As one of the leading titles in cross-platform play, Rocket League takes arcade-like gameplay mechanics and team-based strategy to another level. Its exponential success can be attributed to Psyonix’s rich experience with various other games, including those of a similar nature. While Rocket League enjoyed continued growth and support over the years, the latest limited time mode, named “Knockout Bash,” is the first true game-changer for the battle royale genre and the title itself.
Through May 10, fans of the acclaimed vehicular soccer game can rev their virtual engines in a full-blown eight-player destruction derby. Instead of paving the path to victory with collaborative efforts, Knockout Bash’s free-for-all setting urges the players to eliminate all contenders by any means necessary. Although there are no goals or soccer balls present, Rocket League‘s signature gameplay remains more or less the same in Knockout Bash, further expanding on its well-known driving and soccer mechanics.
The newly introduced mode takes place in three creative arenas: Calavera, Carbon, and Quadron. Since they are designed with versus battles in mind, players will come across numerous obstacles and restrictions that can easily compromise their position and get them thrown out of the arena almost instantly. The mode’s unique KO system, three lives, solo queues, and short duration make it stand out from the remainder of battle royale games, which is also why Knockout Bash may appeal to those unsure of how they feel about the competitive or team-based aspects of the genre.
Surrounding the three arenas is a translucent dome called the Safezone. As the destruction derby progresses, the Safezone begins to shrink, gradually increasing the danger for participants who venture beyond its borders, accidentally or otherwise. Gallivanting outside the Safezone for more than 10 seconds yields instant knockout, with the only exception being when the match transforms into a Sudden KO tournament past the six-minute mark. Afterward, every offensive move is boosted to its maximum power, and the unfortunate contenders who find themselves on the other side of the Safezone are momentarily disqualified.
Hazards ramp up the challenges within each Knockout arena, as their careful placement ensures that any participant’s survival depends solely on their skill. With no power-ups available, touching Spikes surrounding the area or Laser Grids that lie below the platforms will result in a swift knockout. Though players can queue up with parties up to four, Knockout’s free-for-all mode will ultimately pit them against each other, making solo queues a more plausible choice for the duration of the event.
In terms of core gameplay mechanics, players are able to attack, block, and grab their opponents in Knockout Bash. However, a good offensive strategy does not boil down to slamming into the opponent at full speed and putting the pedal to the metal. While a timely dodge into the offender will undoubtedly send them flying, a backward dodge will help the players block an incoming attack. In a similar vein, grabbing is only made possible after a jump has been performed and before dodging an opponent.
Coupled with a set of primary controls that allow players to gain the upper hand once mastered, the mode also features several secondary mechanics. The availability of a triple jump and multi-dodge raises the stakes even further, the latter providing the players with an opportunity to evade up to four times after launching into the air. Furthermore, Knockout Bash increases the output of Rocket League‘s regular boost and jump mechanics while taking advantage of the stun debuff, which puts the players in an unfavorable position whenever they are blocked, attacked, grabbed or thrown.
Psyonix has prepared handsome rewards for those interested in having their perception of the battle royale genre redefined. Completing the available challenges will unlock Spring-themed items like the Florescence Wheels, Flutterby Decal, and Monarch Boost. On the other hand, doing them up to five times will earn the players Golden Gift Baskets, the contents of which include a mix of classic items from the Accelerator, Turbo, and Victory series. Seeing as Rocket League switched gears to a free-to-play model nearly a year ago, testing the waters of PvP arenas in Knockout Bash is probably the best and easiest way to get the hang of the popular free-for-all mode in online multiplayer.
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