If you ever wanted to see the most irrationally angry version of me, tune in next time I play Rocket League. Specifically, watch me play Dropshot mode. For those that haven’t experienced the virtual pseudo-sport sensation sweeping the nation, allow me to explain. Rocket League was originally soccer, but with rocket-propelled race cars in place of players. Here’s a gif, because words simply cannot do it justice:
It’s pretty crazy, right? It’s pretty simple to pick up, but takes a lot of practice to master. Eventually, developer Psyonix would release a mode with items, as well as hockey and basketball options (the latter being one of the more impossible challenges I’ve experienced in games). But last month, they really outdid themselves. They released “Dropshot”, a mode similar to volleyball. Here’s a description from the mode’s webpage:
Instead of pushing the ball into your opponent’s goal, your objective is to destroy panels on the opposing team’s floor, and score goals through those gaps … Each panel can be hit by a ball twice — the first hit activates the panel, while the second breaks the panel, creating a new scoring opportunity.
Again, a gif will act as my visual aid:
Now look how crazy that is! Any player new to Rocket League will tell you aiming the ball is difficult. This, of course, is coming from a player attempting to hit the ball on a two dimensional plane. Adding in the need to effectively rocket boost through the air creates a new layer of difficulty only the best players can master.
That being said, it’s an outstanding addition to the base game. And I’m not just saying that because this DLC is free. Unlike Rumble (regular mode with items), Basketball and Hockey, this mode actually feels significantly different from the original Soccer mode. It makes you use the skills you’ve learned previously in a new, exciting and challenging way. Even losing – while making me want to tear my hair out – is a fun endeavor because it’s so unlike anything else.
Rocket League is a great game in general, and with the addition of this new mode, there are plenty of ways to play it. Psyonix is an outstanding developer who has found a way to offer a low price on a great product, and monetized through aesthetic add-ons. Free DLC means their whole community gets to experience it. This – and the fact that it isn’t “pay-to-win” – means the player base is non-fragmented. And that’s one of many reasons why this game is such a stand-out hit. Plus, who doesn’t like the idea of soccer with rocket-propelled cars?
