This is Part 2 in a series of game reviews that focuses on games from Aussie studios to help support them and all the local talent.
Crash Club is an arcade demolition derby game where the goal is to score as many points as possible. to score points, you need to destroy objects in the environment and ‘wreck’ other players all while trying not to get wrecked yourself.
Prettygreat have done a pretty great (pun intended) job with this game. The competitive nature is very enjoyable and the mechanics are very accessible to gamers who may be worried about the learning curve.
So, let’s get into it!
Overview
Crash Club is a free-to-play mobile game with the occasional ad to help support the game. As an option, you can remove ads by buying the in-game Gem currency. There’s also a VIP subscription option for $8.49/month with its own special perks include a VIP name plate.
Once you load the game, you can pick from a set of starting cars and you can jump straight into your first match!
Story
As this is a competitive multiplayer game, there isn’t a story as such. Admittedly, it’s fascinating to see other player names, their cars and car mods. It’s hard not to imagine all of the back stories behind all those player-characters.
I should add: If you look closely enough at the in-game tips and hints, you’ll find some cheeky things floating around like this Aussie joke. (I would still eat chocolate if I was allergic to it).
Sound & Music
The music sits nicely int he background to fill out the overall game style. It’s playful and great accompaniment to the sound effects which act as the stars of the show.
Given that the game is all about crashing into things, destroying them and wrecking other players, the sound here is king. From the familiar cartoon-like sounds of picking up Gems and Tokens to the sounds of screeching tyres, breaking pots, crashed fences & rocket impacts, I must say the sounds just have so much audible impact.
Graphics
Without looking too cartoon-y but arcade-y enough to understand that you’re playing a game, the visuals strike a good balance.
The 3D graphics and the flat colours of the GUI also strike a nice balance. The bright colours make the game feel that much more playful and pairs so well with the sound design.
Gameplay
Like I said earlier, the learning curve for this game isn’t as steep as you’d expect. Give it a couple of rounds and you’ll soon find yourself strategising your next set of matches.
On the topic of controls, you can choose between swipe and buttons. Personally, I prefer the swipe controls as this leaves the non-steering thumb free to press the turbo button (yes, you can swipe up for turbo as well but to avoid accidental turbo, the button helps a lot).
One of the fascinating aspects of gameplay I found is the option to play in either portrait or landscape mode. I’m pretty sure—though I haven’t fully tested it out yet—that you can play this game one-handed if you use swipe controls + swipe up/down for turbo/brakes. One-handed games are lifesavers on public transport with limited space or standing room only. (FYI: I do a lot of gaming on the train or while waiting for a train so I do think about mobile games often from this view).
Overall
If you want a portable and straightforward (but challenging—in a good way) game with really playful aesthetics then you’ll find this game very enjoyable. It’ll be even more fun if you have a competitive streak like myself 😉
Crash Club is available on Android and iOS. Big shoutout to Prettygreat who you can check out on Twitter @heyprettygreat.
