Foamstars, a vibrant game reminiscent of Splatoon, invites players into its colorful world, yet falls short of its potential. The game introduces players to mechanics which include movement, combat, and the unique ability to surf on foam, adding an intriguing twist to navigation. Despite its engaging concept, the slow character movements and lack of a sprint function impede rapid movement across the expansive maps.
Single-Player and Co-op Modes: A Mixed Bag
The single-player component offers a limited experience, focusing on specific missions to familiarize players with character abilities, complemented by minimalistic story elements. These missions, often repetitive, involve defending an energy core and battling waves of similar enemies, posing little challenge and novelty. The co-op mode, supporting up to four players, enhances gameplay through better enemy variation, requiring teamwork and strategy. Still, the difficulty seems unbalanced when fewer players join the fight.
Multiplayer Madness: Engaging But Flawed
Multiplayer is the centerpiece of Foamstars, featuring modes such as Smash The Star, which puts a creative spin on traditional deathmatch. Players can choose from a variety of characters, each with distinct roles, yet matches can become chaotic, leading to frustration, particularly when playing with strangers. Other game modes exist but fail to shine due to matchmaking issues, high latency, and frequent disconnections, even on stable internet connections.
Player progression in Foamstars is a tedious grind, as rewards are scarce, making unlocking new cosmetics a laborious task. The game’s free availability on PS Plus offers an opportunity for players to test the waters, but lasting appeal seems minimal, despite some interesting gameplay elements.
Foamstars had the potential to capture the Splatoon fanbase with additional development time. Currently, what emerges is a game with promising ideas, marred by execution that doesn’t quite match its ambitions. Players may find some enjoyment, particularly in the multiplayer realm, but the game’s longevity is questionable.
Reviewed on PlayStation 5, Foamstars is now available for players seeking a casual and colorful gaming experience, albeit with a caveat regarding its ability to sustain long-term interest.
