Game Cover

Platform played on: Xbox One

# Review

This is yet another multiplayer game going offline. Rocket Arena is a competitive third-person shooter with a heavy emphasis on movement and rockets. There are several game modes, with classics like Knockout (deathmatch) and Megarockets (capture the flag), as well as more unique modes like Rocketball (where one tries to throw/carry a ball into the opposing team’s goal) and Treasure Hunt (where one tries to gain coins by either gathering them or holding on to the treasure).

As you’re reading this, the game is probably already offline. I have a fascination with dying games so I picked up a cheap physical copy on Ebay to check it out. The gameplay is actually pretty fun; I really like new mechanics like Blast Meter, where instead of health, the players get lighter and lighter when hit until they get knocked out of the match (kind of like Super Smash Bros.). I also like the characters, who each have unique gameplay styles and aesthetics. My favourite is probably Topnotch, with his artillery salute and bouncing grenades. The powerups within levels and the artifacts you can equip on characters also adds an additional dimension to the gameplay.

While the game is actually quite fun, especially the in-game duels, it did get a tad boring after a while. Some of the game modes, such as Treasure Hunt, are also highly teammate dependent, so it can be frustrating when your teammates aren’t playing well. As with games like Hyper Scape, the game is good but did not stand out in the very crowded multiplayer shooter category, especially given EA's lack of support. I did appreciate how the devs unlocked all skins and sped up progression prior to the server closure, though.

# Conclusion

Actually pretty fun game, but not enough content.

# Overall rating: 7.4

What does the rating mean?