So if you grew up in the arcade “heyday” like I did, you may recall certain two-player “cute” games. I’m talking about stuff like Bubble Bobble and the Snow Bros. games. You know, where you play an adorable hero battling against all odds to save the world from, um, “cute” enemies. This design definitely stuck for a while, and many players absolutely loved it. That includes KaleidoGames, who decided to give the concept a shot with Slam and Roll. It’s on Steam Early Access now, with a potential release date in 2025.
In the game, you play one of two characters armed with what’s called “enhanced sports equipment.” Using this, you can whip enemies into oblivion, while pursuing the ingenious (and quite mad) Dr. McLabby. What follows is 200+ stages of mayhem, done in the old-school style you may remember. (Or want to discover, if you haven’t already.)
It may not elevate too much in the gameplay department. But it stays true to its old-school roots, and flourishes as a result. Slam and Roll is definitely a good time for those of you that love something simple, yet oh so destructive.
Slam and Roll Lives Up To Its Name
Throughout each stage, you’re given stages filled with enemies. You’ll need to clear them out using your “slam and roll” techniques. That includes creating projectiles that, surprise, can hit other opponents. It’s actually rather cool, and a wonderful throwback to the snowball rolling from Snow Bros. (But with a sports touch, obviously.)
The gameplay doesn’t really change that much outside of that. However, KaleidoGames has put in a number of challenging stages. As the game goes on, it gets increasingly tougher. Not to mention it throws bosses at you that require a great deal of thinking. So, yeah, its simple concept balances out with a growing difficulty scale. And one that’s perfectly fair, mind you.
Plus, did I mention that the game is a lot of fun with two players? A buddy can join you and help you clean house – and sometimes, in later stages, that’s an effective tactic. I do wish some form of online play can get in the mix. But, for now, it’s a great local affair. Not to mention it works very well on Steam Deck.
And something should be said about the “chaos mode,” which lives up to its name. It is, ahem, chaos, with continuous attacks coming your way. It’ll keep you on your toes and help you practice for later, tougher stages. It’s a nice addition, and I have a feeling the dev isn’t done yet.
Slam and Roll follows a general blueprint, but does so elegantly. And with that, it stands shoulder to shoulder alongside some of the greats. It kind of makes me wonder how it would fare on consoles as well. Something to consider, KaleidoGames.
Dang, This Is Cute
KaleidoGames also does well with the game’s design. Along with imaginatively designed stages and rad boss encounters, it benefits from a simple art style. It easily resonates with the Snow Bros. crowd with its “cute” animations and fast pace. But it does so in its own way, creating a fun little retro experience in its own right. The fact it performs very well – even in more frantic stages – is a plus.
There’s also a great soundtrack here, filled with fun little retro beats and even a few dramatic themes. The end result is a nice mix that will keep you slapping around foes well into the evening. The sound effects are minimal, but just about right for a game of this type. Maybe I just wanted more “cute” voice effects, I dunno. Slam and Roll still looks and sounds great.
Get To Slamming
Some of you may want to wait until the game’s final release to see what all it can offer. For instance, some new visual modes have entered the fray, and I have a feeling more stuff is coming. But that said, there’s nothing wrong with Slam and Roll’s Early Access state.
It plays very well, and offers a lot for solo and co-op play. We’re talking two hundred stages. Not to mention the other challenges and exciting boss encounters. Oh, and did I mention it was adorable? Because it is.
We’ll hold off giving it a final score until the full release. But, for now, Slam and Roll has a great deal of potential. It’s the best kind of slam city.
Thanks to KaleidoGames for providing an Early Access code! You can check out the game on Steam now.
Want more old-school fun? Check out our reviews of Nikoderiko: The Magical World and Blazing Strike!
