The best management game ever made. I you've ever played something like (Open)TTD or Minecraft industrial mods, this is the game for you. It's a perfect blend of resource and logistic management, and it is immensely satisfying to build up your factory. BTW, the "DRM" some of the people here are complaining about is just a access to beta versions of the game if you register an account on their website. It's just a bonus and not at all something you need to care about.
People here are comparing it Wipeout. I've never actually played a single Wipeout game in my life, but I have played F-Zero GX. BallisticNG very much reminds me of F-Zero, even if it is a very different game in terms of its basic mechanics. The game is very challenging: having two separate sets of brakes, adjusting your pitch to the incline of the track, a boost button that allows you exchange your energy for speed, and having to deal with Mario Kart style weapon pickups all at the same time while going at incredibly high speeds. Despite all of this, the game never feels overwhelming. The devs did a good job at making sure the earlier races in the campaign are forgiving enough that a player won't get frustrated right away, while gradually upping up the challenge as you progress. There's many visually distinct levels, all of which are fun to both look and play on. The games visuals are basically PS2 level, but in a good way--the graphical fidelity is high enough that the game is pleasing to look at, but it still leaves quite a bit for your imagination to work with. The game performs like a champ as well. The game also runs well on Linux via WINE. It is one of the most enjoyable arcade racers I have ever played. It resonates with me in a way only a few games, like F-Zero GX or Burnout Revenge, ever did. Highly recommended.
Game boots into a black screen. Haven't even seen the main menu yet. My system is a 12700k, 3060ti with 16GB of RAM, so it's not an issue with my system as far as I can tell.
Progression is apparently locked behind an online requirement. The progression system is what unlocks equipment and starting locations, and is responsible for like half of the replay value. This game is not DRM free in any meaningful sense.
But it's a good one. Controls are tight, performance is alright, visuals are clean and colorful. Level design is great and polished. If you've ever played a Donkey Kong Country game, you know these games have an emphasis on momentum. You can move really quickly through a level once you have the controls practiced. One of the highlights of this game is the hub world. It's not just a glorified level select screen--it's actually a game in its own right! It provides some puzzle solving and exploration challenges, and can be enjoyed just for itself. (Yes, I know some of the devs of the original DKC games worked on this as well).
I was afraid this game would be style over substance. I am happy to say that I am wrong. You'll come for the art, but you'll stay for the amazing gameplay. Tight controls, hard but fair difficulty, and wildly creative boss battles and stages this one of the best games of the year. Everything about this game feels polished. An absolute must play.
I love this game as a game. It's got a great map, controls are nice, and the combat is fun. Exploration is rewarded, and there's a lot of content to dig through. So why 3 stars? Because of the terrible, terrible performance. I am not talking about a hitch here or there. I am talking prolonged periods of framerates in the 20s, sometimes even under 10 FPS. Bear in mind I have an i7 6700k, 16 GB of DDR4 3200 RAM, and a Radeon RX 580. My computer is not the issue. I would expect I could run this game at a full 144 FPS, but I would be relieved if the game could even keep a stable 60 FPS. Considering how challenging this game can be, performance needs to be rocksolid. Treat this is an early access title--do not get it until the developers fix the performance issues. Once they do, my review will adjust accordingly.
