There are two things that I enjoy immensely: gaming and playing snooker. In fact, I often find myself playing billiard games because snooker is a lifelong passion of mine. I also enjoy seeing cool variations of billiard games. So when I saw that Rack and Slay was a pool game, but with roguelike elements incorporated, not only was I intrigued but my interest was also, most certainly, piqued. Does the combination of billiards with roguelike elements pull off a trick shot of epic proportions, or is the execution a total cloth-ripper? Read on to find out!

The Quest to Become the Ultimate Billiard Ball Slayer

Let’s get this out of the way – there is no story. But there doesn’t necessarily need to be for this type of game, for two reasons. First, adding a story might make it more complex than is necessary. Second, it is a sports game and sports games tend not to have stories – they just require you to compete. This is precisely what Rack and Slay does.

Rack and Slay puts you in full control of procedurally generated billiard balls on a procedurally generated billiard table using procedurally generated elements such as charms, health and obstacles. Before you even get to the table, however, you are also given a random selection of cards to choose from in order to build out your abilities.

These cards present you with several things, such as power-ups, or specific, conditional aspects such as casting a bomb in the opposite direction from that in which your ball has travelled but only if you connect with an enemy object ball. As you progress through each level, you pick up more cards along the way, meaning that the deeper you go into Rack and Slay, the more unique your loadout is. As such, the later levels are a beautiful mess of explosions, ricochets, and general mayhem as almost everything is blasted around the table in all directions!

The gameplay revolves around navigating these procedurally generated “dungeons”, as they are known, using the white ball to eliminate enemy balls within a limited number of shots. Enemies can be eliminated either by potting them into a pocket or by destroying them on an obstacle within the level. Such obstacles can be spikes, traps or even bombs among other things.

Each dungeon is filled with various obstacles, traps, and power-ups, making every run a totally unique experience. Some levels are ridiculously easy to complete, taking under a minute. Conversely, other levels are sometimes so difficult that they leave you picking up the broken shards of your monitor from the ground outside your house with a sense of regret rapidly engulfing your very being.

Despite its simple premise, Rack and Slay is significantly more complex than you might expect, offering a surprising amount of strategic depth. You’ll need to carefully plan your shots, considering factors like ball angles, ricochets, and enemy behaviours. Additionally, the game features a variety of modifiers that can significantly alter gameplay, such as balls that explode on impact.

There was, however, one glaring omission in the form of applying spin (UK) / English (US) to the white ball. If you don’t know what Spin/English is, it is what happens when you strike a white ball off-centre. If you hit the white ball in the centre, then it will travel in a straight line. Apply some spin/English, however, and this will alter the trajectory of the white ball. As such, you will see white the ball travel off to the side that you hit it on. Spin/English is a very useful tool when playing billiards because it affects every aspect of the shot, from the initial strike to the trajectory, through to the contact with the object ball(s), to the way it bounces off of the cushions/rails. I would love to see this feature added in as it would complete the otherwise excellent gameplay.

Unleash Your Inner Pool Shark

There is a plethora of mechanics at work in Rack and Slay, from things like dungeon exploration to ball control to strategic planning. There are also collectables to collect in-game, such as power-ups.

The fun doesn’t stop there, however.  Rack and Slay throws a plethora of modifiers and powerups your way, adding another layer of strategic depth.  Imagine a billiard table where the balls can teleport, shoot projectiles, or explode on contact.  That’s just a normal level in Rack and Slay!

This is what keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting, as you’ll constantly be encountering new challenges and experimenting with different tactics along the way.

As mentioned in the previous section, procedural generation plays a large role in Rack and Slay. Not only that, but procedural generation is a wonderful feature for this genre of game as it prevents tedium setting in.

Adorable Artistry

Rack and Slay is immediately charming, with adorable characters regardless of their nature! It boasts a charming and minimalist art style that complements the game’s unique blend of billiards and roguelikes. The graphics are clean and crisp, making it easy to distinguish between different elements on the screen. The use of bright colours, impressive card art, and simple shapes creates a visually appealing experience.

The sound design is equally impressive, with a catchy and upbeat soundtrack that sets the perfect mood. The sound effects are crisp and satisfying and fit perfectly within the genre.

Overall, Rack and Slay is a pleasure to both look and and to listen to.

Rerack, Anyone?

Rack and Slay‘s dungeons are designed to be completed in relatively short sessions, making it ideal for casual play. However, the randomised elements and endless replayability ensure that there’s always something new to discover. As I mentioned at the beginning of this review, I am passionate about cue sports (snooker in particular), and Rack and Slay is a game that I keep returning to time and time again.

Conclusion

Rack and Slay is a well-crafted indie game that offers a unique and thoroughly enjoyable experience. Not only is its blend of billiards and roguelike mechanics both innovative and satisfying, it works beautifully, making for a unique and fun experience. The absence of more in-depth ball mechanics such as spin/English is a shame, and I really hope that this is something that the developer will include because it will elevate Rack and Slay from being a great game to being an excellent game! If you’re looking for a unique, strategic and challenging game with a fresh twist, Rack and Slay is definitely worth checking out!


Pros

  • Blends billiards and roguelike mechanics for a fresh and innovative experience.
  • Procedurally-generated dungeons and modifiers make for a different experience every time.
  • Plenty of replay value.
  • The different enemy types are both creative and adorable.
  • Great soundtrack.
  • Simple controls and bite-sized gameplay make it easy to pick up and play.

Cons

  • No option to apply spin/English to the white ball.
  • Generated levels can sometimes be extremely difficult to complete.

Mus from PapaBear Gaming

By Mus (PapaBear Gaming)

Mus has been playing video games for more decades than he cares to admit. He likes writing about said video games and also tends to refer to himself in the third person.

You May Also Like

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Discover more from Cloud Gaming Catalogue

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading