Sports games can be for a specific audience because they simulate the realism of the sport and the players who would enjoy them are typically sports fans. On top of that, many sports games are becoming popular quickly and even highly regarded. However, many games like Rocket League have made the genre more fun, and in turn, they've cast out a wider net, meaning more players get to play these types of games. Plus sports games are getting more experimental, allowing developers to think outside the box. A good example of this experimentation is in the latest rollerskater shooter hybrid Rollerdrome. A game that puts players in arenas, armed with weapons, and shooting NPCs in a type of televised sporting event.
The one thing that separates Rollerdrome from other games in its realm like Roller Champions, is the fact that the former has the player fighting, and that adds a new element to gameplay. Rather than focusing on the sport aspect of the game, Rollerdrome's main attraction is combat. With combat comes weapons, and the game does feature them. As of writing this, Rollerdrome only features four weapons, one of which is already unlocked. Still, even with the limited amount of weapons, the game is pretty fun, and the weapons make it even better. However, players should note not all weapons are equal, this list will help players figure out their strengths and how they impact gameplay.
5 Crossbow
The reason why this weapon is high on the list is that the cons unfortunately outweigh the pros. But, the pros do justify themselves by allowing players to try out this crossbow. The main thing about Rollerdrome is that it's all about momentum, an element that made other games like Skate fun to play and well received. So, the main issue with the crossbow that dampens the whole experience is that it has a slow firing rate. Meaning, that the best way to use it would be when players are using the reflex time mechanic, which slows down time.
However, on the other side, as mentioned earlier, even though it's a slow-firing weapon, it does do quite a bit of damage. If players use some strategy like using the reflex time and getting momentum, which is also a winning strategy in other games like Roller Champions, then taking down enemies becomes more fluid. But, the best way to use this weapon is at a distance, and understand that they'll be taking their time between shots. But, if every shot hits, then enemies will go down a lot quicker.
4 Shotgun
Rollerdrome features a wide variety of enemy types, some with melee weapons and others with guns. This does change how the players play Rollerdrome because they'll need to react differently based on what enemy they're up against. On the harder levels, they'll be a wide assortment of enemies, leaving players overwhelmed. However, the shotgun is a great way to alleviate that. Because, snipers, for example, have lower health and are considered special enemies who go down faster.
Shotguns can make quick work of them, plus they have a wider blast radius which allows players to chain attacks. However, going after special enemy types first is something players may miss out doing, which in turn can make the game hard to play. If players opt to use the shotgun, they should note that they'll need to play more aggressively, mainly because the shotgun doesn't have good range. Fighting closer to the enemy may cause issues with other weapons in Rollerdrome, but with the shotgun having high damage, being up close and personal will be much easier.
3 Grenade Launcher
While not as useful for solo enemies, it does have the advantage of taking down groups of enemies, and then some. The reason why the grenade launcher is above the shotgun is because of how versatile it can be. One of the reasons why Rollerdrome is being compared to iconic games like Skate is that it incorporates the same elements. Like doing moves like grinding or tricks, which helps refill the player's ammo stock. If players utilize this mechanic with the others like reflex time, they can be unstoppable.
Unlike the shotgun, where it's only good in a specific way, players can be more liberal with the grenade launcher. One effect that the grenade launcher has is that it has splash damage, meaning, if player shoot at one enemy, anyone around them will also get hit, potentially going down. Because of that, the grenade launcher can create breathing room and combos for the player. One aspect that can annoy players for Rollerdrome, is that all weapons use the same ammo, however, as mentioned before, ammo refills if players do cool things, so that can be very helpful. As soon as ammo runs out, players simply need to grind consistently, then everything comes back.
2 Dual Pistols
Rollerdrome much like Roller Champions is all about having, and keeping momentum. Because that helps players create combos, and makes the level easier. The dual pistols are a great highlight of that because as players are moving, and keeping their speed at a consistent rate players can fight more fluidly. The reason why the Dual Pistols are high on this list is because of how well-balanced they are, and how they empathize the player's movements.
This is done by making players fight more stylishly, and that comes from their fire rate. However, the trade-off is that while they are fast, they don't do damage, so players should be consistently firing and moving. Plus with the inclusion of reflex time, players can hit more targets at any distance. They will be spending a lot of time with the dual pistols because it's already unlocked at the get-go, and it takes less skill to master. On top of that, much like the grenade launcher, players can be extremely versatile with them, which in turn allows them to be more aggressive when playing.
Rollerdrome is available on PS5, PS4, and PC.