Grapplers: Relic Rivals

• DEVELOPER: Ally Productions LLC
• PUBLISHER: Ally Productions LLC
• PLATFORMS: PC
• GENRE: Platformer / Brawler
• RELEASE DATE: June 19, 2024
• STARTING PRICE: 13,79 €
• REVIEWED VERSION: PC

I’m a huge fan of party games, so when I had the chance to play Grapplers: Relic Rivals, I was excited to try it out with my friends. This PvP 2D platformer and brawler is perfect for LAN gaming or for spicing up an evening when you’re hanging out and having a few drinks. However, the game is somewhat lacking in content. It takes about two hours to explore all the maps and levels, and to experience everything related to combat. Keep in mind, this game isn’t designed for single-player mode; its main purpose is to showcase your skills to your friends.

To be honest, I can’t quite compare Grapplers to any specific game—maybe Super Smash Bros or something similar? Regardless, the main concept revolves around your grappling hook, which you can use to climb different areas, deal damage, or make a quick escape. You can also jump on your friends to deal damage and activate mystical runes by shooting your hook at them, which give various status effects, like explosions. Additionally, you can find relics hidden in chests. Personally, I found the relics to be the best part of the game. They grant abilities such as double-jumping with wings or having a companion plant that shoots at others. Testing and experiencing different relics was fun, and there are enough of them to keep things interesting.

This game is clearly a platformer, so the levels are packed with deadly traps; you might get electrocuted, burned, or squashed by a massive boulder. Each level offers a different type of challenge you’ll have to face. The game features four distinct biomes, and inside of them there are several maps with different layouts. For example, you’ll compete against your friends in environments like a winter biome or a volcano biome.

To win, you need to collect a certain number of coins, and all win conditions can be adjusted in the options. Each match lasts no longer than five minutes, as the maps are quite small. The intensity ramps up with four players, but even with just one other person, it becomes a highly competitive game. Grapplers is all about chaos, with perfectly executed camera zooms that keep the action intense. I enjoy the variety of ways you can dominate your friends, but the fun tends to fade quickly when playing against the same people for more than an hour.

What I would love to see in this game is more maps and levels, as well as a single-player mode with online multiplayer and leaderboards. Right now, there’s little reason to keep returning to this game unless you have a few friends to play with. I enjoyed playing more with the mouse than the controller, but both options work perfectly fine. Additionally, Grapplers offers Steam Remote Play, which is essential for a game like this, allowing you to hop on and play anytime. Unfortunately, it’s currently limited to local multiplayer only.

The game also features well-crafted pixel graphics, with numerous details that enhance its visual appeal. It easily adjusts to wide screens, demonstrating the effort put into creating a perfect PvP experience. I only wish the images of coins and chests were slightly bigger, as it's easy to lose track of them amidst all the chaos. Similarly, I'd like to see more customization options. Currently, you can only choose from the same four characters, which can get boring after a while.

To conclude, this game takes me back to my childhood, when we would gather around the Nintendo Wii and compete with each other. Grapplers elevates that experience, incorporating modern elements to make the gameplay even more enjoyable. However, keep in mind that this game is perfect only if you have a group of friends willing to play. For the price, it’s definitely worth it, though it does lack additional content.

Review copy provided by the publisher

3.5