I think I have said in the past how sometimes, I put a review code request in based purely on nothing but the title of the game. Well, that is true with this one, Bang-On Balls: Chronicles from developer Exit Plan and publisher Untold Tales.

A quirky, absolutely content-packed, destructible open-world sandbox adventure with combat, platforming, character customization, and collect-a-thon scavenger hunt experience. Play solo, 2-player split screen, or online co-op for up to 4 players. No paid cosmetic DLC nonsense.

You play as Bob (the ball), who works at Bang-On Studios, a movie lot. This is the backdrop for all of the action. The game is split into multiple open-worlds, all based on a film genre/setting. Settings such as Vikings, pirates, a space race and more. The basic gameplay loop involves you exploring these worlds, carrying out a mission to then unleash one of the world’s bosses. Beat the boss, rinse and repeat.

On the surface, Bang-On Balls: Chronicles is very typical 3D-platforming fare. It is also a game that doesn’t hold your hand. You are given a job to do, let’s say destroy some boats and away you go. You can get a hint of the rough area where the boats are, but how to actually get to them is really up to you. The open-worlds here are very, very open and exploration is key. Play around with the scenery, smash the crap out of (pretty much) anything and force your way to your goal.

This is what makes Bang-On Balls: Chronicles a lot of fun to play, it is a very open game that you can play your own way. It never feels restrictive and having a good look around, exploring and experimenting with your surroundings keeps the gameplay feeling fresh. There’s no real purpose, no narrative to follow. This is just about having fun and it is a lot of fun too.

Controlling Bob is pretty simple and all the basics are covered. You can run… well roll around the place. Jump and double jump. Throw yourself into enemies and scenery to cause damage and such. Each of the worlds has the main missions to complete, but there are also a ton of collectables and so many secrets to find. Then there’s the customisation… there’s several truckloads of customisation. From various skins for Bob, clothing items, weapons and so much more. As the game likes to boast too, ‘no paid cosmetic DLC nonsense’. Nope, you get EVERYTHING for the cost of the game. Remember those days when you bought a game and got a whole game? Even so, the devs will be adding a whole new map completely free later.

With a price of around £21 and available now on everything, Bang-On Balls: Chronicles is well worth the coin. It doesn’t do anything ground-breaking, but it doesn’t need to. This is an utterly fantastic title with a great sense of humour and a lot of charm. A 3D-platformer that feels very old school and yet new at the same time. This is one of the best indie games I have played this year and it gets a massive recommendation from me. The only reason that this is a mini review and not a more in-depth one is that I’m trying to not waste time writing so I can get back to playing more Bang-On Balls: Chronicles. There’s so much more I could yak on about, such as the multiplayer which is awesome. Great fun with a friend for some tip-top co-op action. But I really, really want to get back to playing. Buy this game, it is awesome.