Independent developers have helped lead a recent resurgence of unique sports games. The latest and one of the most promising is "Disc Jam." Created by a team of just two, "Disc Jam" is reminiscent of the '90s game "Windjammers" and has elicited natural comparisons to the recent smash hit "Rocket League."
Described as a combination of tennis and air hockey, "Disc Jam" is an online competitive game that can be played in singles or doubles form. It's simple enough to grasp quickly — despite a tutorial that is frustrating at a few points — but its fast pace will demand the growth of skills to succeed against higher-level competition.
This is in large part because of a central gameplay fundamental that the faster the disc is returned the more power the throw will have. That forces quick decisions, which initially may mean just getting rid of the disc and hoping for the opponent to make a mistake, but eventually results in play where that differentiation in ability will most be apparent.
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Besides just making straight throws or deflections off the walls, there are special tactics to be utilized. Opportunities can arise to reach a spot before the disc gets there and charge up for a Super Throw, which is much more difficult for an opponent to stop. Each player has a shield that can be used to block a throw at center court or bounce it into the air to create a Super Throw. Curve can be put onto throws to varying degrees and walls used in creative ways.
Ultimately the selling point of "Disc Jam" is that it's incredibly fun and rewarding to play. The difference in dynamics of playing singles compared with doubles, where teamwork is a factor (passes can be made and court responsibility is shared), enhances the overall value of the game.
The biggest issue right now is with the matchmaking, where singles games can take a while to start and doubles may never start. There was a patch released to try to alleviate the problems, but unfortunately hasn't seemed to do much good. "Rocket League" also struggled at the outset with its servers, so hopefully "Disc Jam" makes a turnaround much like that game did.
There are four characters to select from that have their own personal strengths and weaknesses related to speed, throw power, spin and sliding capabilities. There are also a number of unlockables to be earned that are all cosmetic in nature — such as outfits, celebrations and disc designs — and don't provide any gameplay advantages.
Depth and its influence on longevity are the biggest concerns beyond the matchmaking for "Disc Jam." There's enough there for a game with a reasonably low price, but maybe not for something that will still be actively played months from now. The developers are promising new maps, characters and modes for the months ahead, and that'll be key to keeping interest alive. Stats are being tracked, but not displayed yet. That, along with ranked leaderboards, is also on the way.
"Disc Jam" has the right formula to become the next big breakout indie game and possibly even succeed as an eSport. The matchmaking will need to improve and new content delivered regularly to prevent it from becoming just a passing fad, but with a high fun factor and strategic nature, despite simplicity and accessibility, "Disc Jam" delivers.
Disc Jam was reviewed on PlayStation 4 and is also available on PC through Steam. The game is currently free to PS Plus subscribers for those who download it in March and 33% off for PC from it's standard $15 price.
Bryan Wiedey posts sports gaming news and analysis daily at Pastapadre.com, is co-founder of the sports gaming site HitThePass.com, hosts the "Press Row Podcast" and be reached on Twitter @Pastapadre.