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Being a ship captain isn’t an easy job! Plenty of things can go wrong, and disaster is often irreversible. Accordingly, no one wants to go down with a sinking ship, so what are you going to do? Well, the answer: think fast, move faster, and keep your vessel intact. This is the core concept behind Smash Boats. It is a modern Battleship title that is fast-paced, with considerably less strategic thinking.
Developed and published by Smash House Games LLC, this is an arcade-inspired warfare game. What’s more, it is jam-packed with childish humour, turds, and an array of funky warships. As such, there is plenty of different approaches to try, many enemies to blow up, and an array of levels to overcome. In short, it captures a dated era of gaming that is often overlooked.
Smash Boats is mindless fun.
Now, I normally enjoy a story-driven game. Yet, occasionally, I’ll put this aside if the gameplay piques my interest. Luckily, Smash Boats did that with its arena-style battles and mindless action. Consequently, it’s a great casual title that can be picked up and put down with ease.
The gameplay revolves around many levels of increasing difficulty. The environments you visit are all water-based and loaded with obstacles, enemies, and power-ups. The aim of each stage is to survive, collect the stars, annihilate your foes, and manipulate your surroundings. However, this is easier said than done as your opponents gradually become more advanced and dodging their advances is increasingly challenging.
New vehicles and quick thinking.
So, whenever you’re faced with a brutal learning curve, what are you going to do? Well, you “get gud”, that’s what! Effectively, Smash Boats is a game that demands practice, patience, and fast reactions. Yet, this doesn’t mean that it’s complicated, because it’s not. Everything about this game is easy to understand and straightforward to overcome. Therefore, if you wish to progress and unlock every vehicle, you must utilise power-ups and each vessel’s special abilities.
To do this, you must collect every star on each level. If you gather enough, you’ll unlock new maps, different vehicles, and experience unique gameplay styles. The drip-fed unlockables were a fantastic idea that prevented the game from stagnating. Consequently, if you are tired of one vessel, you could quickly jump to another to mix things up.
Power-ups and “Mayday events”
Alongside this, the power-ups and “Mayday events” kept things fresh. First, the power-ups give you short-time buffs. You’ll gain unlimited ramming power, a shield, more health, and more. On top of this, you collect 5 letters that spell out “SMASH”. If you do so, you’ll unlock a nuclear bomb that’ll annihilate everything in sight. These additional abilities enhanced the gameplay in a simple but enjoyable way. Without them, the action would have been unbalanced and possibly tedious.
Finally, the “Mayday events” will keep you on your toes. Your ship is transported to a special location where 10 stars are up for grabs. However, there is a catch as you have a limited timer to collect them all. What’s more, you must avoid obstacles, explosions, and so forth as you whizz around each compact location.
Smash Boats is pleasant enough.
Rarely am I blown away by an indie title, and Smash Boats didn’t surpass my expectations. However, it’s still pleasant to look at, turds and all. Moreover, it uses a vivid colour palette, some simple stage design, and contrasting imagery to reduce confusion. As such, it is easy on the eye without being spectacular. Furthermore, it plays at a consistent frame rate and there were no visual glitches to report. This was particularly impressive, as at times, the action becomes hectic and the screen is awash with colours.
The audio also hits a pleasant note. Though it never wowed me, nor did it do anything unique or unusual. Instead, its soundtrack is jovial, fun, and just what the doctor ordered. This is then complimented by some hearty and loud sound effects. You’ll enjoy the sound of circular saws, bombs exploding, and ships sinking. All in all, it’s a loud affair that is reminiscent of some great arcade experiences.
Occasionally clumsy controls.
Though much of the action is easy to follow, the occasionally clumsy controls are frustrating. There was nothing worse than dying through no fault of your own. The phrase “turning circle of a tanker” is relevant and apt. As such, your pacey opponents will often dodge your advances. Consequently, you’ll be left screaming and ruing your awful luck.
If you love unlocking new bits and bobs while completing every element, then you’ll love this. Smash Boats certainly has a lot of unlockables and plenty of stages to experience. However, where it falls short is its lack of multiplayer action. This was disappointing, as teaming up across the eclectic levels would have been great fun. Instead, you are destined to sail and battle solo.
Smash Boats is a lighthearted and immature title.
If you want a serious endeavour, then Smash Boats isn’t for you. However, if you want something that is lighthearted and immature, then look no further. With childish humour, interesting levels, and fun boats to control, there is plenty to keep you entertained. What’s more, it can be enjoyed casually and at your pace. It is for these reasons that I recommend you to buy it here! Can you avoid the obstacles, collect the stars, and destroy your foes? Pick your ship, use the power-ups, and be victorious.
