After 2 years of glowing reviews during its early access phase on Steam, Bang-On Balls: Chronicles now takes centre stage with a full release. The guys of Exit Plan Games and Untold Tales opted for a comprehensive launch, spanning not just PC but also all available consoles. We got our hands on the Nintendo Switch version to immerse ourselves in the world of Bang-On Balls: Chronicles
Movie studio with balls
In Bang-On Balls: Chronicles, you step into a realm inhabited by charming ball-shaped characters. Your adventure unfolds within a movie studio, where, reminiscent of Mario 64, you can leap into various sets through “paintings”. These diverse sets are essentially open-world playgrounds, encouraging free exploration. While there are main objectives to conquer, the beauty lies in the freedom to chart your own course. Go for a carefree journey and complete some objectives as they come along. The choice is yours. Each set overflows with a plethora of collectibles making this game a collect-a-thon in a way that reminded me of the Lego games.
Platformer
The game draws inspiration from the golden era of 3D platformers. The design team leaves no mystery about their influences, openly referencing iconic characters like a certain Italian plumber, a speedy blue hedgehog, and a bear accompanied by a bird. With the quintessential tropes of 3D-platforming present: jumping, double jumping, and skillfully dashing, the game channels the nostalgic vibes of N64 classics. The platforming challenges are never insurmountable, instead, they offer a delightful level of difficulty, demanding precision and some persistence. Each time you are successful you’ll experience a satisfying achievement. It won’t be long before you spot a new location with a tricky passage leading up to it to further explore while platforming.
Fight your way around
In the world of Bang-On Balls: Chronicles spherical threats are around every corner. Luckily the game offers multiple ways to fight your way out of every scenario. As you traverse the sets, some objects you collect can be used as weapons to dispatch your enemies. Equip a sword and shield for a classic slashing experience or opt for something more peculiar with a tomato-gun. The game offers something to tailor to your own combat style. While the mechanics are easily grasped, the sheer number and, at times, the size of adversaries add a layer of complexity to certain areas. Go about it the wrong way and you might lose all your lives. To add a bit more challenge, unique boss fights demand even more strategic timing.
I heard great things…
An ode to platforming bliss, Bang-on Balls: Chronicles promises a collect-a-thon, diverse play styles, and an adventure tailored to your own pace. Unique sets and expansions to come have the potential to deliver a great experience. Except… not on the Nintendo Switch. The game was poorly optimised on this platform. Long loading times had me questioning if my game had crashed. The graphics, a far cry from the promotional images, add further to the disappointment. Dubious frame rates, clipping into walls, and a camera that fails to do what it is supposed to do – often at the most demanding moments – make playing frustrating. From what I heard, the Xbox and Playstation counterparts fulfil the game’s promises far better and are apparently enjoyable.
Conclusion
Bang-On Balls: Chronicles combines a few great ideas. It looks like a perfect game for a casual gamer and fits a younger audience perfectly. Just stay away from the Nintendo Switch version if you want the right experience.
