My personal review of Fall Guys the first battle royale game I've really enjoyed
Image © Epic Games / Mediatonic. Used for review purposes.
Source: Epic Games - Promotional Image
Summary
- 🎮 Name of the game: Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout
- 📅 Launch dateAugust 4, 2020
- 🏢 Developer: Mediatonic
- 📌 Publisher: Devolver Digital (initially), Epic Games (from 2021)
- 🖥️ Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Series X|S, Nintendo Switch
- ⚔️ Genre: Battle Royale / Party Game / Platformer / Platformer
- 🌍 ContextA colorful world of crazy contests, up to 60 players compete in elimination rounds with the goal of being the last one standing.
History and narrative
Fall Guys does not have a traditional narrative. It focuses on the quiz game-like multiplayer experience, with customizable characters competing in absurd and fun trials. Its charm is more in the visual design than the narrative. The game is reminiscent of Mario Party in its festive and competitive tone, combined with Battle Royale-like elimination mechanics.
Gameplay
Fall Guys features simple and accessible gameplay mechanics: running, jumping, boosting and grabbing are the basic actions, using few buttons. The tests
include racing, team games, logic and survival, with elimination by rounds until only one winner remains. While learning to play is extremely easy, mastering the game can be quite difficult. Winning the final crown is not easy and often requires several attempts. Some challenges demand good timing, but the initial learning curve is friendly.
The randomness of the rounds and the variety of mini-games keep the experience fresh, especially thanks to regular updates. Although it is most recommended to play with friends, the game also manages to be fun solo, something that not all multiplayer games achieve. All in all, it offers classic, simple and fun gameplay, proving that you don't always need complexity to achieve an entertaining experience. Sometimes we forget that this is precisely the purpose of video games: to entertain.
Graphics and visual design
The graphics are solid and well optimized. Although it does not strive for realism, the models and animations are well polished. The cartoon-like art style is vibrant, colorful and reminiscent of a children's show. The charming aesthetic is reflected throughout your world, the Fall Guys have an adorable and cuddly design that generates empathy, despite its simplicity.
From the start you don't know if the character is a bean, an egg or a marshmallow, but he clearly represents a funny version of yourself in a universe of absurd and clumsy competitions. The maps are well designed, though some could be better. The outfits are also very eye-catching and encourage customization. Although graphically it doesn't aim to be a masterpiece, its visual style more than delivers and holds up very well against similar games.
Sound and music
The soundtrack is incredibly catchy and energetic, adapting perfectly to the frenetic pace of the game. At times, the music accompanies so well that you end up moving to the beat while playing. The sound effects, cartoonish and functional, reinforce the humorous tone of the title. Even when losing, the sound conveys sadness in a comical way. The characters don't speak, but they make funny sounds that fit very well. In this section, Fall Guys shines and fulfills its objective with excellence.
Difficulty and accessibility
The difficulty is highly variable and depends both on one's own skill and the randomness of the game and the performance of other players, especially in team tests. In general, I consider most of the tests to be well balanced, although there are exceptions. For example, in the early days it was rumored that certain team colors were more likely to win, and in practice it sometimes seemed true, probably because of automatic matching.
The mechanics and rules are easy to understand, but winning requires time, practice and knowledge of each map. In terms of accessibility, the game offers options such as color-blind mode (very useful because of the colorfulness of the game), sensitivity adjustment and controller compatibility. Although it could still improve in options for people with complex motor disabilities, it already offers an adequate base for a good number of players.
Additional content
The game has no campaign or story: it is completely multiplayer. However, its replayability is extremely high. The rotating modes and seasonal events constantly invite you to come back. In my case, I invested about 100 hours, as it is a very fun experience, especially in company.
Each round functions as a stand-alone mini-game, and themed events add special challenges. Although in its first few months the variety was running out
rapidly due to the high volume of players, constant updates have significantly expanded the content. Its game-as-a-service model, with seasons, battle passes and frequent collaborations, has maintained the interest of its community.
Technical Aspects
Performance has been stable on PS4 and PS5. Although at launch it presented long loading times and difficulties in finding games or exiting after being deleted, these problems have been reduced over time. Keep in mind that the game was an unexpected phenomenon and was not prepared to receive such a large number of players, which generated some initial server problems and bugs.
In versions such as Switch or mobile, performance drops can be noticed in maps with many visual effects, but in general it is well optimized, especially on PC and current generation consoles. It has improved a lot since its release.
Value for money
In my case, I got the game for free through PS Plus at launch. It was then priced very affordably, and since it became free, the barrier to entry is nil. It's great for all kinds of audiences. Even people who don't normally play video games have enjoyed it.
Despite having micro payments, these are justified as it is a free game that must be economically sustained. Its unique style, constant flow of content and accessible approach make it a competitive and long-lasting option in the multiplayer market.
Trophies / Achievements
- Platinum obtained: No
- Percentage of trophies obtained: 86%
- Estimated time: 50-100 hours (depending on skill and luck)
- Platinum difficultyIt is exaggeratedly difficult this platinum, has a trophy that is impossible for thousands of players and is only affordable for people with excellent skills or people who are dedicated to this game. The trophy consists of winning 5 games in a row, it is crazy who will have thought of such an achievement that is counted who have it. Winning a game against 59 other players is very complicated to do it 5 times in a row is impossible, I luckily managed to do it 3 times in a row and I do not even know how I did it, so I say I was too lucky and the fourth attempt I lost, it is very easy to lose and there are games that are in group which no matter how good you are if your team is bad bye bye. For me even in rewards within the game has exaggerated achievements and is a bit of a negative point for those who seek to obtain all the achievements of a game that we liked.
Conclusion
Fall Guys is a breath of fresh air in the multiplayer world. Perfect for casual sessions, friends and guaranteed laughs. Although it is not a deep or competitive game in the traditional sense, its charm and simplicity make it a modern gem of party gaming. For those looking for something relaxed but competitive, it is an excellent choice. I am not a Battle Royale person and this game has trapped me for many hours being for me the best without a doubt, a game that reminds us that fun is the priority of video games.
My final rating for Fall Guys is:
4.3/5.0
