Disc Jam Review

From the Past: This article was imported from one of my past blog sites and was written in 2017.

Every month, PlayStation Plus releases a new batch of free games to its subscribers, covering all 3 of its consoles (PS4, PS3 and the PS VITA). Admittedly, not every month is a sure-fire hit for compelling games, but every so often, there comes a game that absorbs our time, whether that be through an interesting premise, fascinating art style or some downright addictive gameplay. The last 2 games to pull me into their tight grips were Furi and, of course, Rocket League. However, with the release of Disc Jam this month, I’m delighted to announce I’ve been reliving a very similar phenomenon.

So what is it about Disc Jam that’s pulled me in? I hear you ask. Well, Disc Jam is a game focused on fun and simple competitive gaming. The kind of game that aims to rekindle that love of pure arcade fun, and it does so through a fast-paced, virtual sport best described as Air Hockey meets Tennis.

4 unique characters, 3 options of super moves and a simple aim of getting the disc to reach the back of your opponents' court to score points. To win, you need to reach 50+ in 2 of the 3 sets. Where each return of the disc adds one possible point to score, the longer the rally, the higher the reward of points. This can result in some incredibly tense scenarios, reaching a 20+ rally and both sides giving it their all, is one of the most rewarding and suspense-filled moments I’ve had in gaming this year.

It’s worth mentioning that no character is superior; they all act the same with no special skills, they all slide, throw and block the same, to avoid an arena of that one OP character. Besides the choices of 1v1 and 2v2, the game has a prize machine, which will award random items such as taunts, skins, emblems, and so forth, helping you to assemble a chosen online character as you see fit. No micro transactions exist, so all these items are awarded through competing and earning points. Points are earned whether you win or lose, but the more difficult your opponent and if you win will decide your point pay out.

Whilst the game has a simple premise of getting the disc across the back line of the court, there are various ways to achieve this. Whilst the game is undoubtedly pick up and play friendly, there’s some depth to the game that will separate the more advanced players who learn the skills. For instance, the faster you return the disc, the faster it can be shot back across the net. Throw in the opportunity to throw out curve shots and skirting bounces into the mix, and games can really start to come alive. matching against an opponent who can utilise the skills above, with unpredictable throws and shield deflecting, can make for some fierce matches and close games. Despite the potential of having some mastery of the game, it’s still immensely enjoyable cooperatively, both couch play and online, leading to some fun battles and angered housemates.

Finding a game is necessarily fast too, with an average online match finding time varying between 10-20 seconds in both 1v1 and 2v2, meaning you won’t be stuck staring at the same screen for too long. Plus, with the game's addictive nature, once you’ve found an opponent online, and if you’re willing to rematch (which almost everyone is), you’ll get at least 3-5 games out of each player with seconds between your games.

If you’re looking for the level of depth emulated by top-tier fighting games, or the sometimes pinpoint precision of high-level Rocket League, Disc Jam won’t supply you there. It isn’t designed to be a heavy, in-depth sport; it’s pure arcade gaming, and whilst there’s certainly a gameplay style to master here, it isn’t one flooded in complex style variations and intricacies. There is not much else on offer; you get the Disc Jam classic and that’s it, outside of some free play and training. However, there is the promise of new maps, characters, and game modes to be added soon, so expansions are on their way.

While Disc Jam isn’t the richest in terms of gameplay options, what it does, it does incredibly well. It feels like you're playing Pong on steroids in the best possible way, as you'll constantly find yourself asking for ‘just one more game.’

7/10