View source for Rollerdrome

{{Short description|2022 video game}}
{{use mdy dates|date=November 2023}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Rollerdrome
| image = Rollerdrome cover art.jpg
| developer = [[Roll7]]
| publisher = [[Private Division]]
| producer = Drew Jones
| director = Paul Rabbitte
| engine = [[Unity (engine)|Unity]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blog.unity.com/games/made-with-unity-2022-in-review|title=Made with Unity: 2022 in review|work=[[Unity Technologies]]|date=2022-12-27|accessdate=2023-07-31}}</ref>
| composer = Electric Dragon
| designer = Andreas Yiannikaris
| released = {{ubl|'''Windows, PS4, PS5'''|August 16, 2022|'''Xbox Series X/S'''|November 28, 2023}}
| modes = [[Single-player]]
| genre = [[Action game|Action]]
| platforms = {{ubl|[[Microsoft Windows]]|[[PlayStation 4]]|[[PlayStation 5]]|[[Xbox Series X/S]]}}
}}
'''''Rollerdrome''''' is an [[action video game]] developed by [[Roll7]] and published by [[Private Division]]. The game was released on August 16, 2022, for [[Windows PC]], [[PlayStation 4]] and [[PlayStation 5]]. It was also released for [[Xbox Series X and Series S|Xbox Series X/S]] on November 28, 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/rollerdrome-finally-gets-an-xbox-series-x-and-s-release-date-and-its-coming-to-game-pass|title=Rollerdrome Finally Gets an Xbox Series X and S Release Date — and It's Coming to Game Pass|first=Wesley|last=Yin-Poole|website=[[IGN]]|date=October 31, 2023|accessdate=May 11, 2024}}</ref>
==Gameplay==
Players assume control of Kara Hassan, a participant in a deadly sport named "Rollerdrome" in which contestants must perform roller-skating tricks while fighting against enemies using firearms.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.escapistmagazine.com/rollerdrome-preview-pc-roller-skates-shooting/|title=Rollerdrome Combines Sick Roller Skate Tricks & Gunplay for a Great Time – Preview|first=KC|last=Nwosu|work=[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]]|date=July 26, 2022|accessdate=August 10, 2022}}</ref> As a [[third-person perspective|third-person shooter]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/rollerdrome-preview-olliolli-skates-ps5-steam-160030108.html|title='Rollerdrome' preview: Twitchy dystopian bloodsport is my new favorite genre|first=Jessica|last=Conditt|website=[[Engadget]]|date=July 26, 2022|accessdate=August 10, 2022}}</ref> ammunition is refilled by performing various roller-skating tricks, while health is restored by acquiring [[health (gaming)|health]] pick-ups from defeated enemies.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/preview/2022/07/27/my-rollerdrome-preview-is-late-because-i-cant-stop-playing-it|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220727224850/https://www.gameinformer.com/preview/2022/07/27/my-rollerdrome-preview-is-late-because-i-cant-stop-playing-it|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 27, 2022|title=My Rollerdrome Preview Is Late Because I Can't Stop Playing It|first=Alex|last=Van Aken|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|date=July 27, 2022|accessdate=August 10, 2022}}</ref> Players skate throughout various stages while dodging incoming attacks, and using a bullet time function to aim weaponry. As players complete levels, they will gradually unlock more powerful weapons such as [[grenade launcher]]s and shotguns, though they will have to face more challenging enemies as the game progresses.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/rollerdrome-preview-extreme-sports-just-got-a-whole-lot-more-extreme|title=Rollerdrome Preview: Extreme, Sports Just Got a Whole Lot More Extreme|first=Travis|last=Northup|website=[[IGN]]|date=July 30, 2022|accessdate=August 10, 2022}}</ref> Each stage also has optional challenges, which prompt players to perform feats such as eliminating enemies while performing certain tricks.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/rollerdome-brings-together-the-very-best-of-roll7|title=Rollerdrome brings together the very best of Roll7|first=Christian|last=Donlan|website=[[Eurogamer]]|date=July 26, 2022|accessdate=August 10, 2022}}</ref>
==Development==
''Rollerdrome'' was developed by [[Roll7]], the company behind the ''[[OlliOlli]]'' series. The game was initially a side project of solo game designer Paul Rabbitte. ''Rollerdrome'' was initially conceived by Rabbite during a 48-hour game jam hosted by [[Game Maker's Toolkit]] in 2017 with the theme of 'Dual Purpose Design'.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Garcia |first=Chris |date=2022-08-15 |title=Rollerdrome is Proof That Even Simple Concepts can Make a Game Stand Out |url=https://onemoregame.ph/rollerdrome-concept-came-from-game-jam-event/ |access-date=2023-07-27 |website=One More Game |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=THE ROLLER DOME by ChonkuRabb |url=https://sopcen.itch.io/the-roller-dome |access-date=2023-07-27 |website=itch.io |language=en}}</ref>  Roll7 took a liking to this prototype, and Rabbite subsequently joined Roll7 to finish the project. Rabbitte at that time described the game's prototype as a mix between ''[[Tony Hawk's]]'' games and ''[[Doom (franchise)|Doom]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/rollerdrome-hands-on-preview/|title=Rollerdrome preview: Hands-on with the skating sensation born from a viral tweet|first=Jon|last=Bailes|website=[[GamesRadar+]]|date=July 26, 2022|accessdate=August 10, 2022}}</ref> The game's spent two years in production, with the team spending the first year of development deciding the core gameplay. They ultimately decided that ''Rollerdrome'' would primarily be a shooter game, though the skating mechanics will heavily complement with gunplay. Players will not fall despite failing to perform a trick. This is an intentional gameplay design decision to ensure players can maintain their momentum in both skating and combat.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/rollerdrome-is-like-slapping-roller-skates-on-max-payne/1100-6505863/|title=Rollerdrome Is Like Slapping Roller Skates On Max Payne|first=Phil|last=Hornshaw|website=[[GameSpot]]|date=July 26, 2022|accessdate=August 10, 2022}}</ref> According to lead producer Drew Jones, the game was "a wealth of fantastic inspiration from the 1970s", citing ''[[Rollerball (1975 film)|Rollerball]]'' and ''[[The Running Man (novel)|The Running Man]]'' as examples. The game features a stylized, cel-shaded visual style since the team believed that a simple art style would not compromise gameplay readability and that players would not be easily overwhelmed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.comingsoon.net/games/features/1232243-roll7-rollerdrome-olliolli-world-interview|title=Interview: How Roll7 Released 2 Games in 6 months Without Falling Apart|first=Michael|last=Leri|website=ComingSoon|date=July 27, 2022|accessdate=August 10, 2022}}</ref>
Roll7 and publisher [[Private Division]] announced the game on June 2, 2022, during Sony's State of Play event. The game was released for [[Windows PC]], [[PlayStation 4]] and [[PlayStation 5]] on August 16, 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/23152444/rollerdrome-trailer-roller-derby-playstation-5-ps4-pc-roll7|title=Rollerdrome will make roller derby deadly|first=Ana|last=Diaz|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|date=June 2, 2022|accessdate=August 10, 2022}}</ref>
==Reception==
{{video game reviews
| MC = PC: 81/100<ref name="MCPC"/><br/>PS5: 79/100<ref name="MCPS5"/>
| EuroG = Essential<ref name="EuroGRev"/>
| GRadar = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref name="GRadarRev"/>
| GSpot = 8/10<ref name="GSpotRev"/>
| GI = 8.5/10<ref name="GIRev"/>
| IGN = 9/10<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dornbush |first=Jonathon |date=2022-08-22 |title=Rollerdrome Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/rollerdrome-review |access-date=2022-11-10 |website=[[IGN]] |language=en}}</ref>
| PCGUS = 94/100<ref>{{Cite web |last=Greer |first=Sam |date=2022-08-16 |title=Rollerdrome review |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/rollerdrome-review/ |access-date=2022-11-10 |website=[[PCGamer]] |language=en}}</ref>
| Destruct = 8.5/10<ref>{{Cite web |last=Andriessen |first=CJ |date=2022-09-01 |title=Review: Rollerdrome |url=https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/rollerdrome-review-destructoid/ |access-date=2022-11-10 |website=[[Destructoid]] |language=en-CA}}</ref>
| SN = 7/10<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mejia |first=Ozzie |date=2022-08-16 |title=Rollerdrome review: Trick shots |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/131860/rollerdrome-review-trick-shots |access-date=2022-11-10 |website=[[Shacknews]] |language=en}}</ref>
| TG = {{rating|3|5}}<ref name="TGRev">{{Cite web |last=Regan |first=Tom |date=2022-08-16 |title=Rollerdrome review – skating as a bloodsport |url=https://www.theguardian.com/games/2022/aug/16/rollerdrome-review-skating-as-a-bloodsport |access-date=2022-11-10 |website=[[The Guardian]] |language=en}}</ref>
| PSQ = {{rating|8|10}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Croft |first=Liam |date=2022-08-16 |title=Review: Rollerdrome (PS5) - Just As Good As Tony Hawk's Pro Skater |url=https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps5/rollerdrome |access-date=2022-11-10 |website=[[Push Square]] |language=en-GB}}</ref>
}}
According to [[review aggregator]] [[Metacritic]], ''Rollerdrome'' released "generally favorable reviews" upon release.<ref name="MCPC">{{Cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/rollerdrome/critic-reviews/?platform=pc|title=Rollerdrome for PC reviews|work=[[Metacritic]]|accessdate=August 24, 2022}}</ref><ref name="MCPS5">{{Cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/rollerdrome/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-5|title=Rollerdrome for PlayStation 5 reviews|website=[[Metacritic]]|accessdate=August 24, 2022}}</ref>
''[[GameSpot]]'' enjoyed the way the game incorporated skating gameplay with traditional third-person shooter mechanics, remarking "it never feels like the tricks are an impediment to the shooting; instead, they're the secret ingredient that helps Rollerdrome stand apart from other shooters".<ref name="GSpotRev">{{Cite web |last=Hornshaw |first=Phil |date=2022-08-16 |title=Rollerdrome Review: Skate Or Die |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/rollerdrome-review-skate-or-die/1900-6417938/ |access-date=2022-08-24 |website=[[GameSpot]] |language=en-US}}</ref> ''[[The Guardian]]'' praised the flow state that players could achieve with combos, but criticized the high difficulty spikes as "downright brutal".<ref name="TGRev"/> ''[[Game Informer]]'' liked how tricks were needed to reload, causing the player to rely on trying to "dazzle the crowd or down an adversary".<ref name="GIRev">{{Cite magazine |last=Reiner |first=Andrew |date=2022-08-16 |title=Rollerdrome Review - A Dystopian Delight |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/review/rollerdrome/a-dystopian-delight |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816130030/https://www.gameinformer.com/review/rollerdrome/a-dystopian-delight |archive-date=August 16, 2022 |access-date=2022-08-24 |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |language=en}}</ref> ''[[The Washington Post]]'' felt that the game could be unclear on where the player could skate, writing "I often felt the wind knocked out of my sails when I failed to get that one wall ride to the balcony some gunman was on. It started to feel like a flaw in a certain map’s design and not a challenge".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Amenabar |first=Teddy |date=2022-08-16 |title='Rollerdrome' brings gunfights to skateparks but it’s no 'Pro Skater' |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/video-games/reviews/rollerdrome-game-ps5-release/ |access-date=2022-08-24 |newspaper=[[Washington Post]] |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}}</ref> ''[[GamesRadar+]]'' disliked how the game failed to make full usage of the arenas, "each arena may look different, but they rarely challenge you to use their layouts in creative ways".<ref name="GRadarRev">{{Cite web |author1=Jon Bailes |date=2022-08-16 |title=Rollerdrome review: "Reaches impressive heights, but keeps dropping back down to earth" |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/rollerdrome-review/ |access-date=2022-08-24 |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |language=en}}</ref> ''[[Eurogamer]]'' praised the artstyle, comparing it favorably to magazines and the works of [[Jean Giraud]].<ref name="EuroGRev">{{Cite news |last=Tapsell |first=Chris |date=2022-08-16 |title=Rollerdrome review - Roll7 delivers a game of impossible style |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/rollerdrome-review-roll7-delivers-a-game-of-impossible-style |access-date=2022-08-24 |website=[[Eurogamer]] |language=en-gb}}</ref> The game crossed 1 million players on March 19, 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-22 |title=Rollerdrome Achieves Milestone with Over One Million Players |url=https://manualdroid.com/rollerdrome-achieves-milestone-with-over-one-million-players/ |access-date=2024-03-22 |website=Manual Droid |language=en-US}}</ref>
===Accolades===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Year !! Award !! Category !! Result !! Ref
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 2022
| [[Golden Joystick Awards]]
| Best Indie Game
| {{nom}}
| {{centered|<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/elden-ring-leads-nominations-as-voting-opens-for-the-golden-joystick-awards-2022/ |title=Time is running out to cast your vote in the Golden Joystick Awards 2022 |date=2022-10-20 |access-date=2022-11-11 |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |last=Jones |first=Ali |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221026032547/https://www.gamesradar.com/elden-ring-leads-nominations-as-voting-opens-for-the-golden-joystick-awards-2022/ |archive-date=2022-10-26 |url-status=live}}</ref>}}
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | 2023
| [[19th British Academy Games Awards]]
| [[British Academy Games Award for British Game|British Game]]
| {{won}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/bafta-games-awards-2023-nominations-announced |title=BAFTA Games Awards 2023 Nominations Announced |date=2023-03-02 |access-date=2023-03-02 |website=[[IGN]] |last=Wood |first=Anthony}}</ref>
|}
{{clear}}
==References==
{{Reflist}}
==External links==
* {{official website|https://www.roll7.co.uk/rollerdrome}}
[[Category:2022 video games]]
[[Category:Action games]]
[[Category:British Academy Games Award for British Game winners]]
[[Category:Dystopian video games]]
[[Category:Extreme sports video games]]
[[Category:Game jam video games]]
[[Category:PlayStation 4 games]]
[[Category:PlayStation 5 games]]
[[Category:Indie games]]
[[Category:Private Division games]]
[[Category:Roll7 games]]
[[Category:Roller skating video games]]
[[Category:Single-player video games]]
[[Category:Third-person shooters]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Video games featuring female protagonists]]
[[Category:Video games set in 2030]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:Xbox Series X and Series S games]]