RUMBLE Review: Battle as You've Never Battled Before
The earth moves beneath your feet in RUMBLE, the VR game where martial arts meets earth-bending. Is it the champion of the arena or a rocky fall? Find out below.
Early Access Review
VR Only
last updated Dec 08, 2023
RUMBLE isn't just a game; it's a test of will, patience, and the flexing of virtual and physical muscles.
Throwing Punches, Rocks, and Expectations
RUMBLE dares you to master the art of earth manipulation, turning your movements into a symphony of destruction. With the elegance of a martial artist and the impact of a bulldozer, this game demands precision that would make a brain surgeon sweat. The fight for mastery is the real meat here, folks, and it's an all-you-can-eat buffet. Watching the earth respond to your gestures is eye-candy for those with power fantasies—but be warned, this is the Dark Souls of gesture-based combat. If you're yearning for an experience where skill and sweat blend together in an adrenaline-inducing dance, then RUMBLE might just be your next obsession.
Sonic Booms and Soothing Tunes
The soundtrack thumps with a beat that mirrors your heart rate during an intense bout, pumping you up just when you need it most. But it’s not all bass drops and heavy hits—RUMBLE's audio takes a dynamic approach with sound effects that crunch, crash, and collide, providing instant feedback on the strength of your earth-flinging endeavors. As immersive as the VR world is, the audio holds its own, pulling you into the virtual colosseum even deeper. The moments of silence between clashes are as profound as the impact of the sound effects, with tension building in every pause. It's an aural landscape that will have your eardrums thanking you for not taking them for granted.
A Feast For Your Eyes, Not Just For the Boulders
Graphically, RUMBLE seems stolen straight out of an earthbender's wildest dreams, with each particle of dirt and rock meticulously animated to add to the tactile feel of the game. And let's talk performance—because what's the point of having the world at your fingertips if it all moves like molasses in January? Thankfully, RUMBLE delivers a smooth experience most of the time, with only minimal dips in framerate when the action gets too rock 'n' roll. The visuals strike that perfect balance between realism and stylized art that immerses without overwhelming, ensuring you won't mistake your digital fists for your grandma's knitting club.
A Community of Monks in a Ghost Town
The community vibe gives off a 'hidden dojo of friendly monks’ feel, where everyone is willing to help you perfect your crane-kick-to-cobblestone conversion rate. But here's the ugly truth: the temples are deserted. The struggle to find a sparring partner in the desolate matchmaking queues is as challenging as the game itself. While brawlers at heart will find kinship in those few noble souls still throwing down, the sparse population may turn your journey into a solo quest for enlightenment. It's like throwing a rock concert (pun intended) but the only folks showing up are a few dedicated groupies.
EARLY ACCESS RATING
Developer & Publisher
Buckethead Entertainment
Early Accesss Release Date
September 23, 2022
The Verdict
RUMBLE isn't just a game; it's a test of will, patience, and the flexing of virtual and physical muscles. Despite its steep learning curve and the chill of a sparse multiplayer landscape, the game's small yet fiercely devoted community and highly rewarding combat system make it a hidden gem. If you’re willing to endure a lonely climb to greatness and are looking for a workout that will leave both your spirits and limbs sore, RUMBLE is a hefty cut above the rest.
