‘Grapples Galore’ Review: Swinging Fun with a Side of Mayhem
A grappling good time for those who like their multiplayer mayhem physics-based and their battlegrounds filled with ragdolls.
Early Access Review
last updated Dec 30, 2023
Beneath the surface hilarity of its ragdoll antics lies a game that’s both strategically engaging and bursting with potential for mayhem with mates.
The Hook on Gameplay
‘Grapples Galore’ is a testament to the sheer joy of simplicity. The game offers players the delightful chaos of a multiplayer shooter, enhanced by the use of grappling hooks that control as if they were an extension of your own arm. The hooks not only serve as a mode of transportation but also as a key strategic tool during the frenzied gunplay. However, the real joy comes from mastering the grappling mechanics, zipping from one platform to another in a dazzling display of aerobatic prowess. While the RPG may blast your opponents into oblivion with unfair ease, the crossbow's sluggish reload time proves that the devil is truly in the details, demanding patience and skill.
Tune In, Turn Up, Ragdoll Around
Let's talk tunes and booms. ‘Grapples Galore’ dishes out an auditory experience that's solid, if not revolutionary. The soundtrack pumps enough energy to keep your adrenaline match-fit, while the sound effects give weight to every shootout. The satisfying thud of a well-aimed shot or the whimsical flailing of ragdoll physics adds layers to the game's charm. The audio might not be making the angels sing, but it complements the gameplay like a good sidekick – not stealing the show, but you’d miss it if it was gone.
A Visual Spectacle of Mayhem
Visually, ‘Grapples Galore’ is a bit like that indie band your friend's always raving about - it doesn't need a high-budget music video to rock your world. The graphics are a clean, unpretentious sort of pretty, with an aesthetic that wouldn't look out of place in a game of 'who can pass off as a Pixar side-character'. The game runs smoother than a greased-up eel which is a delightful surprise given its fast-paced nature. The graphical performance remains rock-solid, ensuring that you can focus on your grappling glory without pesky interruptions.
The Glitch in the Swing
However, it's not all rainbows and rocket launchers. The game has its share of glitches and bugs that sometimes feel like a cheat code gone wrong. But fear not, they mostly fall into the ‘minor inconvenience’ category rather than game-breaking disasters. Specific issues like the frequent need to restart the game to join matches, the sometimes infuriating visuals that make spotting enemies akin to a Where's Waldo puzzle, and the sense of being thrown into the deep end with higher-skilled foes do bubble up. At least friends will have shared tales of woe after a galvanizing session.
EARLY ACCESS RATING
Developer & Publisher
Zoteling
Early Accesss Release Date
November 09, 2023
Verdict
In the free-to-play pantheon, ‘Grapples Galore’ swings in as a surprisingly polished contender. Minor bugs aside, the game’s grappling mechanics shine brightly, elevating it from what could have been a standard arena shooter into an acrobatic spectacle that's easy to pick up but devilishly tricky to master. Beneath the surface hilarity of its ragdoll antics lies a game that’s both strategically engaging and bursting with potential for mayhem with mates. If you're down for a taste of Spider-Man gone rogue with an arsenal, this game has your name written all over it.
