Wow wow wow! So I’ve been told to revisit the very first game I reviewed for Indie Gamer Team after its official release. A lot of what I originally mentioned still applies, so I copypasted away. [Editor’s Note: *eye twitches*] The best/worst part is that you’ll never know where I added new content MUHAHAHAHAHA. Nah I’ll probably just add a new paragraph or something. Slap City is a Platform Fighter (see Super Smash Bros., Brawlhalla, Rushdown Revolt, Rivals of Aether) that’s throwing its hat into this increasingly pervasive genre. This game is an all-stars mashup of characters created by the company, Ludosity, makers of indie darlings such as Ittle Dew and Card City Nights. Even if you have never heard of these properties, I highly recommend Card City Nights on Steam or mobile, the characters are lovingly realized with cartoonish 3D models. One of my favorites, and a fan favorite at that, is this beautiful specimen and my husband: Fishbunjin. [Editor’s Note: I worry about you sometimes, this is one of those times.]
UPDATE: Ok so every time Ludosity released a new character, it would come with a few bells and whistles and a price increase. The culmination of all that is the version 1.0.0 release with nine total characters, new stages (NOTE: only three of them are tournament legal if that matters to you), the melee adventure inspired Story Mode (platforming and battle challenges galore), and Slap Ball (Hit the balls into the goal). The new characters feel very different from one another. Asha is a sword character with teleporting specials with a three ammo system to balance it and incredible normal attacks to complement an overwhelming weaving in and out playstyle. Goddess is a mid-range zoner with explosives and projectiles that packs a punch. The newest character shares similarities to Remedy, but has an ammo system of her own and large explosive attacks. Her aerials also have pretty big range to box out other players. Business Casual Man is a very wildcard character who can build up money via specific moves and cash them in to perform absurdly powerful versions of his smash attacks, forward air, and throw. All-in-all, the price point is a tad steep, but the gameplay has been refined and I would still recommend it if you’re looking to play another Smash Bros.-like game.
If you are a fan of Super Smash Bros. Melee, the game engine and competitive focus definitely implies that Slap City wears Melee on its sleeve. All the insane techniques that are completely lost on casual fans are in this game, from L-canceling to wave-dashing, so there is quite a bit of depth to be had when picking this game up. There isn’t too much in the way of teaching you the more advanced gameplay through a direct tutorial, although I would definitely recommend reading the information in the Library section of the Main Menu for some advanced tips at the very least. There are no items, but some of the stages can get extremely hectic, the pinball one is particularly insane: think an entire stage covered with the Bumpers from Smash Bros.
There is a healthy balance between enabling the wacky chaotic fun for the party game audience, and the high-stakes, Fox only, Final Destination environment that the fighting game community craves. In fact, tournament organizers are already getting their feet wet as this quickly growing fanbase is slowly but surely racking up those Twitch views. While couch multiplayer will likely take up the bulk of your time with Slap City, some of us are not fortunate enough to actually have friends. Well dry your tears, the online netcode is pretty damn solid if I do say so myself. Embracing this innovation from Smash 4, you can play with upwards of 8 players on one map! You can create public and private lobbies set to team battle, free-for-all (timed or stock), and even the Slap Ball gamemode. In Slap Ball, players team up to slap soccer balls into the opponent’s goal. Never before have you been able to vicariously live your favorite World Cup moments in such a derpy fashion!
If you are itching to play Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and really need that fix, you would be hard-pressed not to seriously consider Slap City. It doesn’t set your wallet back too far, and the developers have proved that they are more than capable of creating a competitive, yet wacky game for players new and old. Well it’s official: this marks my 40th review, I’d say that’s quite the success in my book!
Slap City was developed by Ludosity
Available on Steam for $19.99
A review copy was purchased by the reviewer.
Hellfirebam has awarded Slap City the Indie Seal of Approval.
Indie Gamer Team 