Game: Bang-On Balls: Chronicles
Genre: Action, Platformer
System: Steam (Windows) (also on Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5 & Xbox)
Developer|Publisher: Exit Plan Games | Untold Tales
Controller Support: Yes
Steam Deck: Verified
Price: US $24.99 | UK £20.99 | EU € 24,99
Release Date: October 5th, 2023
A review code was provided, thanks to Plan of Attack.
Bang-On Balls: Chronicles Fun Guaranteed
Bang-On Balls: Chronicles is a 3D platformer with a focus on exploration. In screenshots, this may not look like much of a game. After all, you just play as an egg-like character plodding around some levels. But to sell it on appearances really does this game a disservice.
From the moment I picked up the controller, Bang-Ons Balls grabbed me by the hand and reminded me of one of the video game’s core values: fun. And if you decide to pick up this game I’m sure that’s a guarantee that should be stamped on the box of the game. That is, if a physical copy existed.
Jump Into a TV
In terms of story, I’m not entirely sure what the plot is. The game description says you are a reckless, bouncy hero called Bob, embarking on an epic quest of adventure and chaos. When you begin Bang-On Balls: Chronicles, you walk through a film set. Here, you get to customize your character with various cosmetics, and the game teaches you the game controls and mechanics.
After that, you jump onto a TV screen, which is a feature that reminds me of the classic PSone game Gex 3D, and the adventure begins. Maybe the plot has something to do with saving television. Who knows? It doesn’t really matter since the game’s focus is getting you straight into the action, which will appeal to many players tired of unnecessary cutscenes.
Massive Open Levels Filled With Life
The presentation of Bang-On Balls is frankly superb. There are multiple huge sandbox-style levels to explore. Themes include a Viking area with forests to explore and castles to siege to Feudal Japan, which has peaceful countryside and bustling cities. In many games featuring big open levels, it’s common for there to be quite a bit of wasted space, but that really isn’t the case with Bang-On Balls: Chronicles. It feels like every square inch of each level has had special care and attention applied to it.
Areas are littered with NPCs interacting in the environment and going about their day. They might be fishing or tending to a farm, and of course, some of them are hostile. But it’s not just the NPCs that impressed me. Exploring the levels feels like the equivalent of going for a walk in the forest. You just don’t know what you discover, and I found myself having just as much fun wandering around each environment than focusing on the main mission at hand. Sure, you may play as a ball, but Bang-On Balls’ presentation is truly remarkable.
Missions in Bang-On Balls: Chronicles
When you enter a level, you are given a few priority missions to accomplish before you can exit the level and move on. These missions usually involve travelling to a specific area to defeat a boss or break something. Repeat this across multiple locations before taking on the final epic boss encounter. These missions are easily highlighted with helpful indicators to ping up if you need a reminder.
In theory, you could get through this entire game in a few gaming sessions if you chose only to focus on these missions. However, each level actually has multiple missions to discover for yourself through exploration, as well as various ball NPCs to rescue from cages. As mentioned, I enjoyed just roaming around and seeing what I would discover.
The difficulty is fairly casual. Your ball has a health bar. But if it gets too low, it will replenish slightly, so long as you move away from conflict for a period of recovery. Even if you do perish, you respawn close by to continue your antics.
Combat
Your move set involves jumping, slamming from above and dashing. These moves serve as your platforming abilities and combat in the game. Bang-On Balls: Chronicles is certainly easy to pick up, but I have to say that the combat felt a bit shallow. To defeat enemies and bosses, you simply have to ram into them or slam from above, wait for an opening and then repeat. It just feels like it could have used a little more depth instead of just gradually whittling down health bars.
Cosmetics
A big feature of Bang-On Balls: Chronicles is finding new cosmetics. You can collect these small blue pellets, which act as the game’s coins, and these can be exchanged to unlock new outfits from NPCs, like hats, shields and weapons. Most cosmetics, including weapons, are just for show since your main weapon in this game is simply bashing into things or slamming from above. However, some feature special abilities like a pickaxe will help you mine nearby crystals for blue pellets.
Some items can be thrown, like tomatoes, to cause a little damage. You can pause the game action at any time to change the look of your ball. Something the developers are clearly proud of in the description of the game is that it features absolutely no paid DLC for cosmetics. It’s all unlocked in the game.
Extras
A very appealing feature is the ability to share the game with 3 other players online. Now I didn’t play with any friends on my Steam list but I did leave my session open and had the odd person join in my game. It’s a mixed experience with randos since often they just rolled off doing what they wanted before getting bored and signing out. Still, it’s co-op only, so they can’t ruin your game. But maybe sticking with friends is the better option.
Another feature I liked about Bang-On Balls: Chronicles was a little arcade found in the main hub area. Here, you can indulge in some cool mini-games like bowling, where you are the bowling ball. You can also dive into some arcade cabinets and chase a high score. These games can also be played online. For the price of entry, Bang-On Balls is excellent value for money.
Conclusion: Just Roll With it
Bang-On Balls: Chronicles was a very nice platforming surprise. With huge open levels filled with things to do and places to explore, it’s hard not to be impressed by the game’s presentation. Things are a little let down by the game’s shallow combat, but I can’t deny that I had a lot of fun playing through this game.
Bang-On Balls: Chronicles is an ideal pick if you’re looking for an instant pick-up and play platforming experience just to get lost in for a few gaming sessions. Throw in the ability to play with friends and you also may have a game night game to enjoy too. Don’t let this one roll on by, take a look and if nothing else add it to your wishlist. For many players, video games are just about having fun, and Bang-on Balls certainly achieves that.
Final Verdict: I Like it a Lot
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