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Bouncing Back to Arcade Glory

In a gaming landscape utterly dominated by the detailed simulation and complex mechanisms of the NBA 2K series, finding an approachable, family-friendly basketball title has become a formidable challenge. Enter NBA Bounce, a deliberate throwback to the arcade era, developed by Unfinished Pixel SL and published by Outright Games Ltd. This title attempts to carve out a niche by offering a simplified, engaging 3-on-3 experience that prioritizes speed and fun over statistical depth and complex controls. For many veteran gamers, the mention of arcade basketball immediately conjures memories of NBA Jam‘s over-the-top antics; while NBA Bounce adopts this high-speed tempo, it consciously dials back the radical physics for a slightly more grounded, yet still cartoonish, style of play.

The game is overtly positioned as an entry point for newcomers and younger audiences, aiming to provide basketball excitement without the steep learning curve or the complexity of managing player tendencies and salary caps found in its simulation counterparts. The core structure is a 3-on-3 format, a departure from the classic 2-on-2 setup of its spiritual predecessors, which naturally leads to faster transitions and more open court space. Crucially, the licensing is limited, featuring all 30 official NBA teams and their corresponding mascots and arenas, but omitting the real NBA players. Instead, players utilize custom chibi-style avatars, which can be personalized in the Locker Room with unlockable jerseys and sneakers, offering a creative outlet that appeals directly to the youth demographic.

Responsive Controls and Technical Execution

The controls in NBA Bounce are its strongest technical asset, engineered for immediate accessibility across all supported platforms, including the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Steam), and Nintendo Switch. Actions are mapped intuitively: Cross (or equivalent) handles passing, Square handles shooting, which utilizes a power-up bar featuring a “sweet spot” for a guaranteed net, and R2 (or corresponding trigger) enables sprinting. The simplified physics mean players can easily master the basic mechanics of shooting and dribbling within minutes, making it ideal for the drop-in, drop-out nature of local multiplayer. Even defensive actions, such as shot blocking, rebounding, and stealing, while requiring precise timing, remain streamlined enough that the learning curve is exceptionally flat.

Beyond the input design, the game demonstrates solid technical optimization, particularly in its performance metrics. While the graphics are intentionally simple and stylized the trade-off is a phenomenal and fluid framerate that remains stable even during chaotic 4-player local co-op sessions. This technical stability ensures that the gameplay feels responsive and lag-free, which is paramount in a fast-paced arcade environment where split-second timing, particularly on shots and blocks, is crucial for success.

Diverse Game Modes and Multiplayer Mayhem

NBA Bounce offers a respectable suite of game modes that enhance its replayability and family appeal. Players can engage in a standard Quick Match, embark on a competitive Tournament (styled after the NBA Playoffs), or grind through a Full Season, which, according to the store page, suggests up to 82 games. While the Season mode is robust in length, it lacks fundamental long-term tracking features like detailed player statistics or All-Star events, which ultimately limits its appeal for dedicated solo players. The inclusion of a robust Training mode is a welcome technical feature, offering dedicated tutorials to help players improve lay-ups and timing without the pressure of a live game.

The true highlight, and the source of the most glowing feedback including the enjoyment shared during our family weekend, is the innovative Party Mode. This mode introduces rotating, game-altering modifiers that transform the court and ball with special effects each quarter, such as an electrified basketball or hoops that randomly open and close. This chaotic system ensures no two quarters play out identically, demanding constant adaptation from the up to 4 local co-op players. The ability to play on changing and special courts with these dynamic rules successfully injects a dose of unpredictable, pure fun, providing the “unique way” of playing that families crave, turning basketball into a truly light-hearted, unpredictable, and highly collaborative experience – we really had a blast playing it.

The Cost Barrier and Content Depth

Despite its technical polish and excellent family-friendly design, the most significant obstacle facing NBA Bounce is its commercial positioning. The retail price point, consistently listed at $49.99 (or £45) across major platforms, is a high entry cost is likely a direct result of securing the official NBA license for all team names, logos, and mascots, but it creates a difficult value proposition for many players as currently the title omits online multiplayer, statistical career tracking, and deep player customization beyond cosmetics, its definitely a drawback.

The overall longevity of the game is further hampered by its content structure. Outside of the engaging Party Mode, the primary rewards for winning games—especially within the lengthy Season mode—are limited largely to cosmetic collectibles, such as alternate jerseys, basketball variants, and mascot unlocks. While the ability to use mascots like the Chicago Bulls’ Benny or the Denver Nuggets’ Rocky in the game adds a charming layer of fan service, the overall feeling is that the gameplay works entirely on the surface, offering little reason for dedicated solo play once the core loop has been mastered.

Final Verdict

NBA Bounce achieves exactly what it sets out to do: provide a polished, accessible, and fast-paced 3-on-3 basketball game for the entire family. Developed by Unfinished Pixel SL, the title benefits from strong technical performance, confirmed on various setups including high-spec PCs and portable consoles, ensuring a reliable and fluid gameplay experience. Its success lies in its simple, responsive controls, the inclusion of all official team branding, and, critically, the fantastic, highly variable Party Mode that truly shines in 4-player local co-op. Its full retail price of nearly $50 remains the primary hurdle to its outright recommendation I however still believe it’s really worth it especially for families seeking shared fun and basketball lovers that grew on the old style NBA Jam games.

Our score: 8 out of 10

London, UK – Outright Games, a global publisher of interactive family-friendly entertainment, has officially announced its partnership with the NBA to release the upcoming title, NBA Bounce. Developed by Unfinished Pixel, this exciting new arcade-style basketball game is set to launch on September 26, 2025, for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam. The collaboration marks a significant milestone for Outright Games as their first venture into the world of sports organizations.

The game is designed to be accessible to players of all ages and skill levels, offering intuitive controls and multiple difficulty settings. I had the incredible opportunity to get a hands-on preview of NBA Bounce with the developers at Gamescom 2025 in Cologne, Germany, and I can confirm that the experience was a blast. The game lives up to its promise of fast, fun, and rewarding gameplay.

Walking through the hallowed halls of Gamescom 2025, I was invited to play one of the most anticipated titles on the horizon: Pearl Abyss’s Crimson Desert. In a world filled with countless promises of next-gen glory, this game is a refreshing splash of reality. I had the absolute pleasure of getting my hands on a 50-minute demo, a hands-on experience that was as generous as it was spectacular. It’s a true testament to the game’s quality that I left with not only a handful of memories but also an entire, uncut recording of my own gameplay on a USB stick. What a way to get a souvenir! It’s one thing to hear about a game’s stunning visuals, but another entirely to be able to rewatch and dissect your own awe-inspiring journey through its world.

From the very moment I stepped into the sprawling continent of Pywel, I was struck by its sheer scale and breathtaking detail. This is no static backdrop; this is a living, breathing character in itself. Rendered with meticulous detail by Pearl Abyss’s proprietary “BlackSpace Engine,” the world vividly experiences various natural phenomena, from dynamic lighting that shifts with the time of day to realistic weather patterns that can change in a flash. My demo took me from a chaotic battlefield to serene natural environments, and I found myself getting momentarily distracted from the main objective, captivated by a scenic vista of towering rock cliffs and majestic mountain ranges. It’s the kind of game where you might just forget your quest objectives for a minute or two, lost in the sheer beauty of a new landscape.

The gameplay, too, feels incredibly fluid and dynamic. Traversal is a particular highlight. Beyond the classic horseback riding where your trusty steed can be summoned to your side at almost any time, a feature I’m already emotionally attached to you can also take to the skies. The “Crow’s Wing” ability allows you to glide across the air, offering an exhilarating and efficient way to navigate the vast map. For those who want more maneuverability, the “Axiom Force” skill adds another layer to traversal, allowing for strategic repositioning both in exploration and in the thick of combat. Combat itself is a joy, offering a wide array of strategies that go beyond simple button mashing. You can fluidly switch between multiple weapons, from swords and shields to bows and arrows, and adapt your style to the situation. The “Axiom Bracelet” is a game-changer, enhancing attacks with elements of fire, lightning, and ice. I had a blast watching fire-enhanced arrows explode on impact and freezing enemies solid with an ice-infused sword, only to shatter them with a follow-up blow. For a perfectly balanced mix of finesse and controlled chaos, you can even fire an “Artillery Whistling Arrow” to call in allied forces to lay down fire on a designated location, which is incredibly useful for taking down enemy structures or clearing out large groups.

Of course, no game is perfect. During my demo, I had a brief but humorous encounter trying to get into a building to save someone. I spent a few moments trying to figure out if a particular door was an inaccessible part of the scenery or just needed a little more, shall we say, persuasion. But this is the kind of minor polish a game receives on its way to launch. It’s a testament to the game’s overall quality and stability that these were the only small hitches I encountered.

The narrative, even in the brief glimpse I got, felt rich and compelling, drawing me in immediately. You play as the protagonist, Kliff, who finds himself entangled in a violent rebellion after a fierce ambush by his enemies, the Drunken Black Bears. It’s a story of loss and reunion, as Kliff fights to get back to his comrades and allies, taking on formidable bosses along the way. I had a blast facing off against a massive Black Bear opponent, a foe whose sheer size rendered grappling skills ineffective, forcing me to rely on dodges and strategic strikes. Later, the final boss of the demo, Cassius Morton, was a perfect test of skill, wielding a mace and shield with deadly precision. These battles were not just tests of brute force but required strategic thinking. The moment I lifted a broken pillar, a result of our battle’s destruction, to deliver a finishing blow to Cassius, felt incredibly epic and truly highlighted the game’s dynamic combat system.

What truly sold me on the game, though, was the team behind it. The developers were on-site, super receptive to feedback, and genuinely enthusiastic about their creation. This kind of open dialogue with the community is what turns a good game into a great one. Overall, Crimson Desert is shaping up to be a monumental fantasy RPG. It’s a game that respects your intelligence, rewards exploration, and wraps it all in a visually jaw-dropping package. It’s the kind of experience that makes me excited to see what the future holds for this title.

A New Cosmic Nightmare Unfolds

The gaming world is abuzz following the announcement at the Future Games Show Live from Gamescom 2025: Katanaut, the highly anticipated action roguelite, will officially launch on September 10th. Developed by the solo indie studio Voidmaw LLC, this game promises a brutal and beautiful blend of high-octane combat and unsettling mystery. Its release on Steam marks the culmination of a dedicated development process, with the PC version now feature-complete and ready for players to dive into its pixelated carnage. The studio has also hinted at plans to bring the game to consoles in the future, expanding its reach beyond the PC platform.

This eagerly awaited title draws inspiration from classic metroidvania and 2D action-platformers, but molds them into a distinct and unforgiving roguelite experience. The game is set aboard a massive space station that has fallen prey to a mysterious calamity. Players step into the shoes of a lone protagonist tasked with navigating this doomed vessel, where once-human inhabitants have been twisted into monstrous horrors. The narrative and environmental design work in tandem to create a palpable sense of dread, as the station’s halls and sectors slowly contort and warp the deeper you venture.

High-Stakes Combat and Technical Depth

At its core, Katanaut offers a punishingly difficult combat system reminiscent of soulslike games, where every encounter is a high-stakes duel. Success is not guaranteed by brute force but by a combination of quick reflexes, strategic thinking, and precise execution. The game’s combat mechanics are designed to be fluid and responsive, allowing for a wide range of offensive and defensive maneuvers. Players will be able to utilize a diverse arsenal of unlockable melee weapons, guns, and even magic-like abilities. This variety is a key technical feature, encouraging players to experiment with different weapon combinations and builds, from aggressive close-quarters brawling to more tactical, ranged engagements.

The game’s replayability is driven by its unique blend of handcrafted and procedurally generated levels. This ensures that no two playthroughs are exactly alike. One run might present a straightforward path with manageable enemy encounters, while the next could be an intense gauntlet of unexpected challenges and ambushes. This procedural element adds a layer of unpredictability that keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging, forcing players to adapt on the fly rather than relying on memorized layouts. The sheer number of unlockable items, skills, and perks further enhances this dynamic, offering a vast progression system that rewards exploration and persistence. Every death is designed not as a setback, but as an opportunity to learn and evolve, allowing players to refine their strategies and uncover new synergies between their chosen abilities.

The Art and Sound of a Cosmic Catastrophe

Visually, Katanaut is a masterclass in pixel-perfect design. Every element, from the intricate character sprites to the expansive and unsettling environments, has been meticulously crafted by hand. This deliberate aesthetic choice creates a nostalgic yet modern visual style that perfectly captures the unsettling beauty of the game’s cosmic nightmare setting. The attention to detail is evident in the subtle animations, environmental storytelling, and the grotesque designs of the mutated enemies. The pixel art isn’t just for looks; it serves to heighten the atmosphere and immerse players in this dark, dystopian world.

Complementing the stunning visuals is a captivating synthwave soundtrack. Composed by a single, immensely talented musician, the score is more than just background music; it’s an integral part of the game’s identity. The soundtrack’s pulsing rhythms and atmospheric synths heighten the energy of every battle, creating a sense of urgency and chaos. Simultaneously, it effectively paints the somber and eerie atmosphere of the space station’s darkest corners. This sonic landscape enhances the emotional impact of the gameplay, transitioning from frantic, adrenaline-fueled tracks during combat to more minimalist, tension-building melodies as you explore the desolate corridors.

Summary

Katanaut arrives on Steam on September 10th as a formidable action roguelite that skillfully merges classic genre elements with modern, technical depth. Voidmaw LLC has crafted an experience defined by its challenging, souls-like combat, diverse build options, and a procedural level design that ensures endless replayability. The game’s unique pixel art style and immersive synthwave soundtrack combine to create a deeply atmospheric and visually striking world. For players who relish high-stakes combat and are ready to confront a cosmic nightmare, Katanaut promises a challenging and rewarding journey. The available demo offers a glimpse into this intense world, inviting players to test their mettle before the full launch. With its a commitment to quality and a passion for the genre, Katanaut is poised to make a significant impact on the indie gaming scene.