024 - BALLOON FIGHT

BALLOON FIGHT

Episode 024

SHOW NOTES

Iwata on Game Center CX | Sakamoto Developer Interview | Balloon Kid Gameplay | Joust | Flappy Bird

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OUR THOUGHTS

MIKE

Balloon Fight excels in its ability to take a simple and easy to use mechanic and make a game all about it. The concept is easy to explain, heck you don't even have to explain it. Just watching someone play immediately demonstrates what the player needs to do. The challenge comes in the freedom to tackle the situation however you like. This is the replay value in Balloon Fight. No matter how many times you play the game, it will never go down exactly the same way. The floaty physics and responsiveness of the gameplay make you feel like you are actually in controller of your character instead of just pushing buttons.

For me personally, this game is addicting! It has that "one more try" mentality that never makes you feel like you can't progress a little further or score a little higher. It may be the most fun you'll have on an "older" game simply because it doesn't need any refining. A sequel might actually complicate the game more than it needs.

SEAN

Balloon Fight is carried into greatness by its intuitive controls and manic pace. Single player is still an example of solid game design, but multiplayer is where the real fun begins. Playing Balloon Fight with a friend is like dancing the Lindy Hop, except you're both drunk, clumsy, stepping on each others toes, and never really knew the moves to begin with. It's a blast, even when you're accidentally popping each others balloons and sending your friend to their doom. It's got great music, personality, and is generally just a joy to play.

JOE

I like Balloon Fight a bit more after revisiting it than I did when we recorded this episode.  The controls are intentionally floaty but they feel right. Though they take some getting used to, it's very satisfying to use the physics and momentum to your advantage and navigate the chaos. I don't have a ton to say about it, it's just simple fun!

THE VERDICT - ESSENTIAL

Yeah, it's not looking to good for our fighter...

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