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MONSTER

Rocket Arena

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Rocket Arena
Item: Rocket Arena
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2020

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

AvailableJul 14, 2020

PlatformXbox One, PC, PlayStation 4

DeveloperFinal Strike Games

Overview

Rockets rule everything in Rocket Arena, an explosive 3v3 shooter where you're never out of the action. Master your hero's unique rockets and abilities to rule the arena and become a champion. Let's Rocket!

Elsewhere

5.0

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Rocket Arena's story is a disjointed, underdeveloped afterthought—shallow lore, vague characters, and gameplay-centric design drown any potential for emotional depth or cohesive worldbuilding, leaving critics frustrated by its missed opportunities.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

50%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

50%

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

The reviews of Rocket Arena’s story reveal some positive aspects, particularly its foundation in a unique setting and character-driven elements. Critics like Game Rant acknowledge that characters such as Boone have backstories involving quests and relationships, hinting at potential narrative depth. SpazioGames notes the involvement of notable writers in crafting the world of Crater and the Rocket Championship Tour, suggesting an attempt to establish a distinct identity. Additionally, Critical Hit highlights that each character has "a story to tell," with mechanics like earning outfits and exploring artefacts adding layers to their personalities. Hobby Consolas also points out that the game’s 10 maps represent different regions tied to heroes, offering a basic framework for worldbuilding. These elements indicate that while the narrative is not fully realized, it has seeds of potential. However, the majority of critics emphasize significant shortcomings in the story’s execution. DualShockers and GameCritics criticize the lore as "shallow" and "insufficient," with minimal worldbuilding or character backstories beyond brief bios in menus. PSX Extreme and XBLA Fans note that the focus remains on gameplay mechanics rather than a cohesive narrative, with the Rocket Championship Tour serving more as a structural framework than an engaging plot. GameSpot and JeuxActu further condemn the lack of depth, calling the story "underdeveloped" and the environments "lacking personality." Even GamesRadar+ acknowledges that while characters have unique abilities, their narratives are not elaborated upon. These critiques collectively highlight a story that feels secondary to the game’s multiplayer focus, leaving many questions unanswered. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Rocket Arena’s story is a notable weakness, despite some initial efforts to establish a world and characters. While Game Rant and SpazioGames acknowledge the groundwork laid by writers and the potential for future expansion through live-service updates, most reviewers agree that the current narrative lacks depth, coherence, and emotional engagement. The game’s emphasis on gameplay mechanics over storytelling results in a story that feels like an afterthought, with minimal impact on player immersion. Though there are hints of ambition, the lack of substantial lore or character development leaves the narrative underwhelming, making it a point of contention for critics who prioritize storytelling as a core component of gaming experiences.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Praised for its fast-paced, chaotic hero shooter blend of Overwatch and Smash Bros. with inventive movement and accessibility, but criticized for derivative mechanics, repetitive modes, unbalanced characters, and a steep learning curve that hinders polish and depth.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

53%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

46%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of Rocket Arena receives praise for its energetic, fast-paced mechanics and creative fusion of genres. Critics like IGN Italia highlight the game’s dynamic movement systems, such as rocket jumps and a Boom meter, which emphasize mobility and teamwork. GamesRadar+ and COGconnected commend the blend of hero shooter elements from Overwatch and Super Smash Bros., noting the unique character abilities and varied modes like Rocketball and Knockout. The game’s accessibility is another strength: GameCritics praises its addictive, simple loop, while IGN Spain appreciates the balance between depth and approachability, offering strategic layers for competitive play. Many reviewers, including Vandal and Gaming Nexus, celebrate the chaotic yet engaging nature of the gameplay, with mechanics like triple-jumps and power-ups adding flair to 3v3 matches. However, several critics point out significant flaws that detract from the experience. DualShockers and Impulsegamer criticize the game as derivative, relying heavily on borrowed mechanics from titles like Quake and Super Smash Bros. without sufficient originality. Issues like repetitive modes, inconsistent rocket systems, and unbalanced hero abilities are recurring complaints. New Game Network and Vandal note problems with limited strategic depth, random respawns, and chaotic modes like Rocketball that feel unpolished. GameSkinny and XBLA Fans mention balancing issues, with some characters or maps favoring certain playstyles over others. Additionally, App Trigger and Malditos Nerds highlight the lack of clear tutorials and the steep learning curve, which can frustrate newcomers despite the game’s potential. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward appreciation for Rocket Arena’s core mechanics and variety, tempered by concerns about repetition and balance. While IGN Italia and COGconnected laud its innovative blend of hero shooter and platforming elements, others like DualShockers and Impulsegamer argue that the game fails to distinguish itself from predecessors. The game’s accessibility and fast-paced action are widely praised, but persistent issues with mode design, character balance, and tutorial support prevent it from achieving broader acclaim. Despite these flaws, many reviewers, including GameCritics and IGN Spain, acknowledge its potential for growth, suggesting that updates could refine its strengths while addressing its weaknesses.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Rocket Arena’s vibrant, whimsical visuals dazzle with creative charm and playful flair, echoing Fortnite’s style, but critics call them generic, unoriginal, and lacking polish—its art feels more like a recycled theme park than a standout aesthetic, leaving fans divided between its lively appeal and missed potential.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

16%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

82%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The graphics and visual design of Rocket Arena receive praise for their vibrant, colorful, and whimsical aesthetic, which appeals to a younger audience and emphasizes creativity. Many reviewers highlight the game’s cartoonish style, comparing it to titles like Fortnite and Overwatch, with Screen Rant noting its "unique, youthful style" and GameMAG describing it as a "vibrant semi-fantasy, semi-sci-fi aesthetic." The character designs are often celebrated for their distinctiveness, with Impulsegamer praising the animation as "pretty fantastic" and SpazioGames highlighting detailed characters and stages. Maps like the icy castles, underwater cities, and jungle temples are frequently lauded for their variety and interactive elements, such as verticality and dynamic environmental interactions (e.g., Shacknews’s "Crystal Reef" and App Trigger’s "flying cruise ships"). The art style’s approachable and playful nature is seen as a strength, with DarkStation noting its "fun appearance" and XboxAddict emphasizing its "bright, colorful" appeal. However, the visual design faces criticism for being generic, unoriginal, and lacking polish. Multiple reviewers, including New Game Network, describe the art style as "generic, kid-focused" with "bland aesthetics," while USgamer compares it to a "McDonald’s Happy Meal" and "Alita: Battle Angel," criticizing its "tacky, plastic-like" quality. The inconsistency in visual direction is another recurring issue, with Jeuxvideo.com (PS4) noting "inconsistent" art that sometimes hinders visibility, and DualShockers calling character designs "generic and uninspired." Maps are often criticized for their lack of originality, with JeuxActu stating environments feel like a "theme park" rather than a cohesive world, and Generación Xbox comparing the game to Fortnite in a negative light. Additionally, some critics argue that the art style prioritizes charm over depth, with Hobby Consolas noting it "borrows heavily from games like Fortnite" and GameSpot observing that characters are "cartoonish" but lack personality. Overall, the consensus leans toward a mixed reception, with the game’s visual design being broadly praised for its energy, creativity, and appeal to casual players, but criticized for its derivative nature and lack of originality. While outlets like PC Gamer and IGN Spain acknowledge the "colorful, detailed" environments and "fantastical aesthetic," many agree that Rocket Arena fails to stand out in a crowded market of hero shooters. The art style is seen as functional and engaging but not groundbreaking, with LevelUp noting its "clean but personality-less" direction and COGconnected suggesting potential for improvement through DLC. Despite these critiques, the game’s vibrant visuals and playful charm resonate with fans of cartoony action games, even if they fall short of the polish or innovation seen in titles like Overwatch or Fortnite.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Rocket Arena’s audio is a mixed bag: praised for its playful, nostalgic charm and lighthearted vibe reminiscent of 90s classics, but criticized for repetition, lack of originality, and forgettable tracks that fail to elevate the experience beyond functional.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

87%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The sound design and music of Rocket Arena receive mixed but generally favorable remarks, with several reviewers highlighting its playful and nostalgic qualities. DarkStation praises the “playful music” that complements the game’s lighthearted and nostalgic vibe, while GameSkinny notes a “nostalgic 1990s Sega Saturn vibe” aligning with its all-ages appeal. Stevivor points to a “Super Mario Bros rip-off melody” in Treasure Hunt mode, calling it “playful but derivative,” and TheXboxHub acknowledges that the audio “does its job without standing out.” PC Gamer commends the soundtrack for enhancing the game’s lighthearted tone through rising musical notes during fights and impactful sound effects like the bat crack on megablasts. Vandal also highlights the “sympathetic” soundtrack, which fits the game’s playful nature, while Hobby Consolas describes the sound design as “correcta y simpática” (correct and pleasant), emphasizing its atmospheric contributions. However, several critics find the audio lacking in originality or depth. Malditos Nerds criticizes the musical score as “repetitive and unimpressive,” while Attack of the Fanboy notes that the soundtrack and ambient audio are “not highlighted,” with weapon sounds lacking depth. COGconnected points to an “annoying, loud noise” in Treasure Hunt mode that disrupts immersion, and Hardcore Gamer calls the soundtrack “unmemorable and lacking variety.” New Game Network compares the soft, unremarkable soundtrack to The Sims, while LevelUp criticizes the lack of originality, likening it to the “dynamic shooter” genre. Gameblog.fr adds that the rhythmic, energetic soundtrack might be distracting during intense gameplay, and GameMAG mentions a poorly received announcer voice. These critiques suggest that while the audio serves its functional purpose, it fails to leave a lasting impression. Overall, the consensus leans toward Rocket Arena’s sound design being adequate but unremarkable, with praise for its playful tone and nostalgic elements offset by criticism of repetition and lack of innovation. While reviewers like DarkStation, GameSkinny, and PC Gamer appreciate how the music enhances the game’s charm and atmosphere, others such as Malditos Nerds and Hardcore Gamer find it uninspired. The mixed feedback reflects a balance between functional audio that supports gameplay and a soundtrack that struggles to stand out. Despite some standout moments—like Vandal’s “sympathetic” score or PC Gamer’s impactful sound effects—the overall sentiment suggests that Rocket Arena’s audio is more serviceable than exceptional, with its strengths lying in its accessibility and charm rather than technical or creative innovation.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

PC shines with smooth performance, crossplay, and stability; Xbox One offers mixed but generally reliable play despite minor bugs; PS4 struggles with crashes, sluggishness, and chaotic visuals, facing the harshest criticism. Crossplay is a double-edged sword, plagued by matchmaking flaws and friction across platforms. While PC leads in polish, Xbox One’s uneven experience and PS4’s persistent issues highlight uneven optimization, leaving technical hurdles as a major sticking point for players.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

27%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

50%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

23%

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

The technical performance of Rocket Arena varies across platforms, with notable positives for PC and Xbox One. On PC, critics like Areajugones praised its smooth operation with low system requirements, while GameMAG highlighted stable 60fps performance and crossplay support across PC, PS4, and Xbox One. Hobby Consolas noted the game’s stability and effective use of Unreal Engine, emphasizing its accessibility. For Xbox One, Attack of the Fanboy described the experience as "technically competent" with no crashes or bugs on Xbox One X, while Malditos Nerds acknowledged improvements in server issues during early access. These platforms generally received praise for their technical reliability and cross-platform functionality, though some critics noted minor quirks like frame rate dips (COGconnected) or occasional instability (IGN Italia). However, PS4 faced more consistent criticism, with multiple reviewers highlighting significant technical flaws. App Trigger, DualShockers, and Jeuxvideo.com (PS4) all cited disconnections, crashes, sluggish gameplay, camera instability, and cluttered visuals that hindered clarity in fast-paced combat. PSX Extreme criticized matchmaking flaws, such as the inability to quit matches, while Malditos Nerds noted initial server issues that improved over time. On Xbox One, COGconnected reported crashes before or after matches, and Generación Xbox raised concerns about inconsistent performance and problematic crossplay, particularly with forming online groups. Stevivor and XBLA Fans also criticized matchmaking delays and technical instability, while Jeuxvideo.com (Xbox One) echoed similar issues with camera and visual clarity. These platform-specific challenges suggest uneven optimization and persistent bugs across PS4 and Xbox One. The overall consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward PC being the most technically polished, followed by Xbox One, with PS4 facing the most significant hurdles. While PC reviewers like GameMAG and Hobby Consolas praised stability and crossplay, Xbox One saw a split between positive reports (Attack of the Fanboy) and negative ones (COGconnected, Generación Xbox). PS4 critics uniformly highlighted instability, though some noted improvements over time (Malditos Nerds). Crossplay was frequently mentioned as a key feature but also a source of friction, with issues like uneven matchmaking (Gaming Nexus) and lack of voice chat indicators (Malditos Nerds). Despite these challenges, the game’s core mechanics were generally stable, with technical performance being more of a hurdle than a deal-breaker for many players.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Rocket Arena dazzles with variety—modes, customization, competitive depth—but its repetitive core, underwhelming progression, and unbalanced mechanics risk making it a flash in the pan unless post-launch updates fix its flaws.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

29%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

62%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The initial reception of Rocket Arena’s replay value highlights several positive aspects that suggest potential for sustained engagement. Critics like TheGamer and GameMAG praise the game’s diverse modes (e.g., Knockout, Rocketball, Treasure Hunt), character customization, artifact progression systems, and seasonal updates as foundational elements that could support long-term play. PC Gamer notes the variety of maps, heroes, and cosmetic options, while App Trigger emphasizes the Blast Pass system and future content roadmap as incentives for continued investment. Additionally, Game Rant and GamingTrend acknowledge the game’s competitive nature, varied strategies, and potential for ranked play, which could attract players seeking depth. The inclusion of dynamic combat mechanics and adaptive maps, as highlighted by The Games Machine, further suggests that Rocket Arena has the structural elements to foster replayability if nurtured through updates. However, the consensus on Rocket Arena’s replay value is heavily tempered by criticisms of its repetitive core gameplay and lack of meaningful progression. Game Informer and DualShockers describe the game as “forgettable” due to generic hero designs, monotonous modes, and minimal customization beyond cosmetics. USgamer and Gaming Nexus point to underwhelming characters, limited goals, and technical issues that diminish long-term appeal, while Jeuxvideo.com criticizes unbalanced modes like Rocketball and Mega Rocket for failing to deliver consistent fun. GameCritics and PlaySense note that the game’s addictive mechanics are undermined by sparse content, with some reviewers feeling they exhausted most of the experience within an hour. Even XBLA Fans and Attack of the Fanboy acknowledge that while completionist goals or varied modes might motivate short-term play, the repetitive core loop risks losing players over time. Overall, critics present a mixed but cautiously optimistic view of Rocket Arena’s replay value. While many recognize its potential through diverse mechanics, seasonal updates, and competitive systems—highlighted by TheGamer and GameMAG—the majority agree that the current iteration falls short due to repetitive gameplay, limited content, and unbalanced modes. GameSpot and Digital Chumps emphasize that the game’s longevity hinges on post-launch support, with some critics like Jeuxvideo.com and Everyeye.it stressing that initial content feels insufficient for its price point. Despite these shortcomings, a subset of reviewers, including PCGamesN and Areajugones, believe the game’s foundation—such as rotating modes and character progression—could evolve into a compelling experience with continued development. The divide between those who see promise in Rocket Arena’s framework and those who find it lacking underscores a broader debate about whether its replayability will improve over time or remain constrained by its current flaws.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

27%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

73%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The reviewers generally acknowledge Rocket Arena’s positive aspects, highlighting its engaging gameplay mechanics, fast-paced action, and unique twists on the arena shooter genre. Many praise its creative core concepts, such as the rocket-based combat system, dynamic traversal, and combo mechanics that differentiate it from competitors like Fortnite or Super Smash Bros. For instance, TheGamer notes its “unique rocket-based mechanics” and “charm,” while GameSkinny appreciates its “vibrant gameplay” and “family-friendly” appeal. The game’s polished multiplayer experience is another recurring highlight, with IGN Spain calling it a “fantastic game with well-crafted mechanics” and Hobby Consolas praising its “strong gameplay, stability, and replayability.” Additionally, several critics, including Gaming Nexus and PC Games, acknowledge its potential for growth, citing the promise of future updates to address current shortcomings. The game’s accessibility and variety of modes also earn praise, with Areajugones noting its “innovative mechanics” and “accessibility” as strengths. However, the negatives are equally prominent, with critics pointing to several critical flaws that hinder the experience. High pricing and microtransactions are frequently criticized, with Push Square calling it an “unworthy investment” and GameCrate arguing the $30 price tag doesn’t justify the current content. Issues like limited customization, repetitive gameplay, and underdeveloped tutorials further detract from the experience, as noted by DualShockers and Vgames. Technical problems, such as balance issues and matchmaking inconsistencies, are also recurring complaints, with Jeuxvideo.com describing the game as “chaotic and inconsistent” and XBLA Fans emphasizing the need for fixes. Additionally, many critics, including USgamer and Digital Chumps, highlight a lack of lasting appeal due to unmemorable characters, generic art styles, and shallow progression systems. These issues collectively create a sense that the game is “one rocket shy of being blown off the map” (Stevivor) and struggles to stand out in a crowded market. The overall consensus among critics is mixed but cautiously optimistic, with many recognizing Rocket Arena’s potential while acknowledging its current flaws. While some, like PC Games and GameCritics, view it as a “solid multiplayer title” with room for improvement, others, such as Gaming Nexus and Jeuxvideo.com, argue that its success hinges on post-launch updates to address content gaps and balance issues. The game’s accessibility and charm are frequently cited as redeeming qualities, but the high price point and competitive market challenges remain significant barriers. Critics like TheGamer and IGN Spain express hope for its future, noting its “competitive potential” and “strategic depth,” while others, such as GameCrate and PC Gamer, urge players to consider the current state before purchasing. Ultimately, Rocket Arena is seen as a fun but incomplete experience—a game with creative ideas that needs refinement to fully realize its ambitions.

TL;DR

Rocket Arena dazzles with wild, fast-paced combat and creative mechanics but stumbles under high price tags, repetitive gameplay, and polish issues, leaving it as a promising yet flawed entry in the arena shooter scene.

MONSTER

Reviews

80 reviews found

Shacknews

Jul 13, 2020