Rollerdrome is a BAFTA award-winning third person action shooter that seamlessly blends high octane, visceral combat with fluid movement and tricking mechanics into one complementary and challenging whole, to create an original adrenaline-pumping shooter experience like no other.
Players take control of Kara Hassan, a rookie competitor in the brutal Rollerdrome tournament set in a dystopian 2030. The gameplay seamlessly blends high-octane, visceral combat with fluid movement and trick mechanics, challenging players to master a diverse set of skills.
The core of the gameplay loop revolves around an extensive set of skating tricks, including grinds, grabs, spins, and flips. Executing these tricks not only looks stylish, but also refills the player's ammunition, creating a satisfying risk-reward balance. Maintaining a high-scoring combo is crucial, as it slows down time for more precise aiming.
The shooting and combat mechanics are equally polished and seamlessly integrated with the skating. Players have access to a variety of weapons, such as a pistol, shotgun, sniper rifle, and grenade launcher, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Enemies pose a significant challenge, requiring players to constantly switch between weapons and tactics to take them down effectively. Perfectly timed dodges trigger a slow-motion effect, allowing devastating counterattacks.
The circular arenas provide ample space for skating, tricking, and engaging in combat. Each level presents a set of challenges, such as eliminating specific enemies or collecting tokens, encouraging replayability and mastery of the game's mechanics. The levels gradually increase in complexity, introducing new enemy types and environmental hazards.
The game strikes a delicate balance between accessibility and challenge, offering a range of difficulty options and accessibility features to cater to players of various skill levels. While the core gameplay is demanding, the responsive controls and fluid movement make it rewarding to learn and master.
Players have praised the game's unique blend of genres, likening the experience to a fusion of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater and Max Payne, set in a dystopian, retrofuturistic world with an incredible style, atmosphere, and soundtrack. Reviewers have highlighted the satisfying sense of accomplishment that comes from perfecting the gameplay loop.