Baseball Riot is a physics based puzzle game that which the sequel to Tennis in the Face, also developed by 10tons. However, instead of Tennis, it’s time to jump into Americas beloved sport; Baseball. This time around we are helping Gabe Carpaccio take vengeance on corrupt energy drink manufacturer Explodz Inc. and his former baseball team as their hunger grows for Electrolitz!.
The game looks identical to Tennis in the Face, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it’s essentially just a re-skin with some minor changes to the gameplay. The objective is the same; hit the ball of various angles in the hope of collecting stars and knocking out rival players. The only thing that is noticeably different is the plot, if you can call it a plot.
You will hit numerous balls during each level of various surfaces and enemies. You will also have three shots to take out your rivals, which is more important than collecting the stars, but ideally you can to get everything from each level. Your angles are crucial in pulling it off and winning the game, with the additional help from time to time from explosives.
The physics in my opinion aren’t great, it’s hard most of the time knowing where the ball is going to end up. It’s pretty much a trial and error experience and becomes a frustrating one at that. The more I write of this review, the more I realise how identical the title is with Tennis in the Face, the inclusion of stars is the real main difference however, but they might as well be extra enemies as it’s essentially the same concept. The gameplay is simple and its presentation follows and considering its £3.99, it’s not breaking the bank. If you own Tennis in the Face then you’re pretty much paying for a new skin, so you should know exactly what you’re buying.
The game is addictive however and it’s great pulling of some ridiculous shots, but I am on the fence of recommending it as a title that is worth following up after Tennis in the Face. It’s still as enjoyable, but it would of been nice to see more features, perhaps a co-op mode in the future? The PS4 version is the same and honestly works better with the PS Vita. It is Cross-Buy, so you do get the PS4 version also with the PS Vita and vice versa, which is a plus, but the PS Vita version is far superior in my opinion. I recommend the title if you are looking for a cheap puzzler that you can play in short bursts and on the go.