Info about Lethal League Blaze:

Official game description:
**Lethal League Blaze** is an intense, high speed ball game, with unique characters, outta sight sounds and none of that weak shit. In Shine City, the anti-gravity ball game has long been illegal. The group who kept playing was dubbed the Lethal League. Even now, with their sport pushed underground, players and crews compete in the League for challenge and respect.  
In the game, the goal is to beat your opponents with the ball. You can manipulate the ball to get the perfect angle and use your character's special moves to surprise them. But every strike speeds up the ball or even doubles its speed, up to shatteringly extreme velocities. You can tag the ball to your color, but on those high speeds the tables are quickly turned. You can play locally with friends and foes, by yourself in the singleplayer modes or battle it out online!  
**Featuring**  
*   **Up to 4 players:**  
    Play locally AND online with up to 4 players.  
*   **Easy to pick up, hard to master gameplay:**  
    Start off simply hitting the ball faster and faster back and forth. Improve by learning how to use Smashes, Bunts and Special Abilities to your advantage. Then go further beyond with parries and countering with throws ending with the pure psychological goodness: taunts.  
*   **Tons of unlockable extras and secrets:**  
    Unlock characters and their outfits as you play. New modes and stages are in there too and even the soundtrack can be unlocked to play at leisure.  
*   **Play on your own:**  
    Step up to the plate by yourself and beat a series of opponents in the Arcade Mode to reach the beat-blasting bossfight. Then check out the event-based Story Mode that has you playing all sides of the going-downs in Shine City.  
*   **Modes and options:**  
    Pick your preferred style of play like with HP, one-shot kill or points. And then there are game modes like Strikers, using goals, and something called Lethal Volley...  
*   **Wicked Tracks:**  
    A Breakbeat, Hip-Hop and House soundtrack featuring the likes of Hideki Naganuma, Frank Klepacki, Pixelord, Bignic and of course Klaus Veen.
Lethal League Blaze is the sequel to the popular projectile-fighting game Lethal League known for it's ridiculous speeds and hitstun, the original game was intense to watch and intenser to play. This time around there will be double the characters at launch and more to come after.

Release date: Oct 24, 2018

Categories: Competitive Multiplayer, Local Multiplayer, Fighting Game, Fast-paced Combat, High Skill Ceiling, Character-based Combat, Arcade

Feature scans:
- Proton/Linux: score 25; verdict: Works well with minor quirks; summary: The game has a native Linux port that is currently runnable with only minor graphical and screenshot issues. The developer has a positive history of Linux support, and no evidence of serious Proton, anti-cheat, or launch blockers was found. Overall, the Linux experience is functional with small bugs that are likely to be patched soon.
- Steam Deck: score 15; verdict: Minor bugs, otherwise seamless; summary: The game demonstrates strong native Linux and Steam Deck compatibility: controller support and cloud saves function properly, and users enjoy playing it on the go. The only reported issues are minor visual/functionality glitches in the newly released Linux build (upside-down slideshow images, screenshot anomaly), which are not game-breaking and are expected to be patched. No significant barriers such as launcher requirements, text legibility problems, or stability failures were mentioned.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $5.00 - $15.00
  - Reasoning: The community sentiment shows a clear tension: one reviewer affirms the game is worth its $20 price tag, but other reviews emphasize the game's age, niche audience, online instability, and need for deep discounts or near-free pricing to sustain the player base. The combination of these factors suggests that the fair base-game price should be significantly below the full $20, likely in a range that accommodates both occasional discounts and a more affordable entry point for new players.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: N/A
  - Story completion: 2.5h
  - Session length: 4.0h
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: Story completion is directly supported by two reviews stating the story mode takes about 2-3 hours or a couple of hours. Session length is supported by a specific 4-hour session and a 3-hour continuous play session. No specific total game completion time or endgame progression time is provided, only that unlocking everything is fast, so those metrics are null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: Lethal League Blaze is broadly praised, but full enjoyment clicks only after players grasp its fast-paced mechanics; weak tutorials and online beginner frustration delay that click, while playing with friends makes it enjoyable sooner.
  - Stance: Clicks after
  - Anchor: When the core mechanics click (predicting hits, positioning, pulling off clean rallies)
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: poor tutorial; unexplained advanced and character mechanics; online frustration for newcomers; sparse single-player content
  - Unlock drivers: story mode ramp-up; practice mode; tutorial mode; health bar option; one-hit mode toggle; couch co-op
  - Conditions: playing with friends; tolerance for frustration; comfort with competitive multiplayer lobbies; having similarly skilled or worse opponents; enjoying high-octane gameplay
- Player Archetypes:
  - Ranked Grinder (buy)
    - Motivation: To climb the ranked ladder and prove their skill against the best in a fast, mind-game-heavy fighter.
    - Playstyle: Ranked 1v1, precision timing, ball control, bait-and-switch mind games.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: rank 500
    - Reference games: SSBM
  - Party Couch Co-op (buy)
    - Motivation: To create unforgettable shared experiences with friends in local competitive matches.
    - Playstyle: Local versus, couch co-op, casual and playful matches with a group.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Lethal League
  - Casual Newcomer (sale)
    - Motivation: To enjoy a unique game without getting crushed online; wants fun with friends or affordable entry.
    - Playstyle: Casual, local with friends, training mode, avoiding ranked due to skill gap.
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: casual player
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Series Loyalist (buy)
    - Motivation: To see the franchise evolve and enjoy a refined, expanded version of the game they already love.
    - Playstyle: Balanced mix of single-player content and multiplayer, appreciates new mechanics and depth.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Lethal League


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Fun with friends (weight 0.83): Many reviewers highlight the game's strength as a multiplayer experience, especially in couch co-op and party settings. The game is described as an absolute blast and best played with friends.
- Good story mode (weight 0.42): The story mode is seen as a solid introduction that works as a tutorial for new players. It is also praised for its well-drawn animations and dialogue.
- Fast-paced gameplay praised (weight 0.42): The gameplay is frequently lauded for being fast, snappy, and satisfying. Reviewers emphasize the frenetic and addictive nature of the core mechanics.
- Unique characters (weight 0.4): Reviewers appreciate the diverse cast, noting that each character has distinct abilities and personality. The characters are seen as more than just skin swaps.
- Easy to pick up (weight 0.36): The game is accessible to a wide audience, including non-gamers, due to its simple controls. Reviewers mention it is easy to understand and learn.
- New mechanics and content (weight 0.35): The game adds new and interesting mechanics, plus a variety of modes and unlockables. The fresh content is seen as a positive addition.
- Improves on predecessor (weight 0.33): The game is considered a major improvement over the first title in nearly every aspect. Reviewers note it is bigger and better than its predecessor.
- Excellent soundtrack (weight 0.28): The soundtrack is consistently praised as a standout feature, with one reviewer calling it an all-time banger. The music is a key part of the game's identity.
- Distinctive art style (weight 0.28): The game's art style is singled out for its personality and distinctiveness. Reviewers describe it as outstanding and full of charm.
- Jet Set Radio influence (weight 0.19): Multiple reviewers compare the game's visual style and soundtrack to Jet Set Radio. This reference point helps define the game's aesthetic.
- High skill ceiling (weight 0.19): While easy to learn, the game offers depth for those who want to master it. Reviewers note the balance between accessibility and challenge.
- Overall fun and unique (weight 0.16): Reviewers overall describe the game as simple, solid, unique, and fun. The intuitive nature of the gameplay is highlighted.
- Improved visuals (weight 0.15): The game features improved graphics and smoother animations compared to its predecessor. This is seen as a significant upgrade.

Common complaints:
- Small Player Base (weight 0.36): The game suffers from a very small online player base, making multiplayer modes boring, empty, and largely unplayable due to a lack of new players. Many reviewers report that the community is effectively dead, hindering matchmaking and the overall online experience.
- Problematic Matchmaking (weight 0.32): Matchmaking is frequently problematic, with long queue times and a system that often pairs new players against high-ranking veterans. This creates frustrating and unfair matches, further shrinking the player pool as new players are deterred.
- Short and Weak Story (weight 0.28): The story mode is consistently criticized for being very short, often only taking 2-3 hours to complete, and for lacking challenge or depth. Many reviewers found the plot to be lackluster, weak, or simply 'only okay', with some rating it a 1/10.
- Gameplay Bugs and Issues (weight 0.19): The game contains various bits of jank and bugs, including issues with screenshots during the final boss, upside-down slideshow backgrounds, and a framerate locked to the refresh rate. Players can also be stun-locked with bad timing on knock-down recovery.
- Not Beginner Friendly (weight 0.16): The game is widely considered not beginner-friendly due to several factors: an inadequate tutorial that fails to explain core mechanics like parries, a high skill ceiling, and matchmaking that pits novices against seasoned experts. The lack of control binding options for special control schemes exacerbates this issue.
- Lack of Solo Content (weight 0.16): There is a notable dearth of content for solo players, with thin offerings that become repetitive or monotonous quickly. The arcade mode is seen as repetitive for every character, and the game overall lacks enough stages and features to keep players engaged for long.
- High Difficulty and Aggressive AI (weight 0.15): The AI in the game is notably aggressive and frequently defeats players, contributing to the overall high difficulty. Many reviewers report losing often, finding the game can get really difficult, and that it becomes a 'terrifying guessing game of mashing buttons' for less skilled players.
- Poor Netcode and Lag Issues (weight 0.15): Beyond matchmaking, the game's netcode itself is heavily criticized for being poor, leading to tangible lag and a frustrating online experience. This is compounded by a small player base, which makes finding stable, low-latency connections even more difficult.
- Outdated and Unsupported Game (weight 0.13): Reviewers point out that the game is over five years old yet full-priced, is no longer getting updates, and lacks online features (like rematches in ranked) that are needed with a small player base. The lack of updates contributes to the perception that the game is dead or unsupported.
- Mechanical Depth and Control Issues (weight 0.12): The game's mechanical depth is a double-edged sword, with controls and special moves (like no instant air turns) being hard to use and not explained well. This high skill barrier makes it difficult for new players, who often find themselves at a disadvantage against veterans who have mastered the complex system.
- Niche and Unappealing Modes (weight 0.08): Some alternative game modes, such as volleyball, are either wonky due to shared physics or considered difficult and not a good draw for new players. The lack of diverse online game modes also forces players into repetitive private matches if they want to experiment.

Gameplay feedback:
- Fighting game with ball mechanics (weight 0.8): Reviewers consistently describe the game as a fighting game built around hitting a ball at opponents rather than direct physical attacks, blending genres like tennis and baseball. This core identity is central to the player experience across multiple clusters.
- Ball speed increases over time (weight 0.48): A recurring highlight is that the ball speeds up with each hit, often reaching extreme velocities that become hard to track, creating a dynamic and escalating challenge. This mechanic is frequently cited as a defining feature of the gameplay.
- Online multiplayer with rankings (weight 0.45): The game offers online multiplayer with matchmaking and ranked modes, allowing players to compete against real opponents globally. This competitive aspect is frequently mentioned as a key reason for replayability.
- Multiple game modes available (weight 0.42): Players note the inclusion of arcade, story, and single-player modes like tutorial and practice, alongside versus and free-for-all options. This variety supports both solo and competitive play.
- Couch co-op and party play (weight 0.4): The game supports couch co-op and local multiplayer for up to four players, making it a popular choice for party settings. This social aspect is praised for its fun and inclusive nature.
- Easy to learn, hard to master (weight 0.27): A consistent sentiment is that the game is accessible for newcomers but offers deep complexity for advanced players, with a high skill ceiling. This balance makes it appealing to both casual and hardcore audiences.
- Rock-paper-scissors parry mechanic (weight 0.26): Combat includes a rock-paper-scissors system where parry beats strike, throw beats parry, and strike beats throw, adding strategic depth. This mind-game mechanic is highlighted as innovative and engaging.
- Fast, stylish, and chaotic gameplay (weight 0.25): The game is described as fast-paced, stylish, and chaotic, with high-octane action and split-second timing. This energetic presentation appeals to fans of quick, reflexive gameplay.
- Story mode explains backstories (weight 0.17): The story mode offers narrative content that explains character backstories, adding context to the fighting. This single-player content enriches the overall experience.
- Competitive multiplayer focus (weight 0.17): Multiplayer, both online and offline, is often emphasized as the main focus, with the game being most enjoyable in competitive settings. This reinforces its identity as a skill-based fighter.
- Innovative twist on fighting formula (weight 0.17): The game is praised for deviating from conventional fighting genres, introducing a gimmicky yet fun twist with ball-based combat. This uniqueness sets it apart from other fighters.
- Unique ultimate abilities per character (weight 0.15): Each character possesses a unique ultimate or special move, contributing to a diverse roster. This variety in abilities adds tactical options and replay value.
- Comparable to Super Smash Bros. (weight 0.15): Reviewers often compare the game to Super Smash Bros., noting similarities in fighting mechanics and party-friendly gameplay. This association helps set player expectations for the experience.
- Supports AI opponents (weight 0.14): Players can compete against aggressive AI opponents, providing a solo challenge even without online connectivity. This AI mode is appreciated for practice and offline play.
- Jet Set Radio aesthetic (weight 0.09): Several reviewers note the game's visual and stylistic resemblance to Jet Set Radio, which contributes to its distinct charm. This aesthetic is a memorable aspect of the presentation.

Performance notes:
- High ping causes ranked issues (weight 0.21): Players report terrible ping in ranked matches, particularly those in distant regions like Australia, with latency ranging from 90-200. This leads to connectivity issues and overall poor online experience.
- Performance praised on low-end devices (weight 0.12): Multiple reviews highlight smooth performance on low-end hardware like a Microsoft Surface and consistent 10/10 performance ratings. This suggests the game is well optimized for a wide range of systems.
- Stable high framerate and refresh (weight 0.11): The game runs at a stable 120fps and is locked to the refresh rate, ensuring smooth visuals. This is a key performance strength for players with capable hardware.
- Quick startup and no crashes (weight 0.1): One review mentions the game takes three seconds to turn on, and another reports no crashes experienced, indicating overall stability and fast loading times.
- Online matches suffer from desync (weight 0.07): Reviews note that online matches frequently experience lag, stuttering, and desync, impacting gameplay quality. This is a common issue that detracts from the multiplayer experience.
- Steam Deck compatibility confirmed (weight 0.07): One review indicates the game works on the Steam Deck, expanding its accessibility. This is a positive point for portable gaming.
- Fast ball crashes PC (weight 0.06): One specific bug involves the fast ball causing the PC to crash. This is a serious but niche issue that may require a patch.

Recommendations:
- Great multiplayer with friends (weight 0.93): The game shines when played with friends, offering fun for casual sessions and parties. Multiple reviewers emphasize that it's best experienced with one or more friends, whether locally or online.
- Strong overall recommendation (weight 0.58): A large number of reviews strongly recommend the game to a wide audience, praising its quality and fun factor. This includes general recommendations and positive endorsements like 'cannot recommend it enough'.
- Ideal for fans of predecessor (weight 0.36): Players who enjoyed the original Lethal League are highly encouraged to get this sequel. It's considered a must-buy for fans and a natural progression from the first game.
- Good for fighting game fans (weight 0.23): Fans of fighting games and platform fighters will find this game appealing due to its unique twist on the genre. Several reviewers specifically recommend it to those who enjoy competitive fighting games.
- Buy on sale for value (weight 0.21): Some reviewers suggest waiting for a sale to get a better deal, while others think the game is worth full price. It's generally seen as a good value, especially with discounts.
- Accessible to casual players (weight 0.21): The game is suitable for both casual and hardcore players, with recommendations for those new to fighting games. It's a refreshing casual experience with a unique twist.
- Not for solo play (weight 0.19): The game is not recommended if you plan to play alone, as it's designed for multiplayer. Many reviewers advise skipping it without friends due to lack of solo appeal.
- Join Discord for matches (weight 0.15): To find matches and get help, joining the official Discord server is highly recommended. It's useful for matchmaking, guides, and connecting with the community.
- Consideration of Switch version (weight 0.14): The Switch version has mixed feedback: some recommend it for portability and playing with friends on the go, but one advises against purchasing until online features are added.
- Potential for long-term play (weight 0.14): Some reviewers note that the game might not hold up for hundreds of hours due to player population issues, but it's still fun for shorter sessions. Others acknowledge it's short-lived fun with friends.
- Supportive community via Discord (weight 0.14): The official Discord community is highlighted for guides, matchmaking, and tournaments, helping players improve and find games. It's a key resource for the game's longevity.
- Good for parties and gatherings (weight 0.1): The game is great to bring to a party, providing fun for multiple players. It's ideal for couch multiplayer with friends.
- DLC and soundtrack purchase (weight 0.09): Some reviewers plan to buy the DLC and soundtrack, indicating high satisfaction with the game's content. This shows strong support and enjoyment beyond the base game.
- Unique gameplay and soul (weight 0.09): The game offers a unique twist on competitive games and is praised for having a lot of soul. This makes it stand out in the fighting game genre.
- Encourage friends to buy (weight 0.09): To improve online play, reviewers suggest getting friends to buy the game since online may be dead. This encourages a larger player base.
- Game worth price (weight 0.09): The game is considered worth its price, and some say it's an incredible deal even at full price. This indicates high value for the cost.
- Play with friends on weekend (weight 0.06): The game is perfect for weekend sessions with friends, providing entertainment and fun. This reinforces its social multiplayer focus.
- Not for those with temper (weight 0.06): The game is not recommended for players who need a forgiving entry level or have a temper, as it can be challenging and frustrating. This is a niche warning.
- Recommendation for competitive players (weight 0.06): Competitive players will find this game appealing due to its unique mechanics and depth. It's recommended for those who enjoy a competitive challenge.
- Consideration of refund option (weight 0.05): One reviewer suggests trying the game and refunding if you don't like it, implying uncertainty about player satisfaction. This is a cautious recommendation.

Other player notes:
- Compared to Super Smash Bros. (weight 0.56): The game is frequently compared to Super Smash Bros. for its fighting mechanics and multiplayer focus, though many note it offers a fresher or less problematic alternative. Some reviewers find it more accessible or stress-free than Smash.
- Improves upon predecessor (weight 0.55): Reviewers consistently state that this sequel improves on the original Lethal League in every aspect, from core mechanics to content. It is seen as a bigger, better, and more polished version of the first game.
- Jet Set Radio style inspiration (weight 0.43): Multiple reviews compare the game's art style, soundtrack, and overall vibe to Jet Set Radio, highlighting its classic console aesthetic. This comparison is central to the game's identity and appeal.
- Small player base (weight 0.36): A common concern is the low player count, which affects online matchmaking and ranked play. This is seen as a barrier to the game's long-term appeal, though some note active communities on Discord.
- Active Discord community (weight 0.35): Players are directed to official Discords for matchmaking, tournaments, and mods, indicating a dedicated community outside of in-game matchmaking. The community manager is praised for their work.
- Hideki Naganuma soundtrack (weight 0.35): The music is a standout feature, with contributions from Jet Set Radio composer Hideki Naganuma and other notable artists. Reviewers highlight the soundtrack as a major selling point and praise its quality.
- Local multiplayer focus (weight 0.3): The game is designed for local multiplayer, supporting up to four players, and is great for parties and gatherings with friends. Some reviews note that friends may not enjoy playing it, but it's a social experience.
- Story mode added (weight 0.25): This sequel introduces a full story mode that explains character backstories and tournament entry, adding single-player content. Reviews note its length and quality, though some compare it unfavorably to other fighting games.
- Developer Team Reptile (weight 0.24): The developer Team Reptile is praised for their high-quality development and distinctive identity. They are also known for Bomb Rush Cyberfunk, a Jet Set Radio spiritual successor.
- Compared to other fighting games (weight 0.24): Beyond Smash, the game is compared to Street Fighter, Tekken, Mortal Kombat, Rivals of Aether, and Slap City, often being considered better executed or more accessible. These comparisons help define its niche.
- Technical specifications (weight 0.24): Reviewers note low PC requirements, working controller support, and Steam Cloud save functionality. The game runs well on hardware like the Steam Deck and has a Linux version.
- Multiple platform versions (weight 0.19): Some players own the game on multiple platforms, such as Switch, PC, and PS4, indicating cross-platform appeal. The Switch version is recommended for on-the-go play, though it lacks online features.
- Worth the price (weight 0.17): Reviewers often feel the game is worth its price, with some noting it is lower than expected for the content offered. The game frequently goes on sale, and DLC is reasonably priced.
- Game longevity concerns (weight 0.16): The game is over five years old, with no new entry and reportedly no more updates, leading to concerns about its long-term support. Some hope for continued updates, but the future is uncertain.
- High skill ceiling (weight 0.14): With advanced techniques like 'juggle corpse' and comparisons to SSBM, the game offers deep mechanics and a high skill ceiling. This appeals to competitive players but may intimidate newcomers.
- Underrated gem (weight 0.14): Many reviewers call the game underrated, believing it deserves more attention and a larger player base. It is seen as a niche but high-quality fighting game that is not as popular as it should be.
- No microtransactions (weight 0.09): The game avoids microtransactions, with all content unlockable through in-game currency earned by playing. This is appreciated by reviewers as fair and player-friendly.
- Modding support (weight 0.09): The game has mods, including training mode mods and cosmetics, with tutorials available. The community actively creates and shares mods, enhancing replayability.
- Positive Steam rating (weight 0.05): The game holds an 'overwhelmingly positive' rating on Steam, reflecting broad satisfaction among players. This is a testament to its quality.
- Memorable character laugh (weight 0.04): One specific character, Candyman, has a memorable laugh that stands out to reviewers. This adds to the game's distinctive character and charm.

Emotions:
- Enjoyment (weight 0.19): Players report significant enjoyment from the simple yet deep mechanics and the fun, fast-paced gameplay that remains fresh. Playing with friends, whether competitively or casually, is a common highlight, along with the energetic soundtrack and engaging story mode.
- Excitement (weight 0.17): Excitement stems from intense, high-speed gameplay where the ball accelerates to extreme velocities, creating thrilling and unpredictable moments. The game's innovations, competitive depth, and improvements over the original contribute to a hyped and ecstatic experience for players.
- Frustration (weight 0.15): Frustration primarily arises from online issues including problematic matchmaking, high ping, dead servers, and a small player base that pits casuals against hardcore veterans. The steep learning curve and lack of tutorials or training modes while queuing exacerbate the difficulty, leading to repeated losses and an overall rage-inducing experience.
- Admiration (weight 0.1): Admiration is directed at the game's genius mechanical design, stylish art direction, and phenomenal soundtrack, which are considered top-tier and boundary-pushing. Players frequently praise the developer's work, comparing the game favorably to legendary titles for its silky smooth movement and exceptional overall quality.
- Love (weight 0.09): Players express deep love for the game's aesthetic, including its drawing style, animations, and overall Jet Set Radio-inspired design, combined with a phenomenal soundtrack. This affection is amplified by dynamic gameplay, distinct characters, and high-speed effects that create a favorite fighting game experience.
- Fun (weight 0.06): The game delivers consistent fun through its creative and technical gameplay, which is both easy to learn and addictively engaging. The ability to accumulate extreme speeds on the ball and the enjoyable multiplayer interactions with friends are central to this lighthearted and entertaining experience.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.05): Satisfaction comes from the deeply rewarding gameplay loop, where predicting hits, positioning, and pulling off clean rallies feel insanely satisfying. The natural progression system that rewards play without paywalls, combined with short, engaging matches, reinforces a sense of fulfillment and value.
- Disappointment (weight 0.05): Disappointment stems from the game's dead or low player count, which cripples online modes and leads to lag, bad matchmaking, and a lack of solo content. Issues like netcode lag, input delay, a thin story, and missing control bindings on certain platforms compound the letdown.
- Joy (weight 0.05): Joy is largely derived from playing with friends, which is described as the best part of the game, alongside rediscovering its insane potential. The physical satisfaction of hitting the ball at extreme speeds and watching the game's chaotic but godlike moments brings genuine happiness.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.04): Enthusiasm is fueled by the unique, rewarding gameplay that makes players feel awesome, with a high skill ceiling that encourages mastery. The improvements over the first game, great soundtrack, and intense counter-counter parry interactions further drive passionate praise for the game.
- Appreciation (weight 0.03): Appreciation is shown for the unique gameplay and skill-based parry/throw/strike system, which stands out in the fighting game genre. Players commend the game's amazing combination of art style, music, and character designs, recognizing it as polished and reflective of the studio's distinct identity.
- Amusement (weight 0.03): Amusement is generated by the chaotic co-op gameplay, especially moments like hitting the ball to invert colors and causing friends to react wildly. Comparisons to watching a DVD logo bounce around and humorous descriptions of the ball's unintended effects add to the lighthearted comedy.
- Hope (weight 0.02): Hope centers on the desire for more content, a larger player base with a richer sequel, and the game's potential to become a major eSport with constant updates. Players express wishes for a revival of the game's online community and ongoing support from the developers.
- Sadness (weight 0.02): Sadness results from the game's near-dead online community, making the online mode unplayable despite the game's quality. Seeing a good game underrated with few players is a disappointing sight for those who appreciate its merits.
- Amused (weight 0.02): Amusement is found in the chaotic matches that turn into a circus, with humorous descriptions of the ball causing injuries and friends threatening to beat up players who don't join. These absurd scenarios make the game's funnier moments memorable.
- Happiness (weight 0.02): Happiness comes from winning matches and celebrating successes with friends, often with toasts to good play. The couch co-op experience is described as an absolute blast, and the overall quality of the game contributes to positive feelings.
- Grateful (weight 0.01): Gratitude is expressed by players who credit the game with helping them through tough times and even changing their lives. The game's positive impact on their personal well-being is a profound source of thankfulness toward the game and its developers.
- Excited (weight 0.01): Excitement is driven by the game's potential as a game of the year contender, with online play against real people providing an intense and hype back-and-forth experience. The fast-paced, ball-slamming gameplay fuels a high level of enthusiasm.
- Satisfied (weight 0.01): Satisfaction is derived from the game fulfilling the reviewer's fighting game needs, with a core mechanic of hitting a baseball into opponents being both satisfying and fun. This unique approach offers a refreshing alternative within the genre.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.01): Nostalgia is triggered by memories of couch fighting games played with friends, which the game successfully replicates. Players also recall past enjoyable moments from playing the game at its release, reinforcing a sense of fond remembrance.}