Pirate. That is what drew me into trying out this game. I won't lie. I am as easy as that. So there, you know my weakness. Thanks to developer Exit Plan games, I was given the opportunity to check out the game for which the expansion that exploited my weakness lead me, in a game I have never played called Bang on Balls (BoB). The developers have quite the pedigree, if not polar opposite pedigree. Developing for such games as The Witcher and Gwent. You would never expect a lovable game about Balls that conquer your favorite genres, and mini games that would appeal from old to young. The very first impression? Well, it's fun. Instantly I could see in the mini games a unique potential for game night. My favorite being a cross between falling floors intertwined with Tetris like multiplayer elimination game. Then you get to the story modes. Currently there are a few themes here, the first is a Viking themed world where amongst many objectives and gathering of tiny blue orbs that can be redeemed for different skins for hats, weapons, and more. Ultimately you make your way to the big boss who is of course, Thor himself. It was no easy boss fight. I have to say. Many respawns were made until I finally progressed.
After that came a cold war inspired story mode with U.S.A. facing off against the old sickle and hammer. I have to say, I was a little taken aback by this. But why the hell not haha? Art imitates life an I right? Sure. This is about as far as the current game took me. The place holder for the Pirate expansion is present only in a stage set for the upcomming adventure.
Cut to PAX West in Seattle Washington. I walked up to a small space with one station to play a game and a few developers that were responsible for some of the most beloved games we've grown to adore. I met with Game Director Damien Monnier. My objective? Take a peak at this new Pirate inspired expansion that was sitting right in front of me to try. Now on the surface it encapsulates everything you would expect from other Bang on Balls story modes. BUT! They have added some cool new features. Like for example... boat skins? Any time you hit the water, your character spawns a boat underneath it. Now normally it would appear as if you were just sitting in a log, with all the actions you use on dry land. Dashing, jumping, etc.. But in certain places you have the ability to redeem those small blue orbs for boat skins. AMAZING. Take your boat around the map and defeat pirate ships and scurvy balls. Dodging cannon fire and defeating agro orbs of self contained rage for your very existence. This meets all your swash buckling needs as a bouncing sentient ball.
What is the last big mega boss you ask? None other than the mighty, the great, the slimy... KRAKEN! There is a lot to love about this new Pirate inspired expansion. But overall it's the game itself that will keep you coming back and trying to get your friends to join you. With a 98% approval on Steam, it's clear to see why. They describe the game as a mix between Zelda Breath of The Wild free exploration and Mario Odyssey gameplay. Overall I will be trying to incorporate this somehow to have a night full of laughs with Cursed members.
A little exclusive: The next expansion to come for Bang on Balls? Well, the developers are sending us to Japan. Balls out in Japan. Can't wait to see.
