In the year 2030, gladiatorial-based bloodsports have made their comeback. However, unlike in 404 BC, where Gladiators relied on fighting with swords and shields in purpose-built arenas, the landscape has changed since then. In 2030 AD, combatants have access to more advanced weaponry like dual pistols and grenade launchers. Oh, they also use ramps, walls, and rails to bust out dope tricks as they glide around arenas wearing roller skates while competing for the top spot in the world’s hottest game show, Rollerdrome sponsored by Roll7 and Private Division!
Rollerdrome is a ruthless, savage display of violence packed into a fast-paced game show that’s designed to entertain the masses. Combatants who enter the show have to overcome a wide variety of dangerous “House Players” armed with baseball bats, riot shields, rocket launchers, and some even pilot full-blown mechs. Now, it might sound like the guys with baseball bats, and riot shields may be easy pickings, but in all honesty, they’re just as deadly as the others.
During my time with Rollerdrome, it was easy to forget the smaller guys were there. Riot Shield enemies launch mines at you, so they’re harder to lose in a crowd full of explosive chaos, but I digress. As I made my way through the six levels in the preview, I was often hesitant to approach even the smallest of enemies. One mistimed dodge meant I could take damage and lose my combo streak, which may also mean that there was a much larger chance I would fail one of the stage’s 10 challenges.
Throughout the six levels I played, I got to experience various arenas and got to know the controls pretty intimately. It was mostly a great time and I’m looking forward to experiencing the later levels of the game. With the exception of the enemies who wield bats, every other attack has a clear indicator of what’s coming. Snipers take aim at you with a red laser, mines have clear markers to indicate their proximity, rockets are noisy, and as they close in, an arrow will appear, etc. Avoiding these will earn you points, and by performing a perfect dodge when the indicators turn white, you’ll go into perfect reflex mode allowing the main character, Kara Hassan, to do more damage.
I got to use three weapons in the preview: Kara’s dual pistols, a shotgun, and a grenade launcher. Each weapon has its uses and feels good to use. The only downside I found is that the weapons all take from the same ammo pool. This way, you can’t fire off two grenades and then immediately gun down more formidable enemies with your pistols. It’s an understandable mechanic but, at the same time, makes those “pinch” moments much more frantic.
As far as being an extreme sport goes, the controls are tight, and doing tricks is both fun and necessary to your survival in the arena. While ammo is infinite, your guns can only be reloaded by doing tricks and performing grinds. I think my biggest gripe about Rollerdrome, however, is the camera. It’s controlled by moving Kara and is always positioned as if it is “behind her” so that you’re always going forward. If Kara lands backwards, it would throw off the controls though she tries to automatically right herself quickly. Another issue I had was that the camera would often crash into objects behind it. Getting too close to a ramp, for instance, will cause the camera to jerk up and over Kara, and it makes encounters much stickier.
If you liked Sable’s graphics, you’ll love the art style in Rollerdrome. Its 1980s-inspired soundtrack is the cherry on top of the whole vibe. I do feel like there was a lack of arenas, however. In the preview, I played in a roller derby arena, abandoned ski lodge, shopping mall, and a random canyon. They were a blast to run around in, but I am worried about how interesting it will stay in the long run.
I had an absolute blast with Rollerdrome. While I do have some complaints, I think it’s a solid arena-based shooter with a unique twist. There is a fourth weapon, but I didn’t get a chance to play with that one as it wasn’t in the preview. I can’t wait to get back into the game, and blast more house players when Roll7’s roller derby shooter launches on August 16th, 2022.
