioning the use of limited dialogue and hushed tones to enhance the experience. Overall, the positive opinions of the critics indicate that the sound design and music of Rollerdrome greatly enhance the gameplay and immerse players in its retro-futuristic world. While the majority of the critics praised the sound design and music of Rollerdrome, there were a few mixed opinions. GamingBolt mentioned that while the synthwave music suits the chaotic action, it can become repetitive over time. Vandal and The Loadout also felt that the soundtrack and sound effects were decent but not particularly memorable. However, these negative opinions were in the minority and did not significantly impact the overall consensus of the critics. In conclusion, the sound design and music of Rollerdrome received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the critics. The synthwave soundtrack was widely praised for its energetic and vigorous nature, effectively representing the game's dystopian landscapes and enhancing the fast-paced gameplay. Critics noted that the music perfectly complemented the retro-futuristic atmosphere and contributed to the overall experience. While there were a few mixed opinions about the potential repetitiveness of the music, the majority of the critics found the sound design and music of Rollerdrome to be highly enjoyable and a standout aspect of the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about Rollerdrome's synthwave soundtrack, praising its energetic vibes that perfectly match the chaotic gameplay. Despite some minor criticisms about repetitiveness, overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with the music enhancing the retro-futuristic world and immersing players in the dystopian landscapes.

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

75%

Mixed (50-79)

25%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance of Rollerdrome, the majority of critics had positive opinions across different gaming platforms. On the PlayStation 5, Forbes commends the game for running smoothly, while GameGrin highlights the wonderful implementation of features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, as well as the immersive 3D audio. Impulsegamer also praises the game's smooth performance, crisp graphics, and absence of gameplay issues or frame rate dips. Multiplayer.it adds that Rollerdrome runs smoothly on both PlayStation 4 and PS5, even on older PC configurations. Push Square further emphasizes the game's consistent 60 frames-per-second performance on PS5, with Vandal noting the effective utilization of features like haptic feedback and trigger resistance. On the PC platform, Hardcore Gamer acknowledges occasional frame drops during intense gameplay moments, but overall, no bugs were spotted. The Games Machine adds that Rollerdrome runs smoothly without any problems on both high-end and lower-end machines. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the technical performance of Rollerdrome is very good. The game runs smoothly on both PlayStation 5 and PC, with crisp graphics and minimal issues. The implementation of features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers on PS5 enhances the gameplay experience, immersing players into the world of Rollerdrome. Although there may be occasional frame drops on PC during intense moments, these issues do not significantly detract from the overall performance. The positive opinions of critics such as Forbes, GameGrin, Impulsegamer, Multiplayer.it, Push Square, Vandal, Hardcore Gamer, and The Games Machine further support the notion that the technical performance of Rollerdrome is commendable across different gaming platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics praise Rollerdrome's technical performance, with Forbes and GameGrin lauding smooth gameplay and immersive features on PlayStation, while Impulsegamer and others commend crisp graphics and minimal issues. Despite occasional frame drops on PC, overall consensus is positive for smooth running on both platforms, enhancing gameplay with innovative features.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

39%

Mixed (50-79)

55%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Rollerdrome are varied. Many critics highlight the positive aspects of the game that contribute to its replayability. COGconnected mentions that the game offers challenges and a new mode called 'Out For Blood' for further testing agility and skill levels. Dexerto also praises the game for providing an extra incentive to replay stages through the 'Out For Blood' mode and competing on global leaderboards. Digital Chumps and Game Informer both mention the game's progression system and challenges as factors that provide replay value. Gfinity and God is a Geek both mention the game's challenges and score chasing as elements that contribute to its replayability. These positive aspects suggest that Rollerdrome offers various challenges and modes that keep players engaged and motivated to replay the game. However, there are also critics who express negative opinions about the game's replay value. Checkpoint Gaming mentions feeling satisfied after a few levels into the new run, implying that the replayability may diminish after a certain point. Game Revolution mentions the lack of multiplayer as a missed opportunity for replayability. PC Games also criticizes the game for lacking replay value due to the absence of a multiplayer mode and limited incentives to replay the game after completing it. The Guardian mentions that forced replays of the same levels become frustrating, and the limited stage selection may leave players wanting more. NME states that replaying the later levels can feel draining and intense. These negative opinions suggest that Rollerdrome may have limitations in terms of providing long-lasting replay value. Overall, the critics' opinions on the replay value of Rollerdrome are mixed. While some critics highlight the game's challenges, progression system, and additional modes as factors that contribute to its replayability, others criticize the lack of multiplayer, limited incentives, and repetitive nature of replaying levels. It is worth noting that several critics, such as The Independent, CGMagazine, and TheGamer, emphasize the game's replay value and the satisfaction of overcoming challenges. However, the negative opinions expressed by critics like Game Revolution and PC Games suggest that Rollerdrome may not offer enough variety or incentives to keep players coming back for repeated playthroughs. Ultimately, the overall consensus among the critics leans towards a moderate level of replay value, with some positive aspects but also some limitations.

TL;DR

replay value

Rollerdrome's replay value divides critics. Positive reviews praise its challenges and new modes like 'Out For Blood,' keeping players engaged. However, some critics find the lack of multiplayer and repetitive levels diminish replayability. While some emphasize the satisfaction of overcoming challenges, others feel the game lacks variety and incentives for repeated playthroughs. Overall, Rollerdrome offers a mix of engaging elements and limitations for players seeking replay value.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

77%

Mixed (50-79)

23%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Rollerdrome, according to the opinions of multiple videogame critics, has received a generally positive response. The game's positive aspects are highlighted by several reviewers, such as COGconnected, who describe it as a "blast to play" and praise its appeal to players of all skill types. The game's aesthetic, with its 1970s vibe, is also noted as a standout feature. Additionally, critics like Dexerto and Digital Chumps commend Rollerdrome for successfully blending two opposing styles, skating and shooting, into an expertly executed experience. The game's visuals, gameplay, and overall enjoyment are consistently praised by critics like GameCritics, GameGrin, and WellPlayed. These positive reviews indicate that Rollerdrome has managed to captivate players with its unique blend of genres, engaging gameplay, and stylish presentation. However, there are some criticisms raised by reviewers regarding Rollerdrome. One common critique is the lack of depth and variety in gameplay, as mentioned by Game Revolution and GamesRadar++. These critics feel that the game's mechanics and story could have been further developed to provide a more compelling experience. The limited scope beyond gameplay, as noted by Screen Rant and The Independent, is another drawback mentioned by some critics. Additionally, some reviewers, such as Gamer.no and NME, express concerns about the overwhelming number of enemies and projectiles, which can affect the flow and enjoyment of the game. These criticisms suggest that while Rollerdrome has its strengths, it falls short in terms of gameplay depth, variety, and difficulty balancing. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Rollerdrome is an enjoyable and visually pleasing game that successfully combines skating and shooting mechanics. The positive aspects, such as the game's aesthetics, gameplay, and overall experience, are consistently highlighted by multiple reviewers. The negative aspects, including the lack of depth and variety in gameplay, overwhelming enemies, and limited scope, are also acknowledged by some critics. However, despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment is that Rollerdrome is a game worth checking out, as stated by Forbes, GamingBolt, and We Got This Covered. The game's unique concept, engaging mechanics, and potential for further development are factors that contribute to its positive reception.

TL;DR

Rollerdrome impresses critics with its fun gameplay blending skating and shooting, captivating visuals, and overall enjoyment. However, some reviewers point out shortcomings like lack of depth, limited variety, and overwhelming enemies. Despite criticisms, Rollerdrome is praised for its unique concept and potential for improvement, making it a game worth trying out according to multiple sources.

CRITIK

Reviews

131 reviews found

100

CGMagazine

Aug 16, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Rollerdrome excels on every level with its various game levels, blend of simplicity and complexity, attention to detail, and accessibility. Despite the mature rating, it can be enjoyed by everyone.

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God is a Geek

PlayStation 5

Aug 16, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review describes Rollerdrome as a phenomenal shooter with great combat and movement, stunning visuals, and plenty of replayability.

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Player 2

PlayStation 5

Aug 16, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Rollerdrome is one of the best games of the year, combining the best parts of two genres and providing addictive gameplay.

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Forbes

PlayStation 5

Aug 16, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Rollerdrome is absolutely worth checking out.

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Gfinity

PlayStation 5

Aug 16, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Rollerdrome is described as a meticulously designed and balanced game that is challenging, fun, bursting with style, and perfect for score-chasing players.

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Hooked Gamers

Aug 29, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Rollerdrome is a beautiful and satisfying game with tight gameplay. It knows what it wants to be and delivers exactly that. The story could have taken more chances, but it still offers a fun experience.

GameSpace

Aug 22, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises Rollerdrome as a thrilling and chaotic game with flowing combat, constant momentum, a plethora of enemies, and diverse arenas. The game is described as a sublime cocktail of ideas and highly recommended.

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GameGrin

PlayStation 5

Aug 16, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Rollerdrome definitely held my attention long after the credits rolled. Fast-paced, challenging, and visually pleasing, Rollerdrome is a game that deserves all the praise heaped upon it.

IGN

PlayStation 5

Aug 22, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Rollerdrome is a thrilling game with a compelling story, fun gameplay, and impressive visuals and music. It offers replay value and is highly recommended.

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The Independent

PlayStation 5

Aug 16, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Rollerdrome is a crack shot hit from Roll7 that demands every ounce of your attention. It is fresh, rewarding, and impossible to put down.

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