February 8th 2024.
Foamstars is a new online shooter game from Square Enix that has been heavily inspired by the popular game Splatoon. However, while it shares some similarities with Splatoon, it does have its own unique charm. The game features character designs that are not quite as charming as those in Splatoon, but it still manages to stand out in its own way.
Despite being incredibly popular in Japan and considered one of the most original online shooters of the last decade, no other major studio has attempted to recreate the success of Splatoon. There could be a few reasons for this, such as the game's popularity not quite translating worldwide or the fact that there have been multiple sequels released since the original in 2015. However, in an industry dominated by realistic shooters, Foamstars' slick traversal and family-friendly design offer a refreshing change of pace.
But the countdown to a potential rival is over as Square Enix has released Foamstars. While the developer may be tired of the Splatoon comparisons, it's clear that this game would not exist without the influence of Splatoon. Foamstars aims for a similarly eccentric tone, but instead of using paint, players use streams of foam to shoot their opponents. And despite the similarities, Foamstars manages to differentiate itself enough to justify its existence.
Unlike Splatoon, which focuses on turf wars, Foamstars is primarily a straight-up deathmatch shooter. However, instead of "killing" your opponents, your goal is to "chill" them by turning them into a rolling ball of bubbles. This adds a unique twist to the traditional deathmatch formula. To secure a knockout, players can slide into their opponents on a surfboard, or they can save their teammates by crashing into them first.
Foamstars also encourages aggressive play, with its main multiplayer mode, Smash The Star, pitting 4v4 teams against each other in a fast-paced foam-shooting frenzy. As the match progresses, a star player is assigned to each team, and the first one taken out in a last scramble determines the overall winner.
The game's traversal mechanics are also reminiscent of Splatoon, where players can blast and slide for extra speed or to escape from risky situations. However, there isn't the same level of flexibility in the level design. While you can use foam to create wall blockades or towers for defensive strategies, the game is mostly focused on powering to the frontline and taking out opponents as efficiently as possible. It's chaotic fun, but it still feels like a traditional shooter dressed in a Splatoon jacket.
Despite this, there is some depth to be found in Foamstars. The ability to shoot foam vertically allows for more defensive strategies, such as creating wall blockades or elevated vantage points. Some of the most enjoyable matches were played on a completely flat map, where the bubbling chaos shaped the landscape and created new vantage points and obstacles.
Foamstars also features some fun and unique game modes, such as an Overwatch-style Payload mode where players dance on a rubber duck's head to make it move faster. There's also Happy Bath Survival, where teams are divided between two players inside an arena and two on the exterior, raining down support or obstacles for those below.
One of the game's strengths is its varied roster of eight playable characters, each with their own weapons and special abilities. For example, "pro gamer" Agito wields a shotgun-style foam blaster and can throw a shark to create a runway for teammates. Others have heavy-duty sprays to cover large areas or can charge up rolling balls of foam for long-distance attacks. However, the game does not allow duplicate characters on the same team, which feels unnecessarily restrictive in a party shooter.
Visually, Foamstars has the energy of a lost relic from the Sega Dreamcast, but its tone can be a bit overbearing at times. The game's upbeat and optimistic vibe can be exhausting, with its token disco music, anime-style dramatics, and constant use of puns. This is especially evident in the single-player missions designed to introduce each character, where players fight waves of "bubble beasties" while listening to conversations about defending power cores in Bath Vegas. The repetitive mission design and forced positivity may put off some players.
Despite its eagerness to please, Foamstars is hard to dislike. However, it's challenging to say whether it has any staying power. The game features the standard battle pass progression system, unlockable perks, and microtransactions for skins, but it's not as intrusive as other live service games. Overall, Foamstars feels like a B-tier online game with fun ideas, but it may struggle to stand out in a crowded market. However, it's a welcome alternative for those who don't have access to Splatoon. Currently, PlayStation Plus subscribers can download Foamstars for free until March 5th, 2024.
In conclusion, Foamstars is a fun and unique online shooter that stands out from the crowd with its use of foam instead of bullets. While it may not have the same charm as Splatoon, it still manages to differentiate itself enough to justify its existence. With a variety of game modes, characters, and traversal mechanics, Foamstars offers a refreshing change of pace in the world of realistic shooters. However, it may struggle to find a dedicated player base in the long run.
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