12 orbits is the only local multiplayer game for 2-12 people at once, no matter what you play on. A single keyboard, touchscreen or controller will do.
The game offers four distinct gameplay modes that cater to different playstyles. In "Arena," players must fill the arena with spheres of their own color while avoiding those of their opponents in a constant "bullet hell" scenario. The "Multiball" mode, played in teams, plays out like a chaotic version of football/soccer, where players hit the balls to turn them their team's color and then score them in the opposing team's goal. The balls constantly change color, adding to the challenge. The "Trails" mode is a competitive mode where players collect spheres to grow longer than their opponents, and can then block their opponents' paths and fling their own spheres at them. The "Blizzard" mode, also team-based, requires players to defend against a constant shower of spheres, working together to send them back where they came from.
The core gameplay mechanic is simple yet offers depth. Each player controls a single dot/orb on the screen using only one button or key. Pressing the button causes the player's orb to orbit around a central point, while releasing the button propels the orb outward. This minimalist control scheme allows up to 12 players to participate simultaneously on a single input device, making the game highly accessible for players of all skill levels.
The game's true strength lies in its local multiplayer experience. With support for up to 12 players on a single input device, the game encourages social interaction and friendly competition. Players can gather around a single screen or device and engage in intense, chaotic battles, creating a lively and engaging party game environment.
While the core gameplay mechanics remain consistent across the different modes, the game offers a good degree of replayability. Players can experiment with various configurations, adjusting settings like the number of players, sphere count, and map size, adding to the game's longevity. The minimalist visual style keeps the focus on the fast-paced action, ensuring an engaging experience regardless of the number of players involved.