There is no perfect time to release a video game, but if I were deciding when to release it, do you know when I would? Next to the biggest hits of the year, at a time when everyone can no longer buy gifts, and on the same day as a substantial awards show, it distracts the attention of the industry media.
Ballionaire clearly shares my view. The pachinko-inspired roguelike game will debut on December 10.
“Inspired by Pachinko” may conjure up certain images, among them the recent roguelike Pachinko Peglin. Ballionaire takes a different tack, without the established goblin battle glare at the top of the screen. Instead, players are tasked with designing a bored pachinko by placing different types of pegs before the ball falls. The pegs contain axes that cut you in half so you can continue falling in multiple directions, and teleporters that take you back to the top of the board. The goal is to collect as much cash as possible, and gadgets lend a hand extend and multiply your physical journey.
Then there’s the roguelike wrapping around this really good fun: the game is about running, there are lots of different boards to beat, there are power-ups between boards, and so on. There’s also a sandbox mode if you just want free balls, and best of all, mod support that allows people to write their own pegs.
Brendy loved this demo when he played it at Next Fest in October. This demo is no longer available, but I can’t wait to try out the full game when I have the time.
