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.
The game fuses third-person shooter and skating gameplay. Players control a character on roller skates, navigating arena-like levels and eliminating enemy targets through a combination of gunplay and acrobatic tricks. The core loop involves building up long combos by continuously performing tricks and taking out opponents, with successful plays rewarding the player with ammunition and health refills.
Players can perform a variety of tricks, grinds, and wall-rides by manipulating the character's movement and using the face buttons. Executing these maneuvers fluidly and maintaining momentum is crucial for keeping combos alive. Notably, the game does not feature any penalties for failed landings or bailing, allowing players to focus on the flow of movement without fear of setbacks.
The shooting is heavily integrated with the skating gameplay. Players have access to a variety of weapons, each effective against different enemy types. Effectively utilizing the right tool for the job, while also keeping one's combo going, requires careful management and split-second decision making. A clever mechanic is the ability to enter a slow-motion "reflex" mode after executing a perfect dodge, allowing for precise aiming and increased damage.
The game features a diverse array of enemy types, each with unique behaviors and attack patterns that players must learn to counter. Levels often throw multiple enemy varieties at the player simultaneously, forcing them to adapt their tactics on the fly. The challenge ramps up significantly as the game progresses, with later stages presenting overwhelming waves of foes that demand mastery of the game's mechanics.
A major draw is the pursuit of high scores and the execution of stylish, high-flying combos. Each level presents a set of challenges that reward the player for meeting certain criteria, such as maintaining a long combo or taking out enemies in specific ways. Completing these challenges is required to unlock new levels, incentivizing players to push their skills to the limit and optimize their playstyles.