Rollerdrome varies-with-devices

A high-flying arena shooter game for PC

Rollerdrome is a premium action game for PC by developer Roll7. It is a third-personshooterset in the near future wherein players take part in a brutal bloodsport organized by a shady corporation. In it, they will be riding rollerblades as they battle opponents in fast-paced and deadly shootouts.

Combining the fluid movement of games like Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 with the visceral combat of Doom, Rollerdrome has created an experience that is truly unlike any other. It's complemented by a distinct art style that can be described as taking inspiration from comic books of past decades.

Air Time meets Bullet Time

The game takes place in the year 2030, wherein the world is ruled by capitalism under the thumb of the mysterious Matterhorn Corporation. To distract the public from its shady goings-on and to serve as a form of sadistic entertainment, it created the blood sport called Rollerdrome. You are a participant in this brutal competition, with the goal of becoming a champion and uncovering the truth behind its dark benefactor.

The game is basically rollerblading with guns. You start with dual pistols, but you get to play with a shotgun, railgun, and grenade launcher later on. Your goal is to dispatch enemies quickly as you rack up points doing tricks and multiplying your score with successive kills. Defeated foes drop health and performing tricks will reload your weapons.

Breaking momentum is a big no-no, so there's Bullet Time to help you aim. Perform perfect dodges and you can tap into Super Reflex Time, doubling your damage and score. Suffice to say, this game has a rather high skill ceiling, so a steep learning curve is to be expected at the beginning. Stick with it, and you'll be blasting enemies mid-air in no time.

In a league of its own

To say that Rollerdrome is a breath of fresh air in a landscape filled with visually impressive but same shooters is an understatement. From its distinct art style to its crazy mix of genres, to the tight and free-flowing combat, there's nothing quite like it. Yes, you will need to invest some time in learning its mechanics, but it's definitely worth it. Just play this game.