REMATCH: Kicking Goals and Taking Names (Sometimes Your Own)

A game where your ego is the real MVP

Launch Day Larry

Welcome to the world of REMATCH, where soccer meets arcade chaos, and your ego might just be the biggest player on the field. This game promises a blend of skill-based mechanics and competitive fun, but does it score a hat-trick or miss the goal entirely? Let’s dive into the gameplay, graphics, and story to find out.

Gameplay: A Rollercoaster of Skill and Frustration

REMATCH offers a gameplay experience that is both exhilarating and occasionally exasperating. The mechanics are designed to be both accessible and challenging, making it easy for newcomers to jump in while providing a rewarding learning curve for those who want to master its intricacies. The emphasis on player skill is evident, with unique and manual controls that, while initially daunting, add depth and enjoyment to the game.

However, the control system is a bit like trying to play soccer with a beach ball—awkward and unpredictable. The lack of button remapping options is a glaring oversight, and the camera system could use a lesson from older FIFA and PES games. Meanwhile, the multiplayer component shines when playing with friends, but random teammates can sometimes feel like they’re auditioning for a solo act rather than a team sport.

Technical issues, such as netcode hiccups and occasional crashes, are the red cards in an otherwise thrilling match. The goalie control, often described as awkward, can lead to moments where the ball seems to have a mind of its own, phasing through during dives. Despite these challenges, the core gameplay remains fun and skill-based, offering a solid foundation for an engaging experience.

Graphics: A Visual Feast with a Side of Performance Anxiety

The graphics in REMATCH are a double-edged sword. On one hand, they are visually stunning, with high-quality animations and movement design that could rival big-budget animated movies. The art style is both unique and appealing, making the game a treat for the eyes.

However, these graphics come at a cost. The game is resource-intensive, causing even high-end PCs to break a sweat. Performance issues are a recurring theme, with players struggling to maintain a stable 60fps on systems that handle other games with ease. This suggests that while the graphics themselves are impressive, the game’s optimization leaves much to be desired.

Lag, glitches, and a need for polishing, particularly concerning the user interface, detract from the overall visual experience. Improvements in these areas could enhance the game’s appeal, aligning the graphics with the high expectations set by their initial promise.

Story: Ego Trip with a Side of Soccer

REMATCH’s narrative is a quirky exploration of the protagonist’s ego and self-centered nature, affectionately dubbed “Main Character Syndrome.” The storyline delves into themes of selfishness and self-importance, balancing these potentially negative traits with humor and entertainment. The high-quality cutscenes and animations add a cinematic flair, making the story a significant part of the game’s appeal.

However, there’s a disconnect between the intended story experience and player behavior. Players often act as if they are the “main character,” affecting the cooperative gameplay experience. This thematic element encourages players to see themselves as central to the story, which can lead to issues in team dynamics. While the narrative is fun and thought-provoking, it sometimes feels overshadowed by gameplay issues and player behavior.

Final Verdict

REMATCH is a game that offers a thrilling blend of skill-based mechanics and competitive fun, wrapped in a visually stunning package. However, it stumbles with control issues, performance hiccups, and a narrative that sometimes takes a backseat to gameplay. With some refinements in controls, user interface, and technical stability, REMATCH could truly shine.

Score: 7/10