Search for games

Type three or more characters to search...

Links

Playstation

Twitch

MONSTER

Foamstars

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Foamstars
Item: Foamstars
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2024

GenresAction, Third Person Perspective, Shooter, Single Player, Multiplayer, First Person Perspective

AvailableFeb 6, 2024

PlatformPlayStation 5, PlayStation 4

DeveloperSquare Enix

Overview

A 4v4 online party shooter from Square Enix that has you battling to foam as much of the city as you can while avoiding your opponents traps and weapons. Use foam to build terrain, creating slippery surfaces to surf around the arena at high speed, help defend from enemy attacks, or create vantage points to take out opponents. And most importantly, to foam up the opposition!

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on Foamstars' story mode. Some praise its distinct characters and vibrant setting, while others criticize its lack of depth and repetitive missions. Positive aspects include the unique concept and engaging backdrop, but negative points include easy missions and uninteresting gameplay. Overall, Foamstars' story mode fails to deliver a compelling narrative experience, with reviewers divided on its quality.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

69%

Negative (0-49)

31%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

In analyzing the opinions of various critics on the Story of Foamstars, it's evident that there are both positive and negative aspects highlighted by different reviewers. Atomix appreciates the distinct characters and individual backstories akin to Overwatch, which adds depth and personality to the game's narrative. But Why Tho? also praises the vibrant setting of Bath Vegas and the variety of game modes and characters available, offering players a diverse and engaging experience. IGN finds the concept of the Foamsmash Tournament and the quirky story engaging, providing a unique and entertaining backdrop for the gameplay. On the other hand, several critics point out the shortcomings in Foamstars' story mode. Digital Trends criticizes the repetitive and easy wave defense missions, along with cringe-inducing humor and rough voice acting, which detract from the overall narrative experience. Everyeye.it and GGRecon both highlight the lack of depth and repetitive nature of the single-player campaign, with missions that fail to offer meaningful engagement or progression. TRG goes as far as describing the single-player missions as "truly atrocious," emphasizing the simplicity and lack of excitement in the gameplay. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards a mixed reception of Foamstars' story mode. While some reviewers appreciate the unique concept, vibrant setting, and distinct characters, others criticize the lack of depth, repetitive missions, and uninteresting gameplay elements. TheSixthAxis acknowledges the game's playful and simple setup, catering to a specific audience looking for light-hearted entertainment. However, GamingBolt and Siliconera point out the basic storytelling and lack of engaging content as significant drawbacks. Despite some positive aspects highlighted by certain critics, the general sentiment suggests that Foamstars' story mode falls short in delivering a compelling and immersive narrative experience for players.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Foamstars has received a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. Praise for its unique foam-based combat mechanics and special abilities, as well as innovative gameplay elements inspired by titles like Splatoon and Overwatch. Some critics raised concerns about lack of variety, repetitive gameplay, and certain design flaws. Overall, Foamstars offers a fun and engaging multiplayer experience with strategic depth and creative twists, despite some room for improvement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

44%

Mixed (50-79)

56%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The Gameplay of Foamstars has received a mix of positive and negative feedback from various critics. Many reviewers praised the unique foam-based combat mechanics and special abilities that offer a fresh take on multiplayer battles. Critics like But Why Tho? appreciated the easy-to-pick-up shooting and surfing mechanics that provide a fun and engaging experience, while Digital Trends highlighted the strategic depth and creative fusion of gameplay elements from titles like Splatoon and Overwatch. The incorporation of unique modes such as Smash the Star and Rubber Duck Party was also commended for requiring teamwork and strategy, as mentioned by Digital Trends. On the downside, some critics expressed concerns about the lack of variety in gameplay, which could lead to eventual fatigue. Everyeye.it and LevelUp pointed out the limited character variety and repetitive gameplay as potential drawbacks that may result in boredom over time. Visibility issues, confusing mechanics, and unbalanced gameplay modes were also noted as areas of improvement by GGRecon and Vandal, respectively. Additionally, LevelUp criticized certain modes for lacking excitement and originality, with the Missions mode being described as tedious and unengaging. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards Foamstars offering a unique and enjoyable multiplayer experience with its innovative foam-based combat mechanics and strategic gameplay elements. Positive aspects such as the fast-paced and chaotic gameplay, unique character abilities, and engaging shooting mechanics were highlighted by reviewers like Gamer Escape and TRG. While there are concerns about the lack of variety, repetitive gameplay, and certain design choices, the general sentiment suggests that Foamstars succeeds in delivering a fun and competitive third-person PvP shooter experience with creative twists that set it apart from traditional multiplayer shooters.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Foamstars' graphics receive mixed reviews, with praise for vibrant visuals but criticism for clutter and lack of polish. Critics appreciate the colorful art style and character designs but mention issues with visual confusion and lack of variety in maps. Despite potential, there are concerns about balancing visual elements for a more immersive experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

22%

Mixed (50-79)

78%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The Graphics and Visual Design of Foamstars have received a mix of opinions from critics. Many critics praised the game for its vibrant and colorful visuals, with Atomix noting the visually appealing anime-style art and colorful visuals reminiscent of Splatoon. But Why Tho? appreciated the distinct feel of each character and unique arenas for each game mode, while GGRecon highlighted the lovely and colorful visuals with bold, bright colors and neon lights. Everyeye.it also commended the diverse and visually appealing character designs, showcasing the game's potential in creating an engaging visual experience. On the other hand, several critics pointed out negative aspects of Foamstars' visual design. Digital Trends and Gamer Escape mentioned issues with visual clutter and confusion, with Digital Trends specifically noting the massive mounds of soap covering the battlefield as visually confusing. Siliconera criticized the game for feeling corporate and lacking personality, with underwhelming character designs and aesthetics. Additionally, GamingBolt highlighted a lack of polish and balance in the overall design, impacting the visual experience of the game. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards acknowledging Foamstars' potential in its colorful and vibrant visual design, as seen in positive comments from critics like IGN and Push Square. However, there is a notable concern regarding visual clutter, lack of variety in maps and environments, and occasional confusion caused by design choices, as mentioned by GamingBolt and Multiplayer.it. While the game's art style and character designs are generally praised for being appealing and diverse, there seems to be a need for improvement in terms of balancing visual elements and enhancing overall visual clarity to provide a more engaging and immersive experience for players, as highlighted by the collective feedback from various critics.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Foamstars' sound design and music receive mixed reviews: praised for its diverse genres enhancing gameplay by some, criticized for lack of balance and originality by others. Overall, opinions vary, with some lauding the engaging soundtrack while others find it lacking coherence and uniqueness.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

38%

Mixed (50-79)

38%

Negative (0-49)

25%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The Sound Design and Music of Foamstars have garnered mixed reviews from critics. Atomix and Gamer Escape praise the engaging and impressive soundtrack that features elements of swing, jazz, electronica, funk, and disco, enhancing the game's atmosphere and overall experience. Push Square also commends the surprisingly good music that complements the energetic and lighthearted feel of the game. These positive comments highlight the diverse range of music genres incorporated into the game, appealing to a broad audience and enhancing the gameplay experience. On the other hand, Digital Trends and Siliconera express concerns about the music and sound design of Foamstars. Digital Trends mentions a lack of balance in the soundtrack, with a mix of smooth jazz and hokey oldies-style songs that may feel alienating to players. Siliconera criticizes the music and album covers for being generic and uninspiring, lacking a consistent art direction or unique elements found in other games like Splatoon. These criticisms suggest that while the music in Foamstars attempts to cater to various tastes, it may not always hit the mark in terms of coherence and originality. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Foamstars is somewhat divided. While some critics like Atomix, Gamer Escape, and Push Square appreciate the diverse and engaging soundtrack that enhances the gameplay experience, others such as Digital Trends and Siliconera point out issues with balance, originality, and consistency in the music and sound design. Despite differing opinions on specific aspects like the in-game album covers and dialogue, the general sentiment leans towards the positive side, with a majority of critics acknowledging the music's ability to create an immersive and enjoyable gaming experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Foamstars on the PS5 received mixed reviews for its technical performance. Critics praised stable frame rates, crossplay, and DualSense haptics but criticized network connectivity issues, long queue times, and frustrating monetization. The game runs smoothly on the PS4 Pro but faces problems with matchmaking, shot trajectory, and clarity on the PS5. Overall, opinions vary, with some appreciating certain aspects while others highlight flaws, impacting the overall gaming experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

15%

Mixed (50-79)

54%

Negative (0-49)

31%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance of Foamstars on the PS5, several critics highlighted positive aspects. Atomix praised the stable frame rates and crossplay between PS4 and PS5, providing a smooth gameplay experience. Push Square also commended the game for being technically strong with no discernible frame rate dips and for utilizing the DualSense's haptics effectively. Additionally, Multiplayer.it noted that the game runs smoothly on the PS4 Pro, even during intense cooperative gameplay sessions. However, there were notable negative points raised by critics regarding the technical performance of Foamstars on the PS5. Critics like GamingBolt and IGN pointed out issues with network connectivity, long queue times, high network ping, and frustrating monetization practices, impacting the stability and enjoyment of the game. TheSixthAxis and Vandal highlighted problems with matchmaking queues, sluggish shot trajectory, lack of clarity in gameplay, and online match issues, further affecting the technical performance and stability of the game on the PS5. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the technical performance of Foamstars on various platforms leans towards a mixed reception. While some critics appreciated certain aspects like stable frame rates, smooth gameplay, and solid aesthetics, others criticized issues such as matchmaking problems, network connectivity issues, and reliance on real-money purchases for cosmetic items. The varying opinions from critics like But Why Tho?, Everyeye.it, and LevelUp indicate a lack of consistency in the technical performance of Foamstars across different platforms, ultimately impacting the overall gaming experience for players.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Foamstars showcases diverse characters and strategic gameplay, praised for its replay value by critics like IGN and Digital Trends. However, concerns arise over repetitive gameplay, lack of variety, and expensive microtransactions, impacting long-term engagement. While the game offers potential with planned updates, issues like limited content and aggressive monetization hinder its overall appeal, leading to mixed opinions on its longevity among reviewers.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

83%

Negative (0-49)

17%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The positive aspects of Foamstars that several critics highlighted include the diverse roster of characters with unique abilities and playstyles, offering players a variety of options for gameplay. IGN and Digital Trends both noted the strategic depth and unique modes of the game contributing to its replay value. Additionally, some critics appreciated the potential for improvement with planned new characters and seasons, as mentioned by But Why Tho?. The different game modes like 'Destrúye la Estrella' and 'Happy Bath Survival' mentioned by Vandal also offer some variety in gameplay experiences. On the negative side, several critics raised concerns about the lack of variety, repetitive gameplay, and limited content affecting the game's replayability. Atomix and GGRecon mentioned the lackluster story mode and expensive microtransactions as deterrents for long-term engagement. LevelUp and GamingBolt criticized the game for its lack of substance, meager payouts for player progression, and issues like matchmaking problems and movement issues. The aggressive monetization and lack of customization options highlighted by Siliconera also contribute to the negative aspects affecting the game's replay value. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards Foamstars having some replay value but facing challenges in maintaining long-term engagement. While the game offers diverse characters and strategic gameplay, issues like lack of depth in content, repetitive missions, and concerns about post-launch support impact its replayability. The presence of expensive microtransactions and limited game modes also contribute to mixed opinions on the game's longevity. Critics like Push Square and Gamer Escape mentioned the variety of game modes and characters as positives but acknowledged that factors like microtransactions and lack of depth in tertiary elements could affect players' interest in the long run.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

83%

Negative (0-49)

13%

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Foamstars has been praised by several critics for its potential and unique aspects. Critics like But Why Tho? and Push Square appreciate the game's colorful and entertaining nature, with potential for strategic gameplay and stylish presentation. The engaging multiplayer experience and distinctive heroes with varied movesets, as highlighted by Everyeye.it, also contribute to the game's positive aspects. Additionally, GamingBolt acknowledges Foamstars for its appealing visual design and impressive soundtrack, indicating that the game has some neat ideas that could be enjoyable, especially when played with friends. On the other hand, Foamstars faces criticism from multiple reviewers for various shortcomings. Atomix and Digital Trends point out gameplay issues, cluttered visuals, and design flaws that hinder the overall experience. Critics like God is a Geek and TRG highlight concerns about chaotic matches, overpriced cosmetics, and excessive monetization, which impact player enjoyment and make the game less appealing. Furthermore, LevelUp and Siliconera mention issues with aggressive microtransactions, lack of innovation, and challenges in long-term sustainability, indicating that Foamstars falls short in providing a fully engaging and immersive gaming experience. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the Overall Verdict of Foamstars is mixed. While some reviewers see the game's potential for growth and engaging multiplayer experience, others emphasize its shortcomings in gameplay, monetization, and lack of originality. IGN suggests that with improvements in areas like monetization and multiplayer structure, Foamstars could offer a more enjoyable gaming experience. However, critics like Checkpoint Gaming and Vandal express concerns about the game's ability to stand out in the competitive market and deliver a satisfying gameplay experience. Ultimately, Foamstars seems to have divided opinions among critics, with some seeing promise in its unique elements while others find it lacking in key areas that impact its overall appeal.

TL;DR

Critics praise Foamstars for its colorful, entertaining nature, engaging multiplayer, and distinct heroes but criticize its gameplay issues, cluttered visuals, and excessive monetization. The game's potential and shortcomings divide opinions, with some suggesting improvements in monetization and multiplayer structure to enhance the gaming experience.

MONSTER

Reviews

43 reviews found

Push Square

PlayStation 5

Feb 9, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Foamstars is a colorful, unique, and entertaining shooter with potential for strategy and plenty of style.

Read full review

Siliconera

PlayStation 5

Feb 13, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Foamstars offers engaging gameplay mechanics but falls short in terms of aesthetics, monetization, and long-term sustainability in a competitive market.

Read full review

Multiplayer.it

PlayStation 5

Mar 6, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Foamstars has potential but needs more content and innovative ideas to thrive in the competitive gaming market.

Read full review

Everyeye.it

PlayStation 5

Feb 11, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Foamstars has potential with distinctive heroes and varied movesets, but needs improvement in clarity and gameplay depth to truly succeed.

Read full review

Atomix

PlayStation 5

Feb 19, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Foamstars provides a fun and engaging multiplayer experience with potential for growth through updates and player engagement, but is held back by gameplay issues, lack of variety, and design flaws.

Read full review

But Why Tho?

PlayStation 5

Feb 11, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Foamstars is a fun party shooter with chill vibes and vibrant expression that has the potential to be great with some tweaks and additions. Despite its current shortcomings, it is engaging and enjoyable.

Read full review

Gamer Escape

PlayStation 5

Feb 22, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Foamstars shows potential with its unique gameplay mechanics, appealing visual design, and impressive soundtrack, but is held back by issues like visual clutter, movement issues, and lack of depth in certain aspects, making it fall short of making a significant impact.

Read full review

Digital Trends

PlayStation 5

Feb 13, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Foamstars has potential with its strategic gameplay and unique modes, but is hindered by cluttered visuals, awful voice acting, and a confused presentation. The presence of jaw-dropping microtransactions may also impact player enjoyment.

Read full review

Checkpoint Gaming

PlayStation 5

Feb 26, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Foamstars follows the Splatoon blueprint but prioritizes in-game economy over community building, facing challenges in proving itself in the market and sustaining player interest.

Read full review

IGN

PlayStation 5

Feb 16, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Foamstars presents a promising foundation for a competitive shooter with creative gameplay mechanics and engaging multiplayer experience. However, issues with monetization, voice acting, and multiplayer structure hinder its potential. With improvements in these areas, Foamstars could offer a more enjoyable and immersive gaming experience.

Read full review