During this pandemic-induced lockdown, many are looking for ways to have fun with a group without meeting up. Gaming offers a myriad of experiences for those in search of fun activities for friends. Whether it be games such as the Jackbox Party games for quirky fun, Call of Duty: Warzone for some instant run-and-gun action, or even getting lost in a game such a Journey for a more contemplative social experience, gaming has you covered. However, these games have been overshadowed by the newest kid on the Battle Royale scene: Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout. With a simple premise and accessible controls, this vibrant title proves to be the most refreshing take on the party game genre since the original Mario Party.
Pure Fun
By now the astute gamer has already seen this colorful and quirky game all over Twitch and social media. After playing the game myself over the weekend and experiencing its addictive nature, the hype is real. The combination of mini-game gauntlet and battle royal style knockout is both intuitive and engaging, nailing its game show feel for explosive moments of wild and unpredictable action. The upbeat soundtrack and sound effects only serve to help create a mood of pure bliss. All the while you are desperately trying to claw your way to the top, using all the brutal and cutthroat tactics possible in your limited arsenal in creative ways to push yourself forward.
This intuitive element is unique to the Party Game genre and Fall Guys brings it in spades. The mini-games are reminiscent of some of your favorite Super Mario Sunshine obstacle courses, Mario Party minigames, and even a Rocket League style team soccer game all await in the realm of Fall Guys. While not all of them are fantastic, there are enough good ones to make you always want que up just for one last shot at winning. This rapid-fire style minigame formula is the idea the propels the title above its contemporaries by delivering constant action at a breakneck pace.
The Absent Middleman
The rapid-fire, que-up and go nature of Fall Guys proves that the formula is a huge leap forward in the genre. There is no board to play on, or rules to set up in this title and the games are always given at random according to the amount of players left at the end of the round. This makes the experience always engaging even after a quick loss because another game is just a short wait away. The focus on the mini-games themselves rather than them being a small part of a bigger whole makes for a robust and refreshing experience in a rather stagnant genre.
Other titles such as the Jackbox Party games offer nuanced experiences from a specific set of games. While titles such as Super Mario Party failed to offer any sort of compelling online experience at all, cutting the board out of the game for online play. With Fall Guys focusing on old-school Mario Party minigame style controls while getting rid of the board, it has shown it can offer both variety and nuance. While not perfect, the care given to each mini game shows each time you play them. The built-in battle pass and CTR Nitro-Fueled style progression experience only adds to the addictive nature, as you are given abundant Kudos for each round you advance and Crowns for a win. These net you some sweet outfits and you will see a ton of cute and funny characters in every game.
Party Down
Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout is the perfect title to kick-start a different way we think about our favorite games. It’s a fun and unique experience that uses familiar ground to lure you in and unleashes its inspired minigames to keep you there. The minigames have something for everyone and you will always be on the lookout for new and different costumes. The variety is immense and the amount of tense moments you will encounter is endless. With it being free for Playstation Plus users this month and a price well below that of a modern Triple-A title, it is worth a look for everyone.
