Embrace Battle! (L+R)
Edition Evaluated: European
- critique by Gonçalo Lopes
- Yesterday, 11am
If you are an ice hockey aficionado possessing a Switch, the console’s collection has not served you well. Quite odd, considering how effectively hockey converts into gaming format. Then, you stumble upon Tape to Tape, submerged in the usual AI drivel of eShop launches, a strangely designated “beautiful roguelite hockey universe” endeavor. Is this it? Is this the hockey title of my fantasies?
Tape to Tape did not emerge spontaneously overnight. It has been a passion project for several years, evolving with input from an enthusiastic player community to mold the version we now possess. Cast aside thoughts of offsides, penalties, and other convoluted regulations (unless you choose the Modern Squad): this is hardcore vintage hockey like we haven’t witnessed since NHL Hitz and that is indeed a splendid thing.
Although this is solely an offline collaborative multiplayer experience accommodating up to four participants, the true essence lies within the campaign mode, where its roguelite characteristics truly shine. You commence with a selection of three teams, with an additional 16 unlocking as you progress and meet specific unlocking requirements. Each possesses unique gameplay nuances, with some presenting substantial advantages while others swiftly turn into considerable drawbacks.
During my twelve or so (not all triumphant) attempts, no two were the same, thanks to the extensive array of feasible combinations of team, star athletes, bench riders, unlockable team artifacts, and individual player abilities. A victorious attempt will unveil substantial portions of delightfully whimsical lore and can extend for over an hour as you navigate between opponents’ arenas and a cast of eccentric personalities that will (mostly) assist in unlocking your team’s potential.
The other surprising highlights are the rival teams, featuring clichéd parodies such as the soccer squad (with easily identifiable caricatures of real-life players) that doesn’t even utilize sticks to compete, alongside the Canadian team that necessitates tariffs (resulting in considerable disadvantages per period) and has their heads animated in distinctive South Park style,
