Pro’s
+Great Soundtrack
+Family Appropriate Game
+Easy to learn and play
+Entertaining level of Difficulty that doesn’t frustrate players
+Video clips are satirical pieces of humour based on history.
+ Offers Offline and Online Multiplayer
Con’s
+Levels, at times, can prove to be more difficult than necessary
It’s been nearly six years since we’d seen anything to do with Rock of Ages, but for our very own writer, Dustin, it was for him, an interesting take on mechanics normally seen in titles like Monkey Ball, a series we’ve come to know, and love over the years as gamers. The game was filled with the wacky weirdness of ACE Team, the minds behind games such as The Deadly Tower of Monsters, Zeno Clash, and Abyss Odyssey.
To start things off, Rock of Ages 2 is most certainly one of those sequels to a great game that ends up being just as good, better even. If you haven’t played the first RoA it’s ok not to have. It isn’t required, nor is it necessary to play the sequel. Why? You may be wondering that and I’ve got the answer: It’s an intriguingly fun game, one that doesn’t miss a shot, and offers entertainment values for both single player and mutliplayer modes. In the game, you take on the role of Atlas whom travels through out history in order to face off against both historical figures and random opponents throughout the ages.
First things first, Rock of Ages is a culmination of multiple genres, and serves up a rather delectable dish of them all in one single serving. To start off the mash-up is the classic Tower Defense mechanics. With this you have to build your defenses to try to stop your opponent from destroying your base. Then you have your Strategy. Its not as simple as building defenses and attacking. You have several types of defenses and attack boulders to choose from. So choosing between them based on what level your on is a big part in how you will prepare.
Then you always get a free type defense. This is to summon a lightning strike when your opponent is attacking This is where more strategy comes into play, do you attack when you can or hold off for when there done there attack. Finally when you are actually attacking the best way to describe this is the Monkey Ball type games. You have a path or something similar that you roll your chosen boulder down into the enemies castle with and try to bust your way in.
Now with all these types of genre of games mash-up it may seem to be convoluted This is definitely not the case. The game is rather easy to understand and get the hang of. But with that being said it doesn’t mean the game is easy in itself. When you choose a level, you also choose a difficulty to accompany said level. The higher the difficulty, the smarter the computer opponent you’re facing off against. The only real problem with this is approach, is that even on normal difficulty some of the level designs are insanely difficult, and provide an overwhelming challenge. It can seem rather quickly that some of the levels are meant to be played on easy in order to beat them.
Even though the difficulty can seem a bit out there, this is still a great family and friends type game. Rock of Ages 2 can be taken online for its multiplayer aspect, which isn’t surprising given the age we live in where online features are rarely exempt from games, but what is surprising, however, is that fact it also has local multiplayer. This is nice cause it means family members can play the game with each other, as well as friends. Some family’s can even hold their own little tournaments.
At the beginning of each match there are even little satire historical clips. These clips are enjoyable to experience. In one instance Atlas faces off against Adam and Eve. The clip is essentially him vs them in a poke battle. Very cute and funny, but sticks to the history of it.
Rock of Ages 2: Bigger & Boulder
Developer: ACE Team
Publisher: ATLUS
Release Date: Available Now
Cost: $14.99
Rock of Ages 2: Bigger & Boulder is a must play. Doesn’t matter if its with oneself or others. Even though some levels were and can be rather irritating, all the while still providing a fun and enjoyable time. A game that many should consider if they are looking to enjoy games as a family.
Our review is based upon a retail version we were provided by the games publisher. For information about our ethics policy please click here.
Final Score: 9 out of 10
About the Writer:
Chris Adee is one of B.A.T.G.R.’s contributing writers who seems to love three things. Sleep, games, and Warframe. He also likes spending plenty of time sharing a controller with his kids while they game together. By day he’s a gamer and by night he’s a family man who games.